Hog Call a hit with Michigan DL

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• By Richard Davenport
• 6:00AM on November 6th, 2009

While defensive lineman Tremondae Branch hails from Flint, Mich., his visit to Arkansas last weekend for the Eastern Michigan game made him feel right at home.

“It felt like a family atmosphere,” Branch said. “The people at Arkansas are so welcoming and that made you feel like a part of the team. I knew the coaches were like that but the people there are like that too. That makes you want to be around something like that especially when you have the family environment. Being at the stadium and being around those guys, it was one of those feelings you don’t get very often. It was amazing.”

Branch, 6-1, 277, 5.0, of Carman-Ainsworth high school recorded 72 tackles, 22 tackles for loss and 7 sacks as a junior. The visit was Branch’s second to Fayetteville, with the first being for senior camp in July.

“The coaches made me feel real good especially (defensive tackle) Coach (Bobby) Allen,” Branch said. “He told me I was a priority for him He’s been watching my film and he’s going to get in contact with me this week. I’m really feeling Arkansas.”

Arkansas’ defense got Branch’s attention.

“They never stop moving,” Branch said. “The linebackers are the leaders on the field. The D-tackles make it easier for them but linebackers are the leaders. I like having the linebackers behind me because if I can’t make the play, they can make the play.”

Branch’s father has been in contact with linebacker coach Reggie Johnson but was impressed with the other members of the Arkansas coaching staff.

“He really liked it,” Branch said. “He has a good relationship with Coach Johnson and with him getting to meet the other coaches it makes him feel better about Arkansas every time. Every time he talks to them he’ll say this might be the place and could be your calling. I think if I get an offer, this might be the place I would go but I’m just taking it one day at a time.”

Arkansas’ famous Hog Call was a hit with Branch.

“I never heard it before,” Branch said. “The games in our area you just have fight song but down there they have the Hog Call.”