FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas coaches are continuing to leave a strong impression on recruits nationwide following this week’s individual positional camps.
One prospect gaining momentum is offensive lineman Ben Hale out of Nashville, Tennessee. Hale plays for Christ Presbyterian Academy and has begun drawing attention for his size and versatility.
Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 305 pounds, Hale is capable of playing multiple positions along the offensive line. As a sophomore in 2024, he recorded over 60 pancake blocks and impressively allowed zero sacks or tackles for loss.
While Hale currently holds offers from Middle Tennessee State and UNLV, interest is growing. Louisville has shown signs of recruiting attention, and he has participated in camps at Georgia Tech, Indiana, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt, Ole Miss, and Appalachian State during the offseason.
One notable connection between Ben Hale and the Arkansas Razorbacks program is his offseason trainer, James Stone — a former NFL center who played under Razorbacks head coach Sam Pittman when Pittman was Tennessee’s offensive line coach in 2012.
“I grew up an Arkansas fan for as long as I can remember,” Hale said. “I’ve gotten to learn a lot more about the program since my last visit this spring and after camping with them last Wednesday. Coach Pittman is a coach that you can’t compare with anyone else.”
Hale spoke highly of Stone’s influence and Pittman’s coaching reputation: “My offseason offensive line coach, James Stone, played under Coach Pittman at Tennessee. He’s been very successful at Arkansas over the past five years, and I’m really excited to see what he does this year.”
Hale also praised Pittman and Arkansas offensive line coach Eric Mateos, calling them two of the best in the business when it comes to developing talent in the trenches. The duo, who previously worked together from 2013 to 2015, have reunited in Fayetteville, bringing renewed energy and experience to the Razorbacks’ front line.
Arkansas showed progress late last season, especially in the final stretch and the Liberty Bowl against Texas Tech, surrendering only five sacks over the last three games.
As his relationship with the staff continues to grow, Hale says he’s especially drawn to the toughness and edge Arkansas instills in its offensive linemen — a mentality he hopes to be part of.
Ben Hale’s connection to the Arkansas program continues to grow stronger following multiple visits and camp experiences in Fayetteville.
“Since my last visit on April 12 during spring practice and camp last Wednesday, Coach Mateos is one of the best O-line coaches I’ve gotten to work with at a camp,” Hale said. “He wants everything you’ve got for as long as camp or practice lasts. He wants his guys to be nasty and mean on the line of scrimmage. My relationship with Coach Mateos has grown quite a bit since this spring.”
In addition to the coaching staff, Arkansas’ elite facilities also made a lasting impression on Hale during his visit.
“The facilities at Arkansas aren’t like any other,” he said. “The amount of effort and time they put into their facilities is unmatched by any other SEC program. What impressed me the most is their gameday locker room. It’s just ridiculous how nice it is, and how much they care about their football team.”
When it comes to his recruitment, Hale says Arkansas sits firmly at the top of his list. He values both the program’s culture and the relationships he’s building with the staff.
The Razorbacks have already begun laying the foundation for their 2027 recruiting class, which includes an early commitment from Sheridan offensive lineman Bradley Sturdivant, who pledged in January. Arkansas has cast a wide net, offering scholarships to nearly 200 prospects across the country, while hosting many for unofficial visits during the winter and spring.
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