FAYETTEVILLE — Bobby Petrino and his staff put the finishing touches on the Class of 2008 on Wednesday, and most declared it a very successful effort.

Arkansas signed 26 athletes and was rated in the Top 25 nationally by most recruiting services. Rivals, which doesn’t count transfers in the class rankings, didn’t include five-star quarterback Ryan Mallett in its rankings, so it had the Razorbacks No. 37.

All other recruiting services were much kinder to Arkansas. Personally, I think it was a very good class.

Arkansas will hold its first Junior Day on March 8, and with two commitments for the Class of 2009 already in the fold, the Razorbacks are off to a fast start once again.

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Here is a look at 12 in-state players who will be seniors in the fall and are expected to draw plenty of attention from Division-I schools.

The athletes are in no particular order. One big name obviously missing is Helena-West Helena Central defensive lineman Eric Smiley, 6-5, 265, 4. 75, who is moving back to Seattle.

1. Colby Berna, OL, 6-4, 280, 5. 1 seconds in the 40-yard dash, Fayetteville — Committed to Arkansas on Jan. 12 and then went public with it this past Thursday. Fayetteville Coach Daryl Patton compares him to Auburn lineman Lee Ziemba of Rogers. Berna likely will be the top-rated recruit in the state.

2. Darius Winston, CB, 6-0, 175, 4. 38, Helena-West Helena Central — Committed to Arkansas on Thursday, less than a week after he was offered a football scholarship. Outstanding speed and coverage skills. Had a scholarship offer to Ole Miss and also was being pursued by Alabama and others.

3. Derek Johnson, DL, 6-3, 285, 5. 0, Hoxie — A mammoth lineman who has been offered a scholarship by Mississippi State. Arkansas and Arkansas State are also likely to jump into the mix for him soon as well. Could play offense, but I see him on defense at the next level.

4. Quinn Franklin, WR, 6-3, 180, 4. 56, Warren — Played defensive end as a junior because the Lumberjacks had four wide receivers who signed with Arkansas. Got some mop-up duty on offense in blowout victories and should make a big name for himself on offense this fall.

5. Neal Barlow, WR, 6-5, 195, 4. 6, Pulaski Academy — Some compare him favorably to Arkansas signee Cruz Williams, who is from the same school. Caught 81 passes for 1, 164 yards and 11 touchdowns as a junior. Attended several Arkansas games on unofficial visits.

6. Jess Grandy, ATH, 5-10, 175, 4. 5, Dollarway — Played quarterback, wide receiver, running back, cornerback and safety for Dollarway. Best athlete to come out of the school in a few years. I see him as a defensive back at the next level, probably cornerback.

7. Tyler Stauch, OL, 6-5, 270, 5. 0, Vilonia — Mobile offensive lineman who has a chance to make a real name for himself this spring and summer at combines and summer camps. Should have a good shot at a scholarship offer from the Razorbacks.

8. Justin Carney, OL, 6-6, 260, 5. 21, DeWitt — Was a regular at Arkansas’ games last fall. Played tight end some as a junior but should be an offensive tackle in college. Nice frame with plenty of room to grow and get stronger. One to keep an eye on.

9. Clarence Harris, WR, 6-2, 170, 4. 5, Lonoke — Has the speed and skill to play on either side of the ball in college, but should be a wide receiver. Attended several Arkansas games on unofficial visits. One to watch in 7-on-7 games and camps.

10. Dijon Benton, 6-1, 175, 4. 5, Bryant — A fast safety who will deliver punishment to opposing wide receivers. Plays some on offense during 7-on-7, but I see him lining up at safety for some major college. Attended some Arkansas games last fall.

11. Jasper Lee, FB-LB, 5-11, 220, 4. 7, Central Arkansas Christian — D. J. Williams, Joe Adams and now Jasper Lee. It seems this school just keeps turning out good prospects. I am torn about which side of the ball he should play on. I lean to fullback, but he is also a talented linebacker.

12. Phillip Butterfield, QB, 6-2, 185, 4. 82, Lake Hamilton — Almost was able to lead his team to a state championship, but came up just short against Texarkana in finals. Has a chance to draw plenty of Division-I attention to his school with a good senior season.