Arkansas State underwent a coaching change after the 2010 season, but there's still some semblance of stability in the program. Offensive coordinator Hugh Freeze was elevated to the head coach position, after engineering a Red Wolves attack that set nine school records for offense in a single season.

In compiling his first recruiting class in a relatively short period of time compared to his cohorts, Freeze went for size and experience.

Among 23 total signees, the Red Wolves inked six offensive linemen and 10 junior-college transfers, no doubt hoping those from the latter category can help right away.

Not bad, considering that ASU had just two verbal commitments when Freeze was hired on Dec. 2 to replace Steve Roberts, who resigned as head coach following his second consecutive 4-8 season.

"Everybody pitched in and really gave extra above and beyond," Freeze told the Joneboro (Ark.) Sun on Feb. 1. "Being shorthanded, it presented its challenges, but it's very rewarding to see the class we were able to put together in such a short time."

Freeze hit the ground running when recruiting opened up in early January, making in-home visits with every recruit who had a scholarship offer from Arkansas State -- approximately 60 face-to-face sitdowns with would be players and their families.

TOP OF THE CLASS

--DB Artez Brown (Newport High, Newport, Ark.) -- Brown was a late gift for Arkansas State, changing his verbal commitment from Ole Miss to ASU the Sunday before national signing day. He ran for more than 3,000 career yards in high school but projects better as a defensive back at the next level, snaring a team-high four interceptions as a senior.

--OT James Williams (Arizona Western College, Smyrna, Tenn.) -- The massive 6-5, 305-pound Williams began his collegiate career at Vanderbilt. He should contend right away for playing time on an offensive front that lost four of its entire starting five. Williams technically has only one year of eligibility but could be a good candidate for a sixth year because of time he missed at Vanderbilt due to injuries.

DL Ronnell Wright (Butte (Calif.) College, Savannah, Ga.) -- A three-star recruit according to Rivals.com, Wright and rising sophomore Amos Draper could form quite the tandem on the interior. Wright tallied three sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss during his sophomore year at Butte, and looks to have the ability to step right in the spot vacated by star DT Bryan Hall, a senior in 2010.

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