Nash, Soli commit to Hogs on big recruiting weekend

Chad Morris had a big weekend recruiting with two key commitments from defensive end Matai Soli shortly after wide receiver Shamar Nash flipping from Missouri to Arkansas.

Soli, from Douglasville, Georgia, chose the Razorbacks over Florida and Auburn, the other two finalists. His offer list included Alabama, Clemson, Florida State, Oregon and more than 40 others.

Soli is the son of former Razorback defensive lineman Junior Soli, who had a standout career for the Hogs in the mid-1990s before he was drafted in the fifth round of the 1996 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers with the No. 155 pick.

“It’s the best fit for me,” Soli told Richard Davenport of WholeHogSports.com. “I love Coach Morris and I love the staff. They have big things planned for Arkansas. I had a great time on the official visit.”

Soli is rated a three-star by the 247Sports Composite Rankings. Soli’s chief recruiters were defensive line coach John Scott and defensive ends coach Steve Caldwell, who visited Douglasville High during the spring evaluation period.

Arkansas is also in the mix for other defensive line targets, according to multiple reports:

• Four-star defensive end Collin Clay of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Putnam City
• Pulaski Robinson four-star defensive end Zach Williams
• Pearland, Texas, defensive end Gilbert Ibeneme
• Lufkin, Texas, defensive tackle Carl Williams
• Mansfield, Texas, Legacy defensive tackle Enoch Jackson
• Warren defensive tackle Marcus Miller

The Hogs now have five commitments in Soli, Sardis (Miss.) North Panola quarterback KJ Jefferson, Trussville (Ala.) Hewitt-Trussville offensive lineman Joseph Stone, Tyler (Texas) Lee offensive lineman Beaux Limmer, and Rison (Ark.) defensive back Malik Chavis.

Nash, from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, committed during an official visit Saturday.

“It’s the coaches and the players, the atmosphere and the city,” Nash told Dudley Dawson of WholeHogSports.com on Saturday. “I love the vibe and the entire thing it is about. It is all about football. It is all about Arkansas football.”

Nash is rated a 4-star recruit on the 247Sports.com composite ranking.

Arkansas now has six commitments and has moved up to No. 45 in the county in the 247Sports.com composite rankings of all teams.