If there is one group of athletes who should get extra attention at Arkansas' senior camp next Saturday, it would be linebackers.

It is no secret the Hogs need help at the position, and two instate prospects are hoping to earn scholarships and fill that need.

Little Rock Central linebacker / tight end Chris Scott, 6-4, 230, 4. 68 speed in the 40-yard dash, was told by Arkansas assistant Tim Horton he has the size and speed to play outside linebacker, defensive end or tight end at Arkansas.

"He told me the good thing about me being big and athletic, I can play multiple positions," said Scott, who has recorded a 4. 55-second time in the pro shuttle. "That will be decided if I decide to go there.

" I would really be interested in outside linebacker. I just love to hit people. There's nothing like picking someone off of their feet and driving them into the ground."

Scott is drawing interest from Arkansas, Mississippi State, Tulsa, Ole Miss, Missouri State, Arkansas State and Louisiana Tech. He took a visit June 8 to Starkville, Miss., but his mind is on Arkansas' senior camp July 19.

"It was a nice place," Scott said of Mississippi State. "I enjoyed the coaches and there were some very nice people down there, but I'm very, very excited about going to Arkansas for the senior camp."

Scott played outside linebacker and tight end last year at Pine Bluff. He recorded 68 tackles last season, which included 16 in one game.

Scott said he understands playing for the Razorbacks could enhance his future.

"Like I told Coach Horton, I've always wanted to play for Arkansas," said Scott, who also plans to attend Louisiana Tech's seniors camp July 16. "I know playing football for the Razorbacks opens up a lot of job opportunities in the state of Arkansas."

Junction City's Devin Ball, 6-2, 222, 4. 69, is another instate linebacker the Hogs will be looking at during the camp.

Ball, a two-year starter, had 110 tackles, 11. 5 tackles for losses, 4 recovered fumbles (one for a touchdown ) and 1 interception returned 45 yards for a score last season.

He has an offer from Missouri State and is receiving interest from Arkansas, Mississippi State, Louisiana Tech and others.

Ball participated in the FCA combine in March but was limited by a hamstring injury. He still ran a 4. 89 in the 40. Ball hopes to visit Mississippi State after the Arkansas camp. "I'm supposed to be taking a trip to Starkville and check out their facilities and see what they have to offer, and I may possibly go visit Ole Miss," said Ball, who has a 325-pound bench press and a 485-pound squat.

RECEIVER LIKES HOGS Arkansas appears to be in good shape for one of the fastest prep athletes in Louisiana. Wide receiver Kenny Bell, 6- 1, 170, 4. 45, of Rayville, La., has been timed at 10. 4 seconds in the 100 meters and has 18 or 19 scholarship offers from schools such as Arkansas, LSU, Alabama, Michigan, Ole Miss and Nebraska.

Arkansas' camp is one of three camps Bell plans to attend this summer.

"I plan to go to camps at Arkansas, Alabama and LSU over the next few weeks," Bell said. "I'll sit down after that and figure out what I want to do."

Bell had 50 receptions for 900 yards and 15 touchdowns last season, and Rayville Coach Bo Barton said Bell has all the intangibles needed at receiver.

"Kenny Bell is an exciting player to watch and probably the fastest player I've ever coached," Barton said. "Great straightaway speed. He's a kid that has a burst after he catches the ball. He has good hands. He's not afraid to catch the ball across the middle."

Bell is just as impressive off the field, Barton said.

"Kenny is a great kid. He has a good family life," Barton said. "He works 30 hours a week during the summer, plus does all his workouts. He's good student and has already made 17 on the ACT. He's kid everybody would like to coach." Bell said he is looking for a strong academic program and a strong coaching staff. "I'm all about doing my lessons first," said Bell, who hopes to be a physical therapist or a coach after college. "I'm going to get my education before anything. I want a school with a good academic program and good coaches that can teach me what I need to know." He said he hopes to make a decision in late July or early August.

7-ON-7 AT UA Thirty teams from four states will compete today and Saturday in the VYPE Select 7-on-7 football tournament on Arkansas'campus.

Pool play runs from 1 to 8 tonight, with the final round of pool play resuming at 10 a.m. Saturday. First-round play begins at 1 p.m. Saturday, with the championship game scheduled for 4: 30.

Games will be played on the practice fields, inside Walker Pavilion and on intramural fields.

The tournament is one of a few that take place on major college campuses, and Arkansas recruiting coordinator Tim Horton is happy to have the event. "We think it is wonderful to be able to have an event like this on our campus and get so many student-athletes in our facilities," Horton said. "Events like this have really helped improve the quality of football in Arkansas." Because of NCAA rules, the Razorbacks coaching staff will not be in attendance, but Coach Bobby Petrino and assistant Bobby Allen can attend because their sons, Bobby Petrino and Brandon Allen, will be playing for Fayetteville High School. Admission is $ 5 for adults and $ 3 for students and seniors. Proceeds go to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Arkansas. More information on the tournament can be found on the recruiting blog.

Contact Richard Davenport at: rdavenport@arkansasonline. com

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