Caldwell targets trio in East Arkansas

The Vols, led by ace recruiter Steve Caldwell, are showing strong interest in three Springdale High School players: quarterback Mitch Mustain, offensive lineman Bartley Webb, and wide receiver Damian Williams. The three are thought to be among the top prospects in Arkansas.

The trio led Springdale to a 12-0 record last season before losing the state semifinal game when their top two quarterbacks went down with injuries in the first half.

The venture into Arkansas is nothing new for Caldwell, who coaches defensive ends. In the past, he has helped secure defensive back Roshaun Fellows, defensive back Ricardo Kemp, receiver Bret Smith, and running back Cedric Houston.

The difference in this effort is geography. Most of UT's success has come in East Arkansas, specifically Warren and Clarendon. UT's recruiting in West Arkansas wasn't much to speak of until the Vols landed wide receiver Slick Shelley from Fort Smith.

"You all stole one there," Springdale coach Gus Malzahn said about Shelley. "You've got you a good one there."

Malzahn said Webb's stock began to rise last year when the 6-foot-7, 295-pound offensive tackle held his own against defensive end Zach Schreiber, an Alabama signee, from Evangel Christian High School in Louisiana.

"We threw him to the dogs in the first game and he didn't give up a sack," Malzahn said. "He's a big athletic kid that has certainly come into his own. He has great technique on his pass protection and has a great punch. The sky is the limit."

Malzahn said more than a dozen schools have offered Webb a scholarship. LSU, Tennessee, Texas, Oklahoma, Michigan and Arkansas are some of the suitors. Webb visited UT on March 12 as part of the Vols' junior day.

Williams would be a key member of Tennessee's 2006 recruiting class with wide receiver one of the highest priorities. He has received offers from several elite programs.

"He's special," Malzahn said. "He's about as talented a kid as you'll see. He's just now starting to mature, too. He's starting to get stronger."

The 6-2, 180-pound Williams does a bit of everything for Springdale including wide receiver, running back, safety, punt returner and kick returner.

Williams' playmaking abilities remind Malzahn of Smith, who caught five touchdown passes for UT last season. Springdale played Smith's alma mater, Warren, in the 2003 Arkansas Kickoff Classic.

"Athletically, they're probably on the same level," Malzahn said. "Damian could be a little faster."

So far, Williams has received more than 20 offers including UT, LSU, Iowa, Texas, Michigan, Oklahoma, Florida and Arkansas.

Securing Mustain may be a bit tougher than Webb or Williams. The 6-3, 200-pound Mustain has received offers from Michigan, Notre Dame, Clemson, Oklahoma, LSU, South Carolina, and Florida.

"He's as good as I've ever seen," Malzahn said. "If there's any better in the country, I'd like to see them.

Mustain would have to face strong competition in Knoxville with sophomores Erik Ainge and Brent Schaeffer on campus and 2005 signee Jonathan Crompton set to arrive this summer.

The influx of talent in Springdale has been notable. Malzahn said the school only had three Division I players in the previous 10 years. It's now at seven.

Malzahn said UT, and any other school, is still in the running for the three prospects.

"We're going to narrow it down after spring practice after we look at all the factors," Malzahn said. "They're really open right now."

Aloha: UT has had plenty of good press to help them in Hawaii. Defensive tackle Jesse Mahelona's selection as an All-American and Liane Horiuchi's decision to play softball for Tennessee kept UT on the front page of the sports section last fall.

Keeping the Hawaiian pipeline open is a big priority for UT. The success rate of players from Hawaii is tough to beat. Defensive end J.T. Mapu, who is expected to complete his Mormon mission at the end of the year and return to UT, also has made a contribution to the Vols in his two seasons.

UT was close to offering center Tyler Williams a scholarship for the 2005 class before securing a commitment from Josh McNeil of Collins, Miss.

Working Ahead: Offensive coordinator Randy Sanders has been traveling to Waynesville, N.C., to study game tape with Crompton. Crompton is working towards enrolling at UT for the first summer session, which may require him to take some tests early at Tuscola High School.

Dave Hooker covers recruiting. He may be reached at hookerd@knews.com.