Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

Arkansas linebackers coach Reggie Johnson can't wait to work with the team's new linebackers. The Razorbacks signed three as part of their 30-man class, including one Johnson won't have to wait much longer to coach.

The Razorbacks signed North Carolina Tech Prep's Tyler Gilbert (6-foot-3, 245 pounds, 4.6 40-yard dash), and he is currently enrolled in classes and set to go through spring practice. Arkansas also added Phoenix College's Alonzo Highsmith (6-1, 215, 4.6) and Scottsdale (Ariz.) Saguaro's Brock Haman (6-4, 235, 4.61). Johnson feels Arkansas filled its needs at his position, and he is looking forward to working with Gilbert this spring.

"In the last week, really last couple of days, I have had an opportunity to visit with [Gilbert]," Johnson said. "... He's an impressive young man. Physically, he looks great."

Gilbert qualified late out of River Ridge (La.) John Curtis High School in 2010 and instead of going to a smaller school opted to head to the prep school to try and improve his stock for SEC schools. Gilbert had 62 tackles and five sacks this season at prep school. Johnson feels the decision was a good one.

That extra year at the prep school obviously helped him mature physically," Johnson said.

Arkansas is preparing to go through its off-season program where Gilbert and the others will prepare for spring football.

"I haven't had an opportunity to really see him do a lot," Johnson said. "The guys in the weight room say he can run well and move. Now, it's just a matter of how well I can get him caught up on the mental part of the game."

Arkansas Coach Bobby Petrino likes Gilbert and is looking forward to seeing him compete at the middle linebacker spot in the spring.

"I really like his size, his physicalness and since he's been on campus, we've found out his movement is very good," Petrino said.

The Razorbacks had initially hoped to add a junior college linebacker, but when they discovered Gilbert at the prep school,they decided to go with the best junior college linebacker they could sign and that was Highsmith. While Highsmith won't be at Arkansas until the summer, Johnson feels very secure with the addition of Highsmith.

"Obviously, he has the bloodlines," Johnson said. "When you watch his video he is a fast kid that once he gets there he can strike. I like he can come out of his hips and tackle. I look forward to seeing him come in and compete to get on the field immediately even though he's not here with us right now."

Highsmith's father is Alonzo Highsmith Sr. who played running back for the University of Miami and had a seven-year career in the NFL. This past season, Highsmith had 94 tackles, including 79 solo, as well as 12 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and 2 recovered fumbles.