Tagged: Football

College Football Recruiting: Where did the Elite 11 Quarterbacks Sign


In July, Pepperdine University was the site for the prestigious Elite 11 camp. The Malibu setting with thePacific Ocean in the background featured 24 seniors-to-be instructed by 2001 Super Bowl winning quarterback Trent Dilfer.

With the 2012 National Signing Day now in the past this article will breakdown which universities signed Elite 11 campers, how recruiting services ranked the quarterbacks at the end of their respective seasons, and cover the significance of attending the Elite 11 camp for perspective college quarterbacks.

The camp has been a stepping stone for many high school quarterbacks on their way to college fame and NFL stardom. The previous attendees include Matt Leinart (2000), Kyle Orton (2000), Vince Young (2001), Mark Sanchez (2004), Josh Freeman (2005), Matthew Stafford (2005 MVP), Ryan Mallett (2006), Tim Tebow (2006), Andrew Luck (2007), Landry Jones (2007), and Aaron Murray (2008).

When a quarterback performs well at the Elite 11 camp not only do college coaches notice but so do NFL scouts. Dilfer proudly let it be known that of the 32 starting quarterbacks set to start for their respective NFL teams before the 2011 season, 22 of those quarterbacks attended this camp.

The camp continues to turnout top performers. Four of the top 12 picks in the 2011 NFL Draft competed at Elite 11 camps including Cam Newton, Panthers, Blaine Gabbert, Jaguars, Jake Locker, Titans, and Christian Ponder, Vikings.

With so much attention paid to this particular camp one can see how fierce the competition is among the players to win top honors.

When the 2011 Elite 11 camp was finished three players shared MVP honors- Jameis Winston from Hueytown, AL, Neal Burcham from Greenbrier, AR, and Tanner Magnum from Eagle, ID.

The next eight quarterbacks were ranked in the following order:

  • Jeff Lindquist, Mercer Island, WA
  • Chad Voytik, Cleveland, TN
  • Zach Kline, Danville, CA
  • Shane Dillion, El Cajon, CA
  • Chad Kelly, Buffalo, NY
  • Zeke Pike, Fort Mitchell, KY
  • Bart Houston, Concord, CA
  • Austin Appleby, North Canton, OH

The camp counselors, composed primarily of college quarterbacks, awarded the campers with their own set of awards, some in jest the rest on pure talent.

The counselors selected Magnum, Winston, and Burcham in their top five performers along with Gunner Kiel and Patton Robinette.

Honors bestowed to attendees included:

  • Connor Brewer – The best in any system
  • Travis Wilson – The quickest release
  • Zach Kline – The strongest arm
  • Tanner Magnum – The most accurate
  • Cyler Miles – The most athletic
  • Grant Roach – The most coachable
  • Jameis Winston – The Best deep ball
  • Jake Rodrigues – The best footwork
  • Preston Dewey – The best touch
  • Tyler O’Connor – The most poised
  • Nick Patti – The Doug Flutie Award
  • Gunner Kiel– Tightest shirt
  • Chad Kelly – Needs to learn “no comment” Award

The start of each player’s college career has been mapped out. What happens from here is up to the individual players.

Athletic ability can only take a player so far in college. Which player will benefit the most from hard work, determination, great coaching, and a little bit of luck?

Who will we see excel at the next level?

An alphabetical listing of the 2011 Elite 11 Quarterback Camp finalists:

Player/ High School/ Height/ Weight/ Scout.com Ranking/College

Austin Appleby, North Canton, Ohio, 6’4”, 215 pounds, 3-star, No. 62, Purdue

Connor Brewer, Scottsdale, AZ, 6’ 2”, 190 pounds, 4-star, No. 11, Texas
*Neal Burcham, Greenbrier, AR, 6’ 3”, 190 pounds, 2-star, No. 86, SMU
Tyler Cameron, Jupiter, FL, 6’ 3”, 215 pounds, 3-star, No. 53, Wake Forest

