Ohio linebacker considering double dose of Hogs

Sophomore linebacker Justin Hilliard is expected to arrive in Fayetteville today to take in Arkansas’ practice and may make a return trip a few weeks for the spring game April 20.

“I want to come down for the spring game because I heard the fans are crazy down there.” Hilliard said.

Hilliard, 6-2, 220 pounds, 4.67 seconds in the 40-yard dash, of Cincinnati St. Xavier High School reports scholarship offers from Indiana and Iowa and after talking to cornerbacks coach Taver Johnson said he believes the Hogs could be next.

“He said he likes my speed and how I have a nose for the football,” said Hilliard, who had about 58 tackles, 6 sacks and 2 interceptions last season. “I think he’s going to offer if I get down there.”

Hilliard said his interest level in the Razorbacks is high.

“It ’ s a big-time SEC school,” Hilliard said. “I like what they’re bringing into the school with the new coaches. I’m looking forward to coming down there.”

Hilliard, who said he believes Tennessee is also on the verge of offering a scholarship, said Johnson has him wanting to check out what the Hogs have to offer the student-athlete.

“He definitely got me interested because of the facilities and especially the fans,” Hilliard said. “He talked about Arkansas is the one school … pretty much is the football program in Arkansas since they don’t have any professional teams.”

VISIT IN WORKS

Louisiana running back Sione Palelei called Arkansas running back coach Joel Thomas on Thursday night and hung up with a scholarship offer from the Hogs.

“I was fired up after we talked and he had told me he was offering me,” Palelei said. “I was speechless. I have a pretty big interest in Arkansas as well. I really enjoyed the moment. It was big-time, it was big-time.”

Palelei, 5-10, 197, 4.35, of Gonzales East Ascension High School, had 111 carries for 828 yards and 13 touchdowns in nine games as a junior whole also recording 20 receptions for 283 yards and 3 touchdowns for the Class 5A Spartans.

Palelei, who has scholarship offers from Louisiana-Monroe, Louisiana Tech, Brigham Young, Utah, Southern Mississippi and Hawaii, said a visit to Fayetteville is being planned.

“Me and my dad are still discussing when we’re going to visit,” said Palelei, who’s originally from Utah and is half-Samoan and half-Tongan. “As soon as we find a date that we’re available we’ll contact him first thing and let him know the date we’ll be coming. “

Palelei said he’s also looking to make trips to Wisconsin on April 13 and Hawaii. Palelei said Thomas is easy to talk and relate to.

“He’s calm and seems like a guy who would make you feel like you’re at home,” Palelei said. “He’s straight up with you. He’s one of the guys I like to deal with.”

TIGHT END VISITS

Promising sophomore tight end-defensive end Hale Hentges visited Arkansas last spring, and Coach Bret Bielema and his staff made a big impression on him during Thursday’s visit.

Hentges, 6-4, 220, 4.83, of Jefferson City (Mo.) Helias reports scholarship offers from Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin and Iowa State.

“I liked all the changes that Coach Bielema has brought to Arkansas,” said Hentges, who was accompanied by his father, Chris, the offensive line coach at Helias. “I think they’re really doing a good job up there. I really enjoyed the people.”

Razorback strength and conditioning coach Ben Herbert and the academic support system were highlights of the trip.

“He was really knowledgeable and he does a great job getting the kids ready to perform at their best level,” Hentges said of Herbert. “I really liked the academic presentation, too. I feel like the people they have in there really help the athletes to strive for success and help them get jobs after college.”

Hentges, who visited Wisconsin twice last year while Bielema was in Madison, was able to watch the Hogs practice and liked how Arkansas used the tight end. He also met tight ends coach Barry Lunney Jr.

“I really enjoyed talking to him,” Hentges said. “He seemed very knowledgeable about his position and knew what he was doing.”

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