Missouri lineman, defensive end impress at camp

Sunday, July 22, 2012

— Arkansas’ football prospect camp for juniors and senior drew a wealth of talent, including newly committed Pulaski Academy tight end Hunter Henry, who watched the camp with his parents.

Highly regarded offensive lineman Zach Hannon, 6-5, 300 pounds, 5.1 seconds in the 40-yard dash, of Kansas City (Mo.) Rockhurst also observed the camp. His father and uncle made the trip with Hannon, who has narrowed his list of potential schools to Arkansas and Nebraska. Hannon said he hopes to bring his mother back for a visit before he makes a decision by the end of August.

Approximately 400 athletes participated in the camp. Lee’s Summit (Mo.) West defensive end Jamone Boyd, 6-4, 265, 4.5, may have been the most impressive defensive camper from a physical and athletic standpoint, using his strength and speed to dominate offensive linemen in 1-on-1 drills.

Boyd has scholarship offers from more than 10 schools, including Arkansas. He and Hannon are best friends and have said they would like to attend the same college.

Defensive lineman Rod Crayton, 6-1, 310, 4.8, of Dadeville, Ala., also showed excellent strength and speed while dominating offensive linemen. He has narrowed list of schools to Arkansas, LSU, Tennessee and Mississippi State.

North Little Rock running back Altee Tenpenny, who has orally committed to Alabama, is still showing a good amount of interest in Arkansas. He worked out at the camp and showed why he is considered one of the top recruits in the nation.

Tenpenny, 5-11, 211, 4.32, said he plans to make official visits to Arkansas, Alabama and Oklahoma State. Visits to Notre Dame and Georgia are also possibilities.

Forrest City’s Tevin Beanum, 6-4, 235, 4.72, had the best burst of speed off the line among the defensive ends at the camp and created havoc for offensive linemen in 1-on-1 drills. He already has several small college offers but made a strong case for receiving a scholarship offer from the Hogs. His junior year was the first time he had played football since junior high, but he looked like a veteran at the camp.

Carrollton (Texas) Hebron sophomore Zach Rogers, 6-4, 275, 5.06, may have been the best offensive lineman at the camp. He performed well consistently against the best defensive linemen even though he doesn’t turn 16 until December.

Rogers received a scholarship offer from the Hogs after leaving campus and calling UA defensive ends coach Kevin Peoples.

“We talked a little for a minute and he told me I had a good day at camp and they would like to extend a scholarship offer to me,” Rogers said. “It was great knowing they had that interest and that they think I can play for them. It’s great.”

The offer is Rogers’ first. He also attended Arkansas’ three-day camp in June.

HELPING THE HOGS

Arkansas is getting some help while recruiting Georgia athlete Donovahn Jones, thanks to some of his family members who live in Prescott.

“All of my family wants me to go to Arkansas so they can come see me play,” said Jones, who plays for Hampton (Ga.) Dutchtown.

Jones, 6-3, 195, 4.45, said he plans to arrive in Fayetteville on Tuesday or Wednesday for a visit. He has scholarship offers from 20 schools, including Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, North Carolina State and South Florida.

“I want to meet all of the coaches and see how they are,” Jones said. “I know the campus is nice because it’s a big-time school, so I know the facilities are nice. I just want to see how the people are and what the campus looks like and how the city is.”

Jones, who plays quarterback in high school, is being recruited to play safety for the Hogs. He also plans to make trips to Missouri and Arkansas State.

HIGH ON HAYNES

The chance to play in the SEC and to be coached by Arkansas defensive coordinator Paul Haynes has Florida athlete Charles Williams interested in the Razorbacks, and he said he plans to make a visit this week.

“It’s the SEC, that’s one thing,” said Williams, who plays at Hialeah (Fla.) Champagnat Catholic. “Coach Paul Haynes is a great guy. He’s the defensive coordinator and he’s recruiting me. I want to check out the atmosphere.

“They’re a highly ranked school. That’s what I’m looking for.”

Williams, 6-2, 185, 4.56, said he’ll likely visit Fayetteville late in the week. He has scholarship offers from more than 20 schools, including Arkansas, Clemson, Ole Miss, West Virginia, Nebraska and South Carolina.

Williams will be accompanied by his mother on the visit and said a good trip could sway him to commit to the Hogs.

“Most definitely,” said Williams, who is being recruited as a defensive back. “I’m planning on committing fairly soon, so there should be a high chance of that.”

E-mail Richard Davenport at [email protected]

Sports, Pages 24 on 07/22/2012