Preston Dewey, Austin, TX, 6’ 3”, 200 pounds, 3-star, No. 65, Miami

Shane Dillon, El Cajon, CA, 6’ 5”, 185 pounds, 3-star, No. 28, Colorado

Bart Houston, Concord, CA, 6’ 3”, 210 pounds, 4-star, No. 7, Wisconsin

Chad Kelly, Buffalo, NY, 6’ 2”, 200 pounds, 3-star, No. 20, Clemson

Gunner Kiel, Columbus, IN, 6’ 4”, 220 pounds, 5-star, No. 1, Notre Dame

Zach Kline, Danville, CA, 6’ 2”, 205 pounds, 4-star, No. 4, California

Jeff Lindquist, Mercer Island, WA, 6’ 3”, 225 pounds, 4-star, No. 8, Washington

*Tanner Mangum, Eagle, Idaho, 6’ 2”, 195 pounds, 4-star, No. 15, BYU

Tyler Matthews, McPherson, KS, 6’2”, 195 pounds, 3-star, No. 34, TCU

Cyler Miles, Denver, CO, 6’ 4”, 220 pounds, 4-star, No. 13, Washington

Tyler O’Connor, Lima, OH, 6’ 2”, 205 pounds, 3-star, No. 23, Michigan State

Nick Patti,Orlando,FL, 5’ 10”, 195 pounds, 3-star, No. 39, Boise State

Zeke Pike, Fort Mitchell, KY, 6’ 5”, 230 pounds, 4-star, No. 16, Auburn

Patton Robinette, Maryville, TN, 6’ 4”, 190 pounds, 3-star, No. 38, Vanderbilt

Jake Rodrigues, Rocklin, CA, 6’ 3”, 215 pounds, 4-star, No. 17, Oregon

Grant Rohach,Moorpark,CA, 6’ 2”, 185 pounds, 3-star, No.74, Iowa State

Patrick Towles, Fort Thomas, KY, 6’ 5”, 225 pounds, 3-star, No. 33, Kentucky

Chad Voytik, Cleveland, TN, 6’ 1”, 195 pounds, 4-star, No. 12, Pittsburgh

Travis Wilson, San Clemente, CA, 6’ 6”, 215 pounds, 3-star, No. 27, Utah

*Jameis Winston, Hueytown, AL, 6’ 4”, 200 pounds, 5-star, No. 2, Florida State

* Denotes Elite 11 MVP Award

All rankings are per Scout.com

Patton Robinette is the only player to switch his verbal commitment after the camp. He switched from North Carolina to Vanderbilt.

Gunner Kiel, Neal Burcham, Tyler Cameron, Chad Kelly, and Chad Voytik were not verbally committed at the time of the camp.

University of Washington Head Coach Steve Sarkisian bested college football by signing two recruits that competed in the Elite 11 camp.

Listing the Top 37 SEC Players Eligible for 2012 NFL Draft


During the 2011 NFL Draft 37 players from the SEC heard their name called by NFL teams, 10 in the first round alone. 51 total seniors from SEC schools have been invited to participate in the four different post season all-star games. Underclassmen are already preparing for this year’s NFL Combine by hiring strength and fitness instructors to help them display their athletic abilities.

 

How many SEC players will hear their names called during the 2012 NFL Draft?

 

Here’s a list of the top 37 players that can equal last year’s impressive transition from college football into the NFL.

 

*Denotes underclassman

 

Running Backs:

*Trent Richardson, 5’11”, 224 pounds, University of Alabama

Workhorse, power runner, game changer, break away back, the total package… However you want to describe Richardson as a dominate running back take your pick. He can also catch the ball out of the backfield. The only thing that will keep him off the field as a rookie in the NFL is if he does not show the ability to pick up the blitz on passing downs.

 

Richardson led the SEC in rushing yards (1,679), rushing attempts (283), and rushing touchdowns (21). He also led the SEC to their sixth straight BCS National Championship.

 

Draft Worthy Mentions:

RB Vick Ballard, Mississippi State

RB Tauren Poole, Tennessee

RB Chris Rainey, Florida

FBBroderick Green, Arkansas

 

 

Wide Receivers and Tight Ends:

*Alshon Jeffery, 6’4”, 229 pounds, University of South Carolina

Jeffery is a big target which NFL scouts like and he’s great at jumping over defenders, especially in the red zone. Jeffery lacks the blazing speed coveted by NFL teams and his route running is not crisp.

 

Even with the instability at quarterback for the Gamecocks, Jeffery was able to finish the season ranked No. 5 in the SEC in total receiving yards. His eight touchdown receptions were tied for third best in the SEC.

 

*Orson Charles, 6’3”, 242 pounds, University of Georgia

Charles may be the best tight end available in the NFL Draft much less the best tight end in the SEC. He has the speed, height, and athletic ability for the next level. His ability to stretch the field and pump against linebackers will help his draft status.

 

Charles was No. 12 in the SEC in total receiving yards with 574 while hauling in 45 passes and five receiving touchdowns.

 

Jarius Wright, 5’10”, 180 pounds, University of Arkansas

Wright is smaller wide receiver than what most scouts want in a No. 1 receiver. InArkansas’ offense he was accustomed to running routes across the middle of the field which is something he will have to do on the next level as a No. 2 option or as a slot receiver.

