DV linebacker Sadoway to play at Arkansas

Desert Vista linebacker Mike Sadoway will soon be playing in one of college football's toughest conferences.

The senior who graduated last month will join the Arkansas Razorbacks under first-year coach Bobby Petrino in the Southeastern Conference.

"I'm looking forward to college ball and seeing how much different that is than high school," Sadoway said.

Sadoway was second on the team in tackles this past season with 114 and also finished with seven sacks, third-best on the Thunder.

The Razorbacks plan on moving the 225-pounder from linebacker to defensive end.

"I played defensive end as a freshman and junior (at DV)," Sadoway said. "I really liked it. I actually liked it more than playing linebacker."

Sadoway first visited the campus in Fayetteville in mid-April during the team's spring practice and annual RazorFest.

"I talked to all the coaches and I met a bunch of the players, so that's probably when it became most real," Sadoway said.

"It was a lot different than Arizona, of course," he added. "There were a lot more trees, it was more humid. That's a big difference."

Differences aside, Sadoway thought it was a positive experience.

"The campus was beautiful, and the people were all friendly so I liked it."

Petrino also made a good impression on Sadoway.

"He was really nice," Sadoway said. "They were in the middle of a practice, and when I went to the field he stopped what he was doing and he came up to me to talk."

Sadoway, who will report for fall camp in August, had also heard from ASU, Florida Atlantic, Utah State and Idaho State.

With Sadoway moving on to Arkansas, 12 seniors from the 2007 Desert Vista roster are moving on to play at the collegiate level, including six with NCAA Bowl Subdivision (formerly I-A) schools.

Cornerback Allante Battle, defensive end Zeb Togiai and tight end Steven Figueroa all signed with ASU. Running back Chris Jones has said he's accepted an offer to walk on with the Sun Devils.

Wideout Luke Matthews signed with Utah.

Contact writer: (480) 898-4906 or rcasey@ahwatukee.com.