TOUCHDOWN CLUB

Former Hogs draw passel of fans to sports luncheon

Shall we read Razorbacks fever into the over-capacity crowd at the second Touchdown Club luncheon on Monday? Embassy Suites' staff hurried a couple of extra tables into the way-way back to accommodate lunching visitors, and master of ceremonies and club director David Bazzel quipped that spectators were huddled so tight "this is like locker room stuff here -- we're going to find out who's wearing deodorant and who isn't."

Sure, the state's favorite football team is ranked for the first time in three seasons, but was that the draw, or was it the double bill of former Razorbacks stars Felix Jones (originally from Tulsa) and Peyton Hillis (Conway)? These guys are so youthful, such ready reminders of those high-water Razorbacks teams of the aughts that one -- Jones -- openly discussed trying to get back into professional football. (His last NFL game was 2013; Hillis' was last year.)

In the backfield alongside Darren McFadden, Jones and Hillis went on to have stellar NFL seasons, though injuries diminished some of their promise. "Even though I wanted more, the Lord gave me more than I deserved," Hillis said.

The next club luncheon is Tuesday at 11 a.m. The guest is three-time Super Bowl champion offensive coordinator and erstwhile Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis.

High Profile on 09/06/2015

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