[Tuck4Bama]

Because more teams are going to the Spread offense and putting more emphasis on the passing game, more and more college recruiters are searching for a “lockdown cornerback” on defense.

The man-to-man coverage skills of Chris Houston, a secondround draft pick of the Atlanta Falcons, allowed Arkansas defensive coordinator Reggie Herring to be more aggressive with his defensive calls last season. Having cornerbacks with such skills allows the front seven to attack more, and safeties can support the run and blitz more frequently.

Arkansas coaches already has oral commitments from two high school cornerbacks — Junior Okpara, 6-1, 175 pounds, 4. 48 seconds in the 40-yard dash, of Sugarland (Texas ) Dulles and Marcal Robinson, 6-0, 168, 4. 45, of Prichard (Ala. ) Vigor — who they believe have the skills to play Herring’s bump-and-run coverage. They hope to add a third cornerback to the 2008 class.

Okpara has been limited this year after having surgery on his middle finger but is expected to play next week for the first time in four weeks.
Robinson’s ability to play bump-and-run coverage was part of the reason Vigor was ranked sixth in Alabama before losing to Citronelle 26-22 last Friday.

THE RECRUITING GUY : UA eyes corners who lock down