Barford talks commitment
Mike Anderson's staff landed one of the top junior college players in the nation for the Class of 2016 on Tuesday when Jaylen Barford of Motlow State C.C. in Lynchburg (Tenn.) announced his decision.
Barford, 6-4, 200, chose the Razorbacks over other offers from Memphis, Louisville, Missouri, Alabama, Auburn and more. He took an official visit in Fayetteville over the weekend and didn't need long to make up his mind.
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"I chose them because of the fans, the coaching staff, the team and I liked the environment up there," Barford said. "I felt at home up there.
"I came to the decision when I left the football game. I just figured out that's the place I needed to go."
Barford is Arkansas' second verbal pledge for the Class of 2016, joining another JUCO guard in Daryl Macon. Barford said the Hogs will ask a lot of him, and that's something he's more than comfortable with.
"I bring whatever Coach Anderson needs me to do. He wants me to play point guard, but more importantly he wants me to bring wins and leadership."
Barford said his family definitely approved of his decision to help the Hogs restore their program.
"They loved it," he said. "They love Coach Anderson a lot."
Last year, Barford averaged 20.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 2.4 steals per game.