Devanta Johnson talks recruiting

The state of Oklahoma was very well represented at the University of Arkansas' spring game this past Saturday. Several Tulsa East Central prospects were in attendance, including star CB Devanta Johnson, who is excited about his weekend experience.

Johnson, who has long been interested in the Hogs, joined teammates Stanvon Taylor and Kimmie Carson for the post-spring practice scrimmage, which was surrounded by media coverage, amidst the Bobby Petrino scandal controversy.

While it's no secret that Arkansas is at the top of the speedy corner's list, it won't surprise people that the Tulsa native has already gotten his feet wet in some of 'Hog tradition. Johnson has already visited Arkansas twice, which has given him the chance to see some of the Razorback faithful.

"One thing that I really like about Arkansas is the fans. They have a great fan base," said Johnson. "Another thing that hit me right away were their facilities. They are really, really nice."

Johnson also liked what he saw this weekend, saying his spring game visit went "really well" and is excited about heading back east for the Hogs camp this summer.

"I'll be going back to their camp this summer," said Johnson. "Hopefully things will go well there and an then maybe an offer will come."

While some recruits may be wary of signing with the Hogs due to the Petrino scandal, the controversy doesn't bother Johnson, who has full faith that the program will persevere.

"I'm not really worried about it," said Johnson. "The other coaches are in those positions for a reason. They will do the right thing to make sure the train keeps moving. I think they will still be very successful this year, just like people expected."

The 6-foot-1, 175-pound senior, who recorded 43 tackles, as well as snatching four interceptions and totaling four fumble recoveries in 2011, will be making his debut for East Central this fall, after moving over from Tulsa Central after his junior year.

Johnson is anxious about joining an East Central squad that finished 2011 with a semifinal loss to fellow 5A power, Guthrie.

"I'm ready to get there and play," Johnson said. "They had a good year last year, but we're going to try and make this year a better one."

Johnson has been in contact with several other schools this spring including Kansas State, Arizona State, Texas Tech, New Mexico and Navy.

Although he holds no offers at this point, Johnson thinks the invitations will start to roll in this summer and next fall.

"I don't have any offers yet, but I'm not really worried about it right now. I think after I go on some visits and to some camps, they will start to come," said Johnson.

With visits planned to Arizona State, Kansas State and Tulsa, Johnson knows this summer will be busy, but is looking forward to his vacation(s).

"I went down to Texas Tech and I liked what I saw down there. I'm pretty excited about some of the other schools too. I'm going to camps at Tulsa and Arizona State, as well as Kansas State's spring game," said Johnson.

After making the move to East Central, Johnson is most looking forward to the rise in the level of competition, hoping to get better in his final campaign.

"I really just am excited about getting to go against some better competition," said Johnson. "I've known a lot of the guys that go here for a long time, so it should be good for all of us."

Rivals.com rates Johnson, who runs a 4.5 in the 40, as a 3-star recruit.