 

Wright finished the 2011 season leading the SEC in receiving yards (1,117) and receiving touchdowns (12). He was one catch shy of tying Da’Rick Rogers (Tennessee) for most receptions-Rogers67, Wright 66.

 

Joe Adams, 5’11”, 190 pounds, University of Arkansas

Adamswas a consensus All-American as a punter returner in 2011. He led all players with four kickoff returns for touchdowns and his yardage per punt return average of 16.89 was second in college football. Some team will take a chance on Adams for his return ability alone. His 4.3 40-yard dash helps too.

 

Do not overlook Adams’ ability as a receiver. He was No. 4 in the SEC in total receptions (54) and No. 8 in total receiving yards (652).

 

Draft Worthy Mentions:

Greg Childs, Arkansas

*Reuben Randle, LSU

 

Offensive Linemen:

Cordy Glenn, 6’5”, 348 pounds, University of Georgia

Glenn has the size of a NFL tackle but played guard for the Bulldogs since his sophomore year. Either way he’s a beast to contend with especially on running plays.

 

He has started since his freshman season and has played against top quality defensive linemen throughout his college career. Glenn should be a late first round draft pick.

 

Draft Worthy Mentions:

OT D.J. Fluker, Alabama

C Ben Jones, Georgia

OG Will Blackwell, LSU

C William Vlachos, Alabama

OT Bobby Massie, Ole Miss

 

Linebackers:

*Dont’a Hightower, 6’4”, 260 pounds, Alabama

Hightower is a hard nosed tackler with size and good speed. If he did not have a history of being injured (tore ACL in left knee in 2009) Hightower might be considered the top outside linebacker in the NFL Draft. As it is he still will go somewhere in the first round.

 

Courtney Upshaw, 6’2”, 265 pounds, Alabama

Upshaw is anotherAlabamaproduct that projects high in the NFL Draft. Upshaw is an excellent fit as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 NFL defensive scheme. He led Bama with 9.5 sacks this season and seven in 2010.

 

Upshaw was a four year player for the Tide. He has 4.6 speed to go with his massive frame.

 

Chris Marve, 6’0”, 242 pounds, University of Vanderbilt

Marve is a typical SEC middle linebacker, always in on a play and a sound tackler. He had an off senior year due to injuries. Still he finished with 91 tackles and 2.5 sacks.

 

Unless Marve shows tremendous speed at the combine he is likely going to drop into the third round.

 

Draft Worthy Mentions:

Jerry Franklin, Arkansas

Danny Trevathan, Kentucky

 

Defensive Linemen:

Melvin Ingram, 6’2”, 276 pounds, University of South Carolina

Ingram was the senior leader of a three-headed defensive end rotation that terrorized the SEC- Devin Taylor and Jadeveon Clowney. Ingram had nine sacks as a junior and 10 sacks as a senior.

 

He has a knack for making big plays. His speed is average for a defensive end his size (4.6 40-yard dash). If he can show off some superior atheism at the combine he could work his way into a solid second round pick.

 

*Michael Brockers, 6’6”, 306 pounds, LSU

A disruptive force for offensive lines to deal with, Brockers easily dominates most blockers in one-on-one situations. He gets up field in a hurry and commands double teams.

 

He converted from defensive end to defensive tackle while inBaton Rouge. He is short on overall experience but has a ton of upside. If he does well at the combine he should hear his name called in the first round.

 

Josh Chapman, 6’1”, 310 pounds, Alabama

Chapman anchored the line for a great Alabama defense throughout his colligate career. His size is a little undersized for a nose tackle.  His real weapon in the trenches is his speed. He clocked a 4.92 40-yard dash.

 

Chapman should go before the second round his over. Early third round if he has a bad NFL Combine or pro day.

 

*Fletcher Cox, 6’4”, 295 pounds, Mississippi State

There is nothing bad to say about the abilities of Fletcher Cox. He has a motor that does not stop, he is quick off the ball, and played through double-teams throughout his college career. He posted 5 sacks in 2011 and 2.5 in 2010.

 

NFL teams will want to beef Cox up once he is drafted. Look for Cox to go somewhere in the second to third round.

 

Jake Bequette, 6’5”, 271 pounds, University of Arkansas

Bequette is an experienced college player having redshirted before becoming a four-year starter for the Hogs. He finished the 2011 season with 10 sacks in 10 games as a hamstring injury forced him to miss three games during the early part of the season.

 

Bequette is fast but not necessarily strong for a defensive end. He has been clocked at 4.5 in the 40-yard dash. He might end up being a weak side defensive end in the NFL.

