No one mistakes Arkansas tailbacks Brandon Barnett and Michael Smith for Darren McFadden or Felix Jones, the former UA duo that are set to hear their names announced at the NFL Draft later this month.

First of all, the duo's body of work doesn't stack up to future pros' highlight reelworthy careers. After all, McFadden and Jones proved to be the most dynamic backfield duo in Arkansas history, combining for nearly 11, 000 all-purpose yards in their three-year stint in Fayetteville.

Some could say Barnett and Smith just don't measure up, and they'd literally be right. The duo stands at 5-foot-10 and 5-7, respectively. It's a far cry from McFadden's 6-2 frame and Jones'6-foot body that still seemed short to some coaches who recruited him out of high school.

And then there's this fact – the newest UA duo haven't shown Arkansas fans break- through speed off tackles, elusiveness and power, or the ability to carry a team on their shoulders during a season in the SEC.

But out of the shadows of McFadden and Jones, both are hoping to change that quickly.

" I'm not one to brag, but I think I'm versatile, " Barnett said. " I can do whatever. Just give me the ball and I can do whatever you need. "

The Texarkana native and junior college transfer gave fans and his new coaches a glimpse of what he can do Sunday in a 79-play scrimmage after the fourth day of spring drills.

Unofficially, Barnett had 45 yards and 2 touchdowns on 9 carries. He also stepped up out of the backfield, catching four passes for 29 yards, including a 15-yard gain. Smith had more carries with the first team and proved he had some promise as well with 83 yards on 15 carries.

Both small-bodied runners shredded tackles and even drove a few linebackers to the ground during the first expanded scrimmage of the spring season.

" I showed the coaches that maybe I can take a hit and keep on going and get those tough yards that we need to get in the SEC with big linebackers, " Smith said. " I'm looking to try and break [a run ]. I think they want to see that – that home run that Darren and Felix had at any given time. "

Smith's quickness caught the eye of head coach Bobby Petrino on Saturday.

" I really liked the way he ran the ball and the physical-ness he showed, " the first-year UA coach said. " He's a compact guy that can run hard, so that helps. "

As for Barnett, he's been waiting for the chance to prove his worthiness to coaches and fans for nearly three years. In the 2005 Arkansas High School All-Star game in Razorback Stadium, Barnett raced to the MVP award with 96 yards and 1 touchdown on just 9 carries.

Most eyes that night were on McFadden, who played on the other sideline for the East squad. He finished with 75 yards and 1 touchdown on 14 carries, but Barnett stole the limelight with a 63-yard touchdown run and his showcase of speed onward to the MVP award.

Realizing the importance of the All-Star matchup with McFadden on the other sideline before the game, Barnett said he remembers approaching Gus Malzahn, who coached the West squad that year, in a practice.

" I want that MVP ring, " Barnett told Malzahn.

" You're going to get it, you're going to get it, " Malzahn fired back, Barnett said.

" I thought he was just joking around with me. After that first touchdown, I just knew right then it was going to [happen ]. "

Barnett never got the chance to compete against McFadden for the UA's starting tailback spot the next season, though. Grades forced the former Texarkana Razorback to go to Butler County Community College in El Dorado, Kan. Finally, after two seasons away from Razorback Stadium, he arrived last season.

" It was a hard journey, " he said. " I had to go the long route through junior college, but I had a strong family and a strong fortitude behind me that kept pushing me. Nothing could stop me. Some times, the hard way is the better way. Now that I'm here, I'm just happy to put on a Razorback uniform again. "

Arkansas' new junior duo – even with the stark shadow of McFadden and Jones lingering – are ready to prove themselves.

" I just look at it as any opportunity to go and showcase, and let [the coaches ] know I can be the No. 1 guy, " Smith said. " When my number is called upon, I can go out and do something for my team. That's what spring is all about. "