NORMAN — National Signing Day may still be almost a year away, but Donovan Roberts made a life-changing decision Wednesday night.
The Norman High running back, still just a junior, decided he’d be taking his talents to Fayetteville.
Roberts committed to Arkansas Wednesday, a school known for producing great running backs like current Dallas Cowboy Felix Jones and current Oakland Raider Darren McFadden. Roberts said he liked the location, the team and has a good relationship with coach Bobby Petrino.
“He’s been there for five years, and all he’s done is produce, produce, produce,” Roberts said. “He’s really helped push kids to reach their potential. That’s what I want to do, and that was really the best fit for me.”
The Tiger star burst onto the scene as a freshman, then solidified himself as one of the state’s top players to watch as a sophomore when he ran for more than 1,000 yards.
Last fall, he became one of the most talked-about prospects in the state, rushing for 2,002 yards and 32 touchdowns.
“It feels real good,” Roberts said soon after making his decision. “I had a good idea of where I wanted to go. It feels like a home away from home.”
Along with Arkansas, Roberts was offered scholarships by Indiana, Tulsa, Arizona, Iowa State, Michigan and Pittsburgh.
Roberts was looked at pretty heavily by the hometown team, too.
Former Oklahoma offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson was very interested, Roberts said, but ultimately, the Sooners went another direction, as did Roberts.
“Coach Wilson was the main reason why I was getting looks at OU,” Roberts said. “He was a big part of the recruiting process. After he left (to become head coach at Indiana), the rest of the coaching staff, we kept in touch. They wanted one kid from our class and they just went a different direction with it.”
Arkansas is where Roberts wants to play, though.
He’s happy.
“It’s mostly the feel,” Roberts said. “If Arkansas was in the Big 12 or the Big 10, it wouldn’t matter. I just felt like it was the right fit and where I belong.”
Jeff Johncox 366-3535 jjohncox@normantranscript.com
