Brock Haman (right) shares a laugh with CDO running back Ka'Deem Carey at a press conference before the 2010 Class 4A-1 state title game. Scottsdale Saguaro won 41-34. Photo by Deirdre Hamill/The Arizona Republic
Arkansas linebacker Brock Haman, a graduate of Scottsdale Saguaro High School, received his release from the Razorbacks this week and appears to be focusing on in-state options.
“That would be my preference as a parent,” Brock’s dad, Doug Haman, told TucsonCitizen.com on Thursday.
Brock, a redshirt freshman who is finishing the semester at Arkansas, has already talked to Arizona State coaches, Doug said.
Former Saguaro coach John Sanders is the Sun Devils’ new coordinator of football operations.
“One advantage of going to the U of A is his brother (Blake) is going there next year,” Doug said. “One advantage that ASU has is his former coach is there and just the familiarity. A lot of his former teammates are there as well.”
The ASU roster lists six Saguaro alums.
Haman had scholarship offers from Arizona and ASU before his senior year, but both coaching staffs have changed since then. Rivals.com rated Haman as the 13th-best player in the state in 2010, when he played tight end and linebacker in an injury-shortened season.
Haman had Arizona, ASU and Oregon State listed among his finalists before picking Arkansas out of high school. He is certainly familiar with the UA campus, having previously taken an official recruiting visit and other unofficial trips.
“I told Brock, ‘Take your time and get to know the coaching staffs from both places,’” Doug said. “From when he was going into college, it’s entirely different.”
Brock (6-3, 230) redshirted at Arkansas last season after undergoing foot surgery in the preseason. He was listed fourth-string heading into spring drills.
Doug said the family is pursuing the possibility of Brock being eligible to play in 2012 because of the coaching circumstances. Arkansas last week dismissed head coach Bobby Petrino, who admitted to being involved in an “inappropriate relationship” with a recently-hired university employee.
Doug said his son isn’t in a rush to make a decision but is planning to attend summer school at his new university.