Iowa OG Jake Heinrich talks commitment to the Arkansas Razorbacks

Written by Ryan Wright

What became public on the 4th of July was the Razorbacks landing prized Iowa Class of 2016 recruit Jake Heinrich. What many did not know is the Urbandale High School star had already committed to the Hogs a few days prior.

Arkansas had a fight on their hands pulling Heinrich away from nearby Iowa State and late comer Oregon (June 16). Other schools that had entered the recruiting process included Cal, Duke, Eastern Michigan, Illinois, Florida Atlantic, Kansas State, and Louisville.

The 6’4”, 285 pound, lineman fits the mold the Arkansas staff has sought to bring on campus in previous recruiting classes. Heinrich finishes plays, plays with an attitude, and takes his craft seriously.

In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview I caught up with Jake to get the inside scoop on his commitment to the Arkansas Razorbacks.

 

Jake, I know you had a tough decision leading up to your commitment choosing between Iowa State, Oregon, and Arkansas. What influenced you to commit the Razorbacks in the end?

“Arkansas really set itself apart due to the fan base. That’s just the first thing that comes to mind. That was obviously a factor. I had a lot of people that reach out to me and say they would support me either way and of course they were very happy for me when I committed to Arkansas.

“During my visit (June 6) the coaches told me that DWR (Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium) will be going to 90,000 here soon. I’m sure it will be full. I’m sure it will be an awesome game day environment. I’m looking to get my official visit schedule and catch a game. I’m looking forward to that.

“The coaching staff as a whole, between Coach (Bret) Bielema (head coach) and Coach (Sam) Pittman (offensive line coach) – Coach Pittman has proven time and time again that he can develop offensive linemen. He can take them to the next level and he can turn people into beasts. I’m looking forward to that. I’m looking forward to working with Coach (Ben) Herbert (head strength and conditioning coach) as well. He’s shown that he knows his stuff. I’m really looking forward to working with him. I’m looking forward to sitting down with him and having a great talk during my visit. I think I will develop very well as an athlete at Arkansas.”

How did the commitment take place?

“I actually committed to Coach Pittman and Coach Bielema on Tuesday night. Then I had my announcement typed up yesterday morning and sent it out at noon yesterday. It was kind of a funny story.”

When you made the announcement live on Twitter you were going through a drive-thru getting some food right?

“Yes.”

I have to ask, what restaurant did you order from and what did you get?

“I was getting a double bacon and cheeseburger with one of my friends at B-Bops after we had carried signs through a parade in the morning.”

Back to the actual commitment, who did you commit to? Did you commit to Coach Pittman first?

“I talked to Coach Pittman at first and then Coach Bielema a few minutes later.”

What was the reaction of the coaches when you committed?

“They were very excited. They accepted the offer because they wanted me. I had nothing but a great time during my visit and they made me feel like one of their top priorities, not just as an interior lineman but as an overall recruit as whole. I felt special from the beginning. I’ve been treated well by every single member of the Arkansas staff. I figured why wait. Every visit I had was great. Every interaction with other coaches from other schools was great and always a good time. But my mind kept going back to Arkansas. I figured why wait and I could not be happier with my decision.”

How did you feel at that moment when you verbally committed?

“It felt good. The butterflies – nothing too dramatic or especially emotional. It was a good feeling. It is great to know that my hard work is paying dividends. Obviously I’m still not done. I’m about to hit the gym here in a few. I’m looking to improve. I compete all year round in three sports but it’s just a great feeling to know I’ll be able to play under those great guys, I’ll be able to play in the SEC West, and in front of great fans against great competition. It’ll be a lot of fun.”

Do you still plan to take your five official visits during your senior season?

“I do not. At this point I am looking to get my official visit lined up at Arkansas. I’m hoping to coordinate with some other current recruits as well as some other potential commits. We’ll get that squared away and that will be it for me in the recruiting process.”

You mentioned being recruited as an interior lineman previously. What position are they recruiting you to play exactly?

“At this point they are recruiting me as an interior offensive line. I’m hoping to play both guard positions and snap.”

Are you going to start recruiting other players to join you at Arkansas?

“I have not begun that yet but I am definitely looking to reach out to some players and help get as many guys on board as possible.”

Do you have any players in mind that you want to pitch on Arkansas?

“Not at this point, I don’t have anybody in mind. I will definitely be getting in touch with the coaches soon to see if they have any top priorities. I feel like I’m an articulate guy somewhat so hopefully I can persuade people, that’s the goal. I want to make this class as strong as possible. I think Arkansas is 10th in the SEC recruiting rankings. I want to try to push us as high as possible. No. 1 is the goal. I’ll do what I can to surround myself with top guys and make the future Razorback team as successful as possible.”

Photo credit: scout.com; No. 75 Jake Heinrich.