The combination of talent and intensity on the field usually spells success. Hoxie defensive tackle Derek Johnson has both, according to Coach Tom Sears.

“For his size he’s very athletic,” Sears said of Johnson, 6-3, 285 pounds, 5. 0 seconds in the 40-yard dash. “That’s the first thing people notice is how he moves around and how aggressive he is on the defensive side of the ball. He’s got great feet; he runs like a tailback. You just don’t see big kids everyday run like he does. He looks like a linebacker running after somebody. He’ll chase people all the way across the field.”

Sears said Johnson has scholarship offers from Mississippi State and Arkansas State but interest in Johnson has been unlimited.

“I’ve talked to everybody from USC [Southern California ] to Oklahoma to Notre Dame, Texas,” Sears said. “You name them, I’ve talked to them.”

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Johnson plans to visit Ole Miss this weekend and Arkansas during the spring game April 26. He said he wasn’t sure if he would be visiting other schools in the spring or summer

“They both basically told him once they see him in person, they’re going to offer him,” Sears said. “[Arkansas assistant ] coach [Tim ] Horton has been by at least three times. I’m sure the defensive line coach just wants to see him in person.”

Johnson played at defensive end as sophomore, making 98 tackles and seven sacks. Last year, he played at defensive tackle and had 89 tackles and five sacks despite being doubleteamed most of the season.

Johnson’s mother is originally from Pocahontas. He lived in El Paso, Texas, until moving to Arkansas his freshman year. He said right now Arkansas and Texas are the schools that interest him the most.

“Arkansas is a pretty good school, and I’ve heard their academics are good,” said Johnson, who reports a 320-pound bench press and 495-pound squat. “I like the football team, and I grew up watching the Hogs so I’m a pretty good fan. I’m from Texas; ever since I’ve watched football I just fell in love with them.”

Johnson had a simple explanation to why he gives maximum effort.

“I try to help us win games,” Johnson said. “I figure if you’re on the field you might as well not waste time.”

Johnson said he plans to wait until after his senior season and see what other scholarship offers he receives before making a decision. He also plans to take all five of his official visits.

MORE AT HOXIE Arkansas along with Tulsa, Mississippi State, Memphis and Arkansas State are showing interest in Derek Johnson’s teammate, wide receiver Adam Madden. Madden, 6-0, 165, 4. 41, had 16 receptions for 291 yards, 2 touchdowns last season for Hoxie and 24 catches for 274 yards and 2 touchdowns as a sophomore. He ran the 4. 41 last summer during an Arkansas camp. Coach Tom Sears plans to utilize Madden at cornerback this fall in addition to wide receiver.

LOOK ONLINE Highlight videos of Derek Johnson, Adam Madden and others and other recruiting information can be seen on the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette’s new recruiting blog — http: // blogs. arkansasonline. com / recruiting / WINSTON WATCH Cornerback Darius Winston of Helena-West Helena Central, who has committed to Arkansas, took an unofficial visit to Fayetteville on March 28-29 and by chance was able talk to one of his favorite NFL players, Oakland Raiders cornerback DeAngelo Hall, over the phone. Hall called to speak with assistant coach Lorenzo Ward, who coached Hall while at Virginia Tech. “I was at the right spot at the right time,” Winston said. “He told me Coach Ward was a good coach and that he would keep it real with me. He told me Coach Ward was the reason why he picked Virginia Tech over Florida State.” Hall gave Winston some advice for on and off the football field.

“He was giving me pointers on the recruiting process and giving me pointers on how to get faster, how to increase my footwork,” Winston said. “He told me to stay confident and humble and not get the big head. He told me that every decision I make I just make sure I’m careful on making a decision.”

While Winston remains firm with his commitment to the Hogs, that hasn’t stopped other schools from offering. Last week, North Carolina and Mississippi State offered scholarships, his 18 th and 19 th offers. Winston also recently was invited to play in the U. S. Army All-American Game in San Antonio next January. “To me, it was pretty surprising,” Winston said. “I’ve worked hard, so I believe I’ve earned it.”

FLORIDA TIES While at Louisville, Coach Bobby Petrino signed numerous athletes out of the Jacksonville, Fla., area. Arkansas has offered two players from the city already — Andrew Jackson High School safety Corey Addison and linebacker Bernard Dawson. Addison, 6-2, 185, 4. 45, has about 20 scholarship offers, and Dawson, 6-1, 200, 4. 5, has three to four offers, according Coach Kevin Sullivan.

Sullivan has known Bobby Petrino and offensive coordinator Paul Petrino for a while and has high praise for both of them.

“I’ve had a real strong relationship with Coach Bobby Petrino and Paul,” Sullivan said. “Bobby as an assistant at Louisville recruited this area and then when he was with the [Jacksonville ] Jaguars. He and I have always maintained a pretty good professional relationship as well as a personal relationship. Paul does the recruiting in Jacksonville. He and I have a real strong relationship. I have a lot of respect for them as people and not just football coaches.”

E-mail Richard Davenport at rdavenport@arkansasonline. com