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).

We’ve got plenty of ideas in store for this space, as well. Not only will you see breaking news or interesting tidbits about prep athletics in this area, you’ll see video and plenty of photos. Everyone on staff is excited about making this site the biggest go-to site for prep news in Northwest Arkansas.

Because it’s the summertime, there isn’t (as expected) much to report right now. But before you know it, we’ll have stories on summer football drills, 7-on-7 tournaments, All-Star week, summer baseball and even the start of two-a-day football practices in August.

It’s an exciting time for the coverage of prep athletics here in NWA, and we only hope you’ll share that with us, right here at NWApreps.