Arkansas had four recruits playing in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday - Helena-West Helena Central cornerback Darius Winston, who has orally committed to the Hogs, St. Louis University High School running back Ronnie Wingo Jr., offensive/ defensive lineman Corey Gaines of Tallahassee (Fla.) Godby and offfensive tackle Aubrey Phillips of Olive Branch, Miss.

Gaines, 6-0, 275 pounds, 4.89 seconds in the 40-yard dash, played offensive guard and center for the victorious East squad but is being recruited as a defensive lineman by the Hogs.

"I had a ball being out there with all the other players from all around the country," Gaines said. "You're talking about some of the elite athletes in the nation."

Gaines said he plans to make official visits to Arkansas, Ole Miss and South Florida.

"I know Arkansas is the [Jan.] 23rd and I think Ole Miss is the [Jan.] 15th," Gaines said. "I don't know about South Florida. I haven't set up a visit yet."

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Gaines said he plans to announce which school he will sign with Feb. 4, national signing day.

Current Razorbacks offensive lineman Kareem Crowell is a Godby grad and former teammate of Gaines.

"He and I talk about me coming up there," Gaines said. "He said it's a nice place to visit, so I'm going to give it a shot. He said the coaches are nice and they like to play freshmen and they take care of the players. I'm hoping Arkansas can be like another home just like Tallahassee."

While the Arkansas coaching staff has shown a willingness to play true freshmen, Gaines is willing to entertain the thought of sitting out a year.

"I might want to redshirt my freshman year, but I may want to get into the weight room and get stronger and before I get out on the field." Gaines said.

Gaines' lead recruiter is offensive coordinator Paul Petrino, but he also talks to recruiting coordinator Tim Horton.

"Coach Horton talks about my academics and what I want to major in," Gaines said. "Because I plan to major in business and Arkansas has a good business school. I probably want to own my own restaurant or own my own hotel or something like that."

Gaines said he if he opens a restaurant, fried pork chops would be one of his specialties.

"I have a little secret sauce I put on them and secret seasoning," he said.

WINSTON RECRUITING

Darius Winston, who injured his ankle during last week's first practice, said the time spent in San Antonio boosted his confidence.

"I think I did pretty good," said Winston, who's scheduled to visit Arkansas this weekend. "I think I proved myself. I think the question on whether or not I can play the best has been answered."

Winston, 6-0, 175, 4.38, said he did a little recruiting for Arkansas by talking to Ronnie Wingo Jr. and Corey Gaines.

"I didn't stay in their ear too much about it," Winston said, smiling. "Wingo comes up the 9th [of January] and we'll see if we can get him. Corey said he's going to take an official visit."

WINGO WATCH

Arkansas Coach Bobby Petrino, quarterbacks coach Garrick Mc-Gee and recruiting coordinator Tim Horton will be in St. Louis on Wednesday night to do an in-home visit with Ronnie Wingo, Jr.

Wingo, 6-3, 212 pounds, 4.41, will travel to Fayetteville with his family for his official visit this weekend.

COMPANY FOR DYER?

Little Rock Christian running back Michael Dyer is one of 10 players already selected to play in the 2010 U.S. Army All-American Bowl, but because of good performances by other Arkansas athletes at the U.S. Army All-American combine Friday, he might have some familiar faces joining him in San Antonio next year.

P ine Bluff quarterback Claude Johnson, Springdale Har-Ber safety Houston Pruitt and Little Rock Christian tight end Dakota Mosley were among about 25 participants signaled out as the top performers of the combine and told they're now being seriously considered to play in next year's contest.

National recruiting analysts Tom Lemming, who provided color commentary for the game on Saturday, is impressed with the number of Arkansas athletes.

"It's something the state of Arkansas can be proud of," said Lemming, who helps pick the players for the game.

E-mail Richard Davenport at

rdavenport@arkansasonline. com