Any thoughts on SEC action this year? I'm a loyal Arkansas Razorback fan and we are expected a down year as we rebuild. I'm starting a review of each SEC team to prepare for this season. Sometimes there is valuable "local" information that doesn't make the news. Here is what I have gathered on Arkansas so far:
Arkansas Head Coach: Bobby Petrino (1st year at Arkansas, 41-9 overall
Key Losses: LB Weston Dacus, G Robert Felton, OT Nate Garner, CB Michael Grant, DT Marcus Harrison, S Matt Hewitt, FB Peyton Hillis, WR Robert Johnson, RB Felix Jones, RB Darren McFadden, WR Marcus Monk, CB Matterral Richardson, S Kevin Woods
Returning Leaders for Arkansas:
Rushing: Michael Smith, RB, 303 yards
Passing: Casey Dick, QB, 1,695 yards
Receiving: Lucas Miller, WR, 157 yards
Tackles: Freddie Fairchild, LB, 79
Sacks: Freddie Farichild, LB, 4.5
Interceptions: Jerell Norton, CB, 5
Arkansas's Strengths:
Arkansas has some rebuilding to do, but having solid lines on both sides of the ball should help the rest of the team adjust to some major changes. Center Jonathan Luigs anchors an offensive line that only gave up one sack per game last season. With Malcolm Sheppard and Jose Valdez also back, the Razorbacks line will be the strength of the offense. And with such a good line, life without McFadden and Jones will not be as bad as it seems. Running back Michael Smith is small and quick and could be the next explosive Arkansas back. On the defensive side of the ball, the line returns three starters. Malcolm Sheppard and Adrian Davis earned some very valuable experience last year and the ends will do a better job pressuring the quarterback than they did last season.
Arkansas's Weaknesses:
Even if Dick can become a consistent passer, he will need to find some new receivers. Robert Johnson and Marcus Monk are gone and so is fullback Peyton Hillis who led the team with 49 receptions for 537 yards last season. Dick will need wide receiver Crosby Tuck and tight end Ben Cleveland to stay healthy and hope Lucas Miller and Reggie Fish can be consistent producers. The defense has a lot of problems, but none might be worse than the secondary where all four starters need to be replaced. There are a few somewhat experienced players like junior cornerback Jerell Norton and senior free safety Walner Leandre, but the pass defense will take a huge hit compared to last year.
The Bottom Line for the Razorbacks:
This will be a rebuilding year in Fayetteville. The team needs some time to adjust to the new staff and some time to adjust to losing key players on both sides of the ball.
This information is By Joel Welser
CollegeSports-fans.com Senior Guest Writer
All input is welcomed and comments are encouraged. BOL to all this football season :toast::toast::toast:
Arkansas Head Coach: Bobby Petrino (1st year at Arkansas, 41-9 overall
Key Losses: LB Weston Dacus, G Robert Felton, OT Nate Garner, CB Michael Grant, DT Marcus Harrison, S Matt Hewitt, FB Peyton Hillis, WR Robert Johnson, RB Felix Jones, RB Darren McFadden, WR Marcus Monk, CB Matterral Richardson, S Kevin Woods
Returning Leaders for Arkansas:
Rushing: Michael Smith, RB, 303 yards
Passing: Casey Dick, QB, 1,695 yards
Receiving: Lucas Miller, WR, 157 yards
Tackles: Freddie Fairchild, LB, 79
Sacks: Freddie Farichild, LB, 4.5
Interceptions: Jerell Norton, CB, 5
Arkansas's Strengths:
Arkansas has some rebuilding to do, but having solid lines on both sides of the ball should help the rest of the team adjust to some major changes. Center Jonathan Luigs anchors an offensive line that only gave up one sack per game last season. With Malcolm Sheppard and Jose Valdez also back, the Razorbacks line will be the strength of the offense. And with such a good line, life without McFadden and Jones will not be as bad as it seems. Running back Michael Smith is small and quick and could be the next explosive Arkansas back. On the defensive side of the ball, the line returns three starters. Malcolm Sheppard and Adrian Davis earned some very valuable experience last year and the ends will do a better job pressuring the quarterback than they did last season.
Arkansas's Weaknesses:
Even if Dick can become a consistent passer, he will need to find some new receivers. Robert Johnson and Marcus Monk are gone and so is fullback Peyton Hillis who led the team with 49 receptions for 537 yards last season. Dick will need wide receiver Crosby Tuck and tight end Ben Cleveland to stay healthy and hope Lucas Miller and Reggie Fish can be consistent producers. The defense has a lot of problems, but none might be worse than the secondary where all four starters need to be replaced. There are a few somewhat experienced players like junior cornerback Jerell Norton and senior free safety Walner Leandre, but the pass defense will take a huge hit compared to last year.
The Bottom Line for the Razorbacks:
This will be a rebuilding year in Fayetteville. The team needs some time to adjust to the new staff and some time to adjust to losing key players on both sides of the ball.
This information is By Joel Welser
CollegeSports-fans.com Senior Guest Writer
All input is welcomed and comments are encouraged. BOL to all this football season :toast::toast::toast:
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