Arkansas’ quest for defensive linemen has taken it to Memphis, where defensive end Ceasere Johnson of Kirby High School has been offered a scholarship.

Johnson, 6-7, 220 pounds, 4. 6 seconds in the 40-yard dash, said Southern Miss has also offered. Others showing interest include Ole Miss, North Carolina, LSU, Auburn, Memphis, Oklahoma State, Tennessee and Kentucky. Johnson said he received his offer from Arkansas about a month ago.

Linebackers coach Reggie Johnson is recruiting Johnson.

“He’s been to a couple of our games, and he showed up at the school once [during the spring ],” said Johnson, who has 10 sacks for the 5-2 Cougars. “He called and said he was offering a scholarship, and he was sending it to me by mail. I think it’s great school. They’re high on my list. I think very highly of Arkansas.”

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Johnson said he might try and make one of Arkansas’ remaining homes games. Coach Chester Flowers said Johnson is somewhat of a raw talent but has a nice upside. “He has a great attitude,” Flowers said. “He’s thirsty for knowledge. He wants to know more about the game. He’s a great kid and very coachable. He doesn’t have any vices that will hinder him from being a great player. I may be partial, but I look forward to seeing him on Sundays in a few years.”

COUNT ODEN IN Offensive tackle Anthony Oden has taken a one-year detour, but he plans to be on campus next fall to play for the Razorbacks. Oden signed with the Razorbacks out of Indianapolis Lawrence North in February and had hoped to be competing for the Hogs this fall. But Oden fell short academically and enrolled at Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia.

1 Oden, 6-8 / 2, 319, 4. 87, chose Arkansas over Nebraska, Wisconsin, Purdue, North Carolina State, Oregon State, Indiana and Kansas when he originally signed. He said he’s talked to offensive line coach Mike Summers and is looking forward to being a Razorback. “I can’t wait to get there,” Oden said. “I feel like I have the ability to start. I’m not going to say I’m going to start, but I’m going to come in and work hard for that spot.”

Oden is the younger brother of former Ohio State star and current Portland Trail Blazer Greg Oden. Hargrave offensive line coach Matt Roan said Oden has been dominating this season “He’s playing real well and we couldn’t ask for a better kid.” he said.

PRACTICE PARTNERS Anthony Oden practices at Hargrave Military Academy against defensive end Toby Jackson, who was considered one of the top defensive linemen in the nation last year and signed with Georgia in February. Jackson was ruled ineligible and ended up at Hargrave. Oden said he gets the best of Jackson, 6-4, 255, during the head-to-head battles. “I enjoy it and he has fun,” Oden said. “But I have the most fun.” E-mail Richard Davenport at rdavenport@arkansasonline. com