LITTLE ROCK — One visit to Arkansas was enough to convince Houston St. Pius X linebacker Kellen Jones the Razorbacks were going to be a major contender for his services.
Jones, 6-1, 210 pounds, 4.68 seconds in the 40-yard dash, has 17 scholarship offers, including ones from Arkansas, Michigan, Missouri, Purdue, Houston, Kansas State, Colorado, Arizona and Stanford.
Jones visited Fayetteville in April and has taken visits to LSU, Colorado, Houston, Oklahoma State and Missouri.
“Recruitingwise, I know all about Arkansas,” said Jones, who is being recruited by offensive line coach Chris Klenakis. “They showed me everything about the football program. I’ve talked to Coach K and e-mailed him several times. They’re definitely at the top of my list.”
Jones, who plans to make an official visit for the Alabama game, had 75 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 3 recovered fumbles, 1 interception and1 safety last year. He also blocked four punts and two field-goal attemts.
“They’re in my top three,” Jones said of the Hogs. “The other two, I’m really debating. I just know Arkansas is in. It’s between Stanford, Michigan, Purdue, Illinois, Boise State, Virginia, Colorado and Kansas State. It’s really a fight for the other two.”
While on his visit to Arkansas, Jones watched film with linebackers coach Reggie Johnson.
“He’s definitely the type of guy I would like to coach me for four years,” said Jones, who was accompanied by his parents Sean and Andrea. “I saw him coaching the linebackers on the junior day, and I like his enthusiasm. He teaches his linebackers.
“I don’t really like a screaming, yelling coach. If you keep messing up, I do expect it. I like a coach that will teach you and educate you.”
Jones said he hopes to also visit Michigan, Stanford, Arizona and Purdue this summer.
GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION
Junior running back Zac Brooks of Jonesboro was very impressed when he toured Arkansas’ campus last week.
“The visit was great,” Brooks said. “I loved the hospitality. I like the school a lot. The weight room was spectacular. It seems like they’ll help you out a lot on the academics.
“I’m pretty sure I won’t have any worries if I go to Arkansas.”
Brooks, 6-2, 177 pounds, 4.47 seconds in the 40-yard dash, received a scholarship offer from Arkansas in March and was later offered by Ole Miss and Arkansas State. Hemade 38 receptions for 679 yards and 5 touchdowns and rushed for 217 yards and 2 touchdowns on 23 carries as a sophomore.
Brooks, his two brothers and parents were shown around campus by recruiting coordinator/running backs coach Tim Horton, whom Brooks described as “an awesome guy.” “He’s respectful, and he’s a nice guy,” said Brooks, who returned 9 punts for a 17.2-yard average and 1 touchdown and averaged 25.7 yards on 4 kickoff returns. “He was nice to my parents. He really seemed concerned about my interests. He wants to make me successful in life, other than football. He told me if I go to Arkansas I would have a lot more options if I stayed in state.”
Brooks said he was tempted to make an oral commitment during his visit but he resisted.
“The only reason I didn’t was because that was my first true college visit,” he said. “I’m not the type of person who jumps into things.”
ALL-STAR APPRECIATION
Hundreds of high school senior athletes, their parents and their coaches have been on Arkansas’ campus this week for the Arkansas High School Coaches Association All-Star games.
Razorbacks football recruiting coordinator Tim Horton said the exposure is a win-win situation for Arkansas and gives younger athletes something to shoot for.
Horton said having the All-Star games on campus benefits the Razorbacks program because it gives athletes and their families a chance to see Reynolds Razorback Stadium, Baum Stadium, Bud Walton Arena and the school’s other athletic facilities.
“They may be on our campus for the first time, and obviously first impressions are important,” Horton said.
Horton said it’s also an honor to host some of the state’s best student-athletes.
“This is not just for the football on Friday night, “Horton said. “You have baseball, youhave soccer, you have softball, you have volleyball and you have basketball. It’s something the University of Arkansas athletic department takes great pride in for these kids to be able to use our facilities.”
The Arkansas High School Coaches Association clinic also gives high school coaches a chance to learn more about their profession. Arkansas offensive line coach Chris Klenakis and defensive ends coach Steve Caldwell spoke to coaches during that event.
“Some great speakers in multiple sports will be in town throughout the week,” Horton said “It gives all of us - it doesn’t matter what you’re coaching or where - it gives you a chance to hopefully learn and grow as a coach by going and hearing some of these speakers.”
E-mail Richard Davenport at rdavenport@arkansasonline.com
Sports, Pages 23 on 06/25/2010