Two Big Commitments

• No Comments
• Share +
• -+ Font Size

• By Nathan Allen
• 4:21AM on June 3rd, 2010

Two area football players (both are rising seniors) verbally committed to Arkansas this week, giving the Razorbacks plenty of reason to be happy about the future.

First, Springdale High offensive lineman Mitch Smothers (6-foot-5, 290 pounds) committed to Arkansas on Tuesday morning, and on Wednesday morning, Bentonville offensive lineman Marcus Danenhauer (6-5, 318) also committed to Arkansas.

Both players are expected to be two of the best at their positions, not only in Northwest Arkansas, but in the state this fall.

Bentonville coach Barry Lunney said Danenhauer’s size is something that gives him a huge advantage.

“Obviously his physical size is impressive and that’s one of those things that we say you can’t coach,” Lunney told Hawgs Illustrated. “He is such a young kid, but so physically mature for his age; he really is still developing physically.

“I know the Arkansas coaches see a guy that has so much upside, but that is not to diminish his ability right now,” Lunney said. “He has come a long way in 12 months and is a big-time prospect.”

Danenhauer becomes Bentonville’s third offensive lineman that will receive a Division I scholarship, as both Chase Petersen signed with Louisville and Jon-Mark Holden signed with Central Arkansas University in February.

PHOTOS: From top, Danenhauer (first), Smothers (second).