Of all the players whom spoken to about this week’s events that occurred at Arkansas, Manvel (TX) defensive end Taiwan Johnson, who is an incoming freshman to the Razorback program may have been effected the most.
And that could be because not only did he lose the coach whom he had previously committed to, but a current and possible future teammate decided to reconsider his recruitment due to the unfortunate news.
“I don’t know what’s going on. It seems like things are getting crazier by the second,” Johnson said. “I can’t believe I lost my head coach before I even got there and then (2013 Manvel wide receiver) Austin Bennett decommitted. I guess I’ll just have to wait and see what happens from here.”
Johnson’s feelings are likely what many Arkansas fans feel, especially since expectations were high after two back-to-back solid seasons. The 6-foot-3, 238-pound Johnson was a major factor in the team’s state finals run recording 86 tackles and 11 sacks.
He looks to continue that same level of success in Fayetteville as well. Of course he was looking for all the components to be in place for when he arrived.
“He (Petrino) was a big reason why I came to Arkansas, but I still committed to the school,” Johnson said. “As far I knew he was a good guy. I’m still somewhat shocked.”
From the sound in Johnson’s voice on Tuesday, it was the tone of someone concerned about what the next step will be. But he is still optimistic.
“I’d like to see who will be the next coach. And hopefully, we can get Austin (Bennett) back too,” Johnson said. “That way we can get back to business and get some W’s.”