Texarkana running back Dennis Johnson orally committed to play football for Arkansas on Monday morning.

Arkansas Coach Bobby Petrino and assistant coach Bobby Allen met with Johnson, his father and Texarkana Coach Bill Keopple at the school.

Johnson, 5-8, 190 pounds, 4. 4 seconds in the 40-yard dash, played three years for the Texarkana High Razorbacks, and after being offered a scholarship, he told Petrino he would embrace being a Razorback for a few more years.

“We talked while Coach Keopple was in the room,” Johnson said. “We had a good conversation while he was in the room, and then he [Petrino ] took me to another room and offered me a scholarship. I told him I would love to be a Razorback, and I’ll continue to be a Razorback.” Johnson had an outstanding senior year, rushing for 1, 529 yards on 209 carries and scoring 20 touchdowns while leading Texarkana to its second consecutive Class 6 A state championship. He was also named the MVP in both championship games. He rushed for more than 4, 700 yards and 56 touchdowns in his career.

Petrino told Johnson he liked what he saw on tape and that his talents fit Arkansas’ offense.

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“He told me he had watched film of me,” Johnson said, “and that I looked like a really good back that could fit into his program and offensive schemes he’s going to be running with the Razorbacks and he would love to have me as an Arkansas Razorback.” Johnson’s commitment came on the same day Razorbacks junior running backs Darren McFadden and Felix Jones announced they would be leaving school early and entering the NFL Draft.

Camden Fairview running back De’Anthony Curtis, who has orally committed to the Razorbacks, helped entice Johnson to be a Hog.

“De’Anthony is really the one that really made me want to go up there,” Johnson said. “He influenced me to go up there and be a Razorback. He told me we could be the next Darren McFadden and Felix Jones.” Johnson had a 3. 7 grade-point average this past semester, according to his father, Dennis Johnson Sr. The elder Johnson said they have hired a professional tutor and doesn’t anticipate Johnson having any problems being eligible for next season.

Johnson said he will make his official visit to Arkansas on Jan. 25.