Arkansas was the first school to extend scholarship offers to two talented linemen in the University of Florida’s back yard — Gainesville High School offensive tackle Kendall Kelly and defensive lineman Kevin Lowry — and both have said the Razorbacks are among their favorite teams.

Offensive coordinator Paul Petrino is the lead recruiter of the two.

Kelly, 6-6, 300 pounds, 5. 2 seconds in the 40-yard dash, has scholarship offers from Arkansas, South Florida, Louisville, Middle Tennessee and Ohio. He orally committed to the Bulls about two weeks ago but still remains interested in the Hogs and hopes to take an official visit.

“The recruiting process is still open,” Kelly said. “I could change my mind. Right now, it’s really between South Florida and Arkansas.” Kelly said he appreciates Arkansas’ faith in him.

“I have a keen interest in them because they were the first team to offer me,” said Kelly, who reports a 350-pound bench press and 520-pound squat. “I have a lot of respect for them because I wouldn’t have my other offers if they hadn’t offered.” Saying his pass blocking is his strong suit, Kelly said he feels like he would fit in Arkansas’ offensive scheme.

Coach Ryan Smith, who coached current Razorbacks receiver Carlton Salters at North Florida Christian in Tallahassee, said this season will be Kelly’s first on the offensive line after playing on the defensive side last season, but he said Kelly is ideal for the left tackle position.

“He’s a skinny 300 pounds; he doesn’t have a belly,” Smith said. “He could put on another 30 pounds and still look skinny. He has long arms and legs and is an extremely hard worker. He’s so talented, but it’s his determination that sets him apart from most linemen. Kendall is the type that’s not going to leave until he gets it right.” Smith said Kelly exhibited excellent leadership during spring drills when a teammate failed to show up for practice.

“Kendall went to his house after practice and walked in and said, ‘Hey if this isn’t where you want to be, you need to move on,’” Smith said.

Lowry said Arkansas is his top school and he plans to talk with Petrino to set up an official visit.

“I want to see one of their games,” Lowry said. “I’m interested because they have a fresh staff. I respect Coach [Paul ] Petrino and I want to get out of Florida. I think I have the talent to play, and I have a chance to start.” Lowry, 6-3, 280, 5. 0, said he has an offer from the Hogs and is drawing interest from Auburn, Louisville, Miami, Iowa State, South Florida and others.

He said Auburn has indicated it might offer him a scholarship and Louisville wants to see him play in a couple of games before possibly offering.

Smith, who has coached for more than 10 years, said Lowry is an excellent prospect.

“He’s the most powerful, athletic lineman I’ve ever coached,” Smith said “Great feet, he moves so well. He’s built perfect for a lineman. He’s a phenomenal football player. My offensive line and defensive line coaches argue back and forth about having him on their line.” Smith said Lowry is capable of playing on either side of the ball in college.

Lowry said he enjoys going up against Kelly in practice.

“Kendall is much bigger than me and I have to bring my all when I go against him,” said Lowry, who bench presses 300 pounds, squats 545 and runs a 4. 39-second pro-shuttle. “Sometimes I win, and sometimes he wins, but it’s always a good 1-on-1 session when we go at it.” In addition to defensive line, Lowry will also play on the offensive line along with fullback and tight end. “Our linebackers get mad in practice when I play fullback and they see me coming,” Lowry said. Smith praised the work ethic of Kelly and Lowry. “When we’re at practice, they’re the first ones in every drill,” Smith said. “They’re leading the way. This is my first year here as head coach, and that’s helped me out tremendously. The other kids see them, and that makes them work harder.” JOHNSON & JOHNSON Athlete Ricky Johnson, 6-2, 190, 4. 38, of Lafayette (La. ) Carencro plans to make an unofficial visit to Arkansas for the Western Illinois game this weekend. Arkansas is recruiting him as a receiver. Johnson has nine scholarship offers, including from Arkansas, Texas A&M, Nebraska, Ole Miss and Georgia Tech. He has said the Hogs and the Yellow Jackets are his top two choices. The Razorbacks could gain an oral commitment from Johnson with a good visit. Hoxie defensive lineman Derek Johnson, who is orally committed to Texas, said he might travel to Fayetteville for the game with one of his teammates. Derek Johnson, 6-3, 285, 5. 0, is considered one of the top 2009 prospects in the state.

HENRY UPDATE Arkansas basketball signee Jason Henry, a forward, said in a text message he’s been told he should be cleared by the NCAA clearinghouse by Friday. E-mail Richard Davenport at rdavenport@arkansasonline. com