Huntington, W. Va., athlete C. J. Crawford was one of three official visitors Arkansas hosted over the weekend, and he left impressed with the Razorbacks ’ fans and facilities.

Crawford, 6-2, 200, 4. 4 seconds in the 40-yard dash, has scholarship offers from Arkansas, Wake Forest and Marshall. He said he enjoyed his official visit.

“Those fans are loyal even though it’s not the best season ever,” Crawford said. “Everybody was still there, and I liked that. When I first got there and got off the plane, I was driving and I was like ‘Wow this is in the country,’ but it’s really not that country.”

Crawford and the Highlanders finished the year 1-9 with a 35-20 victory over Nitro, W. Va., on Friday night. He rushed 8 times for 121 yards and 3 touchdowns and caught 2 passes for 53 yards and 1 touchdown. For the year, Crawford had 467 yards rushing, 6 touchdowns and 343 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Crawford said he’s visited about 10 different schools and that Arkansas’ facilities were top of the line.

“That was some of the best stuff I’ve seen so far in going to all of the schools,” Crawford said. “I’ve been to a lot — Penn State, Ohio State, Kentucky. I’ve seen a lot.”

Linebacker LeRon Furr, 6-2, 225, 4. 65, of Columbus, Ga., and defensive tackle Darrington Sentimore, 6-4, 270, 4. 6, of Destrehan, La., also made visits. NCAA rules allow schools to enroll 25 scholarship athletes each year, and presently, Arkansas stands at 21 oral commitments. The Razorbacks are focusing on defensive line help but hope to add Crawford to the fold. “They told me they like me a lot and they want everything to work out.” Crawford said. Crawford plans to visit Purdue on Nov. 22.

BERNA INJURED Fayetteville offensive tackle Colby Berna, who was Arkansas’ first oral commitment in early February, had an imaging scan done on his right knee Monday after injuring it in Friday’s game against Springdale Har-Ber. Berna, 6-4, 280, 5. 1, said the doctor believes Berna tore some cartilage but won’t know for sure until he reviews the results around 11 a. m. today. HOGS LIKE TULSA MCLAIN RB

Arkansas has increased its presence in Oklahoma, most notably in the Tulsa area, under Coach Bobby Petrino. Running back / linebacker Shawn Williams 6-0, 235, 4. 65, of Tulsa McLain, made an unofficial visit for the Arkansas-Tulsa game and is being closely watched by the Arkansas coaches. “The coaching staff was real cool with me,” Williams said. “They all sat down with me and told me what I needed to work on. They kept telling me they need a big back and to be patient with them.” Williams was able to talk to running backs coach Tim Horton and quarterbacks coach Garrick McGee. McGee introduced Williams to Petrino after the game. “He said he was real impressed with my highlight tape,” said Williams, who reports a 315-pound bench press and 500 squat. “That’s great coming from his background and great that he told me that. I was real happy to meet him.”

Williams has rushed for more than 2, 000 yards and 27 touchdowns this season, while racking up 120 tackles on defense.

He said Kansas, Kansas State and Tennessee are also showing strong interest in him.

“I haven’t talked to any other schools about any more visits as of right now,” he said. “But as the season progresses, I guess I’ll try and set up some more visits.”

Arkansas’ struggles in shortyardage situations didn’t go unnoticed by Williams.

“I saw where they couldn’t get short yardage with the running back,” Williams said. “I saw where I could’ve got some extra yards they needed. I feel like if they give me a chance to come down there to play, I feel like I could play early.”

McGee, who’s the lead recruiter of Williams, has made a favorable impression.

Williams, who plays summer basketball for Tulsa PWP, is coached by Shea Seals. He said McGee is friends with Seals. Williams said PWP played in the Real Deal on the Hill tournament in Fayetteville in the spring.

He said he averaged about 15 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists at point guard.

“Everybody is usually shocked that I play point guard.” Williams said.

E-mail Richard Davenport at rdavenport@arkansasonline. com