FAYETTEVILLE — Recruiting classes are judged on national signing day, but it’s interesting to judge them again once they report.

Arkansas Coach Bobby Petrino signed a class rated among the Top 25 nationally by the majority of the recruiting services. After a week of practice, it looks as if the high rankings were justified. It appears 10 or more true freshmen could dent the two-deep chart for the season opener Aug. 30 against Western Illinois.

Warren’s Jarius Wright, 5-10, 170, 4. 4 seconds in the 40-yard dash, and Central Arkansas Christian’s Joe Adams, 6-0, 175, 4. 4, are pushing for playing time at wide receiver and maybe even a spot in the starting lineup. Wright and Adams are also in the mix to return punts.

Both were four-star recruits, according to Rivals. com, and combine the speed and receiving skills to be impact freshmen. Wright caught 58 passes for 1, 350 yards and 15 touchdowns at Warren, while Adams caught 33 passes for 770 yards his senior season.

The loss of Darren McFadden, Felix Jones and Peyton Hillis to the NFL has provided an opportunity for some newcomers at running back.

Camden Fairview’s De’Anthony Curtis, 5-10, 205, 4. 4, and Texarkana’s Dennis Johnson, 5-7, 195, 4. 4, have looked good so far. Curtis was generally regarded as the state’s top recruiting prospect after a senior season that saw him rush for 1, 237 yards and 18 touchdowns on 119 carries. Johnson carried 209 times for 1, 529 yards and 20 touchdowns while leading his team to a state title for the second consecutive year. Johnson and Curtis are also in the hunt to return punts.

Memphis Whitehaven linebacker Tenarius “Tank” Wright, 6-2, 230, 4. 6, has shown coaches he can play. Wright is pushing Jerry Franklin and Jermaine Love for a spot at middle linebacker. Wright missed four games because of injuries as a senior but still managed 92 tackles, 5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles and 3 interceptions.

The last player signed by Petrino was safety Matt Marshall, 6-2, 203, 4. 43, of Camden, N. J. It was thought Marshall would play wide receiver, but he has been at safety since fall practice started, had two interceptions Tuesday and has been very active each practice. Marshall had 44 tackles and four interceptions as a senior at Camden.

Several other newcomers also are competing for playing time in the secondary.

Winnie (Texas ) East Chambers cornerback Tramain Thomas, 6-0, 180, 4. 5, is expected to be in the mix, although Arkansas has some older and talented cornerbacks ahead of him.

Alpharetta (Ga. ) Chattahoochee’s Elton Ford, 6-0, 208, 4. 57, is trying to work his way into the free safety rotation with Matt Harris and Rashaad Johnson. Ford had 107 tackles, 4 interceptions and 9 pass breakups as a senior, and Petrino has said Ford will be looked at as a kick returner, too.

The strong safety and Jack linebacker positions are interchangeable, and at least two freshmen are getting long looks at those spots. Dacula (Ga. ) High School’s Khiry Battle, 5-11, 215, 4. 55, and Destrehan (La. ) High School’s Jerico Nelson, 5-9, 195, 4. 45, are in the mix for immediate playing time.

Nelson was rated a four-star recruit by Rivals. com and chose Arkansas late after making an oral pledge earlier to Purdue. Nelson spent most of his time at tailback as a senior and rushed for 1, 100 yards and 22 touchdowns. He prefers defense to offense, and that has to please Arkansas defensive coordinator Willy Robinson.

Battle enjoyed a banner senior season, finishing with 86 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 interception, 5 pass breakups and 3 forced fumbles. He committed to Arkansas last summer and then chose Arkansas again late over Ole Miss and others.

The rest of the class also looks solid with others having a shot at playing time, but even players slated as probable redshirts look as if they will play early in their careers. Quarterback Ryan Mallett, 6-6, 255, and running back Jovan Davis, 6-2, 230, are transfers who will redshirt this season.