Exclusive with Arkansas’ No. 1 Recruit Indicates Bobby Petrino’s Reputation Doesn’t Necessarily Precede Him

If an interview with Courtney Crutchfield is any indication, Bobby Petrino has his work cut out for him getting recruits up to speed.

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Over the last decade or so, highlights from his relatively glorious four-year run as the Hogs’ head coach have racked up millions of views on YouTube.

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Older Razorback fans fondly reminisce about a golden-tinted era, while providing much younger fans an education in the high point of Arkansas’ 31-year stint in the SEC so far.

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All that re-living is, no doubt, why Petrino was treated practically like a god by adoring masses at the Duke-Arkansas basketball game in his first public appearance since being brought back to Arkansas as the offensive coordinator.

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Chants of “Bobby, Bobby, Bobby” rang through the crowd of nearly 20,400. College students who barely entered elementary school the last time he coached in Fayetteville painted his name across their chests.

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Two days later, Petrino showed up at Pine Bluff High School on a recruiting trip alongside head coach Sam Pittman to see four-star recruit Courtney Crutchfield.

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They were visiting the state’s top football recruit according to 247Sports in hopes of swaying him back to Arkansas after he de-committed from the Hogs in early November.

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For many Arkansas football fans, it’s easy to assume that Petrino’s swagger and impressive past with the power spread offense will translate to success in recruiting.

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