INTERVIEW: 2024 OL Kobe Branham updates recruitment, Hog Wild Hangout experience

Three-star offensive lineman Kobe Branham was in town on Saturday for the Hog Wild Hangout in Fayetteville. These recruiting weekends leading up to the start of fall camp have become very popular around the country. Nearly every school brings in their whole committed prospects along with several that are uncommitted or committed elsewhere.

Being able to experience others joy in commitments like Marcus Wimberly of Bauxite gets players pumped up for the future of the program. Being able to sit down and chat with your position coaches and even your future head coach is great for relationship and bonding.

All these things are sung about amongst recruits reflecting on the family atmosphere of the football department. Folks love Sam Pittman and he is genuinely intentional in recruiting and coaching his players.

The Hangout

“Pittman is great, fun to be around,” Branham said. “He’ll make you laugh and always knows what he’s talking about.”

Being coachable and always willing to learn is an important quality to have in any part of professionalism. Branham certainly has that and is always happy to be coached up.

“[Cody] Kennedy is a nerd when it comes to the OL. We sat down watched film and taught blocking concepts,” said Branham.

The Fort Smith, (Ark.) native said that there were three commitments made during the hangout. However, only one announcement has been made public in 2025 safety Marcus Wimberly from Bauxite.

Recruitment Update

Being an instate prospect a lot of prospects like the idea of staying home and playing for the Razorback. With him being a Fort Smith kid and being literally 35 minutes from his house it made sense for Branham to stay home.

“Proximity to home was key, facilities are great.. coaching staff are great people and know what they’re talking about,” Branham said.

Impressed by the Head Hog and Kennedy

Arkansas has always produced quality offensive line talent and that’s no different with this season. The Hogs have two linemen that are considered NFL Draft prospects in 2024. That’s certainly intriguing to any offensive line recruit and especially to Branham.

The 6’5 320 pound OL is certainly ready to be molded the way Beaux Limmer and Brady Latham have been by Pittman and Kennedy. He is rated as the 797th overall player in the country, 53rd best inside OL in the cycle and 9th best prospect in the Natural State.

Branham has the desire to play and be developed throughout his career. He feels like he made the right choice as an offensive lineman to get better and be coached up to his potential.

“Offensive line wise they have two that are draftable,” Branham said. “I feel like i come in as a freshman and get to play whether it be on special teams at first… I think i’ll have as good a shot as anyone to be drafted once my career is over.”