Branson Hickman:It’s Not A Good Bye But See Ya Again…
It’s no secret that Arkansas is still looking for more help on the offensive line, and the Razorbacks hosted one of their most wanted transfers over the weekend in SMU center Branson Hickman.
The 6-3, 296-pound senior arrived at approximately 6 p.m. Friday and stayed through the Hogs’ third spring practice on Sunday afternoon.
Hickman, who owns 33 career starts and has a year of eligibility remaining, was hosted by new transfer addition Fernando Carmona and spent most of his time with head coach Sam Pittman and offensive line coach Eric Mateos.
“It has been good,” Hickman said. “I like Coach Mateos’ and Coach Pittman’s plan for me. We talked a lot and I like what they have planned for me.
Obviously I had high expectations for the visit and kinda exceeded it. So I’ve enjoyed it a lot.
“Sitting down with Coach Pitt (was a highlight). Also, they had some Junior Day presentation (VIP) yesterday and I talked to him after. He just mapped out my plan. That’s really what I’m here for.
The visits and stuff are cool, but at the end of the day it’s a business decision.”
Arkansas and TCU are known contenders for Hickman’s business as the Horned Frogs will get their chance to host the McKinney (Texas) native on March 22, but there are other teams involved, as well.
“TCU is one of the others,” Hickman said. “I’m kind of waiting to announce the others until just before the visit out of respect for them and their players. There’s some ACC and other SEC schools.”
Pittman, who has stated on multiple occasions that his team still needs a potential starting center, gave Hickman reasons why Arkansas and the SEC would be the best fit.