FAYETTEVILLE — Dennis Johnson faced a decision that many other high school All-Stars have faced.

Would he play or stay away ?

Johnson, a Texarkana running back with a University of Arkansas football scholarship in hand, questioned whether playing in the Arkansas High School Coaches Association All-Star game was prudent.

In recent years the game has become typified as much by who hasn’t played as who has, and Friday night’s game at Reynolds Razorback Stadium wasn’t any different as the majority of the in-state players who signed with the Razorbacks chose not to participate.

Johnson and two others, Russellville lineman Matt Hall and Warren wide receiver Jarius Wright, were the only ones among Arkansas’ 14 in-state signees who took part in the game.

Johnson said he initially planned to join the other players in Arkansas’ 2008 class who skipped the game, but he was asked to reconsider by an unlikely source — Arkansas Coach Bobby Petrino. Many college coaches prefer that their signees don’t take part in such games for fear they might sustain an injury that could limit them as they prepare for college football or, worse, end their playing careers.

Johnson said Petrino let him know through strength and conditioning coach Jason Veltkamp that he was OK with Johnson taking part in the game.

“I wasn’t going to play either, but Coach Petrino wanted me to,” Johnson said. “He let me know that I needed to be here and play on this field.

“ I’m glad I did, and I got to show the fans what kind of running back I am.” Johnson didn’t disappoint. He helped the West team defeat the East 62-23, scoring three touchdowns — two on receptions — and finishing with 178 all-purpose yards.

He’s one of several freshman running backs who could be pressed into service right away as Arkansas tries to replace Darren McFadden, Felix Jones and Peyton Hillis from last year’s team.

“I’m trying to get used to the field and the lights. I loved playing out there,” said Johnson, who got to wear his Texarkana Razorbacks helmet logo similar to the one he’ll wear at the college level. “I was a little bit nervous because I didn’t know how I was going to perform, but after I touched the ball a few times I felt fine.” Wright also flashed his potential. One of the top receivers in the Razorbacks’ recruiting class, he caught six passes for 68 yards for the East All-Stars, highlighted by a 10-yard touchdown reception.

Wright said he thought from the start he wanted to play in the All-Star game and represent Warren. Three former Lumberjacks teammates who also signed with the Razorbacks — receivers Greg Childs and Chris Gragg and defensive back Basmine Jones — chose not to play.

“I was pretty happy to be here. They nominated me to play, so why not come out and play ?” said Wright, who admitted he occasionally thought about the risk of injury but went ahead anyway. “I didn’t get hurt. I’m still here now, and everything worked out fine.

“ I figured it was my last high school game. My [Warren ] coach, Bo Hembree, he’s been behind me for three years and he helped me make this choice to play. I liked the experience, and I’m glad I decided to play in the game.” Johnson and Wright said they thought all week about getting a sneak peek at their future stadium. They, as well as Hall, are getting a head start acclimating themselves to college life.

For the past couple of weeks they have joined some of the other incoming freshmen living on campus and waking up before dawn for early-morning conditioning workouts.

“It’s going to be a very big adjustment this summer because you have to work hard and compete when we [start ] practice to get a chance at playing time,” Johnson said.

Hall also said playing in the All-Star game was worth whatever disruptions it created.

“It was all for fun, your last high school game,” said Hall, who also felt obligated to join Cyclones teammate Derek Owens and Russellville Coach Jeff Holt, an assistant for the East team. “We wanted to go ahead and have a good time.

“ Some of the other guys I talked to wanted to stay with the team and do more of the workouts. It’s really been a good week getting to play for my old high school. I wanted to have fun, and that’s what I got out of this.” Information for this article was contributed by Rick Fires of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.