Paul, Green hard for opponents to handle

Tulsa Union running back AJ Green, who is committed to play at Arkansas, is rated as a 4-star recruit by ESPN. (Tulsa World/Brett Rojo)

University of Arkansas linebacker commitment Christopher “Pooh” Paul Jr. played assignment football in helping his team to a 24-7 victory over Macon Central, who was previously undefeated in region play.

Paul, 6-1, 235 pounds, 4.71 seconds in the 40-yard dash, of Cordele (Ga.) Crisp County was a key reason why the Cougars held highly regarded Arkansas State commitment Jalik Thomas in check.

Thomas, who’s being recruited as an athlete by the Red Wolves, was held to 128 yards of total offense while playing quarterback.

“Chris was tasked with spying the quarterback Friday night,” Crisp County Coach Brad Harber said. “The quarterback by the way, is one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in our region. Chris did a fantastic job all night long on ‘D’, and then had a great game at tight end and running back on offense.”

Paul had 6 tackles, 4 tackles for loss and harassed Thomas with 7 quarterback hurries. He also had a carry for 12 yards.

“The defensive line was getting quality rush on the quarterback, forcing him to either step up in the pocket, or take off running,” Harber said. “That’s where ‘Pooh’ had to be very disciplined. He was responsible for that guy wherever he ran.”

For the season, Paul has 82 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 13 quarterback hurries, 1 forced fumble, 1 recovered fumble and 1 pass breakup. Offensively, he has 2 carries for 18 yards, 1 touchdown and 3 catches for 51 yards and a touchdown along with 2 two-point conversions.

Paul, who chose the Hogs over more than 24 scholarship offers from Tennessee, Louisville, Nebraska, TCU and others, plans to sign with Arkansas on Dec. 16 and enroll in January.

Arkansas running back commitment AJ Green likely would’ve set a school record had last week’s game not got out of hand.

Green, 5-11, 180 pounds, of Tulsa Union scored five first-half touchdowns of the Redskins’ 55-0 victory over Enid, Okla. He had touchdown runs of 1, 34 and 55 yards while having touchdown receptions of 35 and 43 yards.

The school record for touchdowns in a game for an individual is seven.

“Not bad for only playing a half,” Tulsa Union Coach Kirk Fridrich said. “You know he’s having a good game when you start asking what the record is?”

Green, who chose the Hogs over Texas, Baylor, LSU, Michigan, Oklahoma, and others, recorded a wind-aided 10.38 seconds in the 100-meter dash at the Class 6A state meet as a freshman.

He has 123 carries for 999 yards, 12 touchdowns and 8 catches for 127 yards and 2 touchdowns for the season.