 

Draft Worthy Mentions:

DT Malik Jackson, Tennessee

DE Tim Fugger, Vanderbilt

 

Defensive Backs:

*Dre Kirkpatrick, 6’3”, 192 pounds, University of Alabama

Kirkpatrick has the size and speed NFL scouts drool over for cornerbacks. His background at Alabama will help him play man defense and zone defense at the next level.

 

Kirkpatrick had zero interceptions in 2011 but had three in 2010.

 

His ability on the field makes him a first round draft pick. Getting busted for marijuana in Bradenton, Florida may drop his draft status.

 

*Morris Claiborne, 6’0”, 185 pounds, LSU

Claiborne is considered the best corner in college football with the ability to be a shut-down corner on the next level. His speed, toughness, and athletic ability will make him a first-round pick for some lucky NFL team.

 

Claiborne had six interceptions during his junior campaign with one returned for a touchdown. He had five interceptions in 2010.

 

*Jonathan Banks, 6’1”, 185 pounds, Mississippi State

Banks is a legitimate cover corner ready for the next level. He had three picks in 2010 and five in 2011 with one returned for a touchdown. He also registered three sacks this season.

His ability to move up in draft status will depend on how well he competes at the NFL Draft Combine.

 

Draft Worthy Mentions:

*CB Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina

CB Brandon Boykin, Georgia

CB CaseyHayward, Vanderbilt

SS Mark Barron, Alabama

FS Tramain Thomas, Arkansas

SEC Football: Arkansas Places Six Seniors in Post-Season All-Star Games


 

The Arkansas Razorbacks has six seniors out of a total of 51 former SEC players that will participate in three of four different post-season all-star games.

Running back Broderick Green (Little Rock, Arkansas) will be the first former Hog to appear in a game when he suits up for the Casino Del Sol College All-Star Game January 16.

Green, a punishing runner listed at 6’2”, 244 pounds, finished the 2011 college football season with 260 rushing yards on 68 carries. He led the Razorbacks with five rushing touchdowns this year.

For his career at Arkansas he complied 1,235 rushing yards on 308 attempts for 22 touchdowns.

Five other former SEC players will be appearing in the Casino Del Sol All-Star Game: OT Chandler Burden from Kentucky, DE Wayne Dorsey from Ole Miss, QB Jarrett Lee from LSU, CB Anthony Mosley from Kentucky, and LB Austin Johnson from Tennessee.

The Casino Del Sol College All-Star Game takes place in Phoenix, Arizona at the Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium and airs on FOX Sports Net at 8 p.m. EST January 16.

In the East-West Shrine Game the NFL Network will showcase the talents of wide receivers Greg Childs and Jarius Wright along with linebacker Jerry Franklin.

Franklin was a four year starter for the Hogs. He led Arkansas in tackles in each of the past four years finishing with 100 or more tackles in his junior and senior seasons- 101 in 2011 and 100 in 2010.

Franklin was one of eight total Razorbacks voted All-SEC in 2011. He was second team defense as picked by SEC Coaches.

Jarius Wright led the SEC in receiving yards (1,117) and touchdown receptions (12) during his senior season. Wright was one catch shy of tying Tennessee’s Da’Rick Rogers conference leading total of 67.

Greg Childs played much of the 2011 season still recovering from a patellar tendon injury he suffered in the fourth quarter of a 2010 game against Vanderbilt. He had his best game of the season in the Cotton Bowl against the Kansas State Wildcats finishing with five catches for 48 yards.

Childs ended his college football career with 2,069 total receiving yards, 133 receptions, and 15 total touchdowns.

Nine other SEC players will appear in the East-West Shrine Game including: QB John Brantley from Florida, Tauren Poole from Tennessee, DT DeAngelo Tyson, PK Blair Walsh, FB Bruce Figgins from Georgia, DE Kentrell Lockett and OT Bradley Sowell from Ole Miss, C Quentin Saulsberry from Mississippi State, and DT Travian Robertson from South Carolina.

The East-West Shrine Game starts at 4 p.m. EST and will be shown on the NFL Network January 21. The game will be played at Tropicana Field inSt. Petersburg, Florida.

The Senior Bowl has the largest collection of former SEC players among the post-season all-star games with 23 total players appearing including two Razorbacks- WR Joe Adams and DE Jake Bequette.

Jake Bequette was first team All-SEC in 2011 after totaling 10 sacks, five quarterback hurries, and 10.5 tackles for a loss while appearing in 10 games. He had multiple sack games against South Carolina (3), Mississippi State (2), and Kansas State (2).

Joe Adams was a consensus All-American as a punt returner for Arkansas. He ranked No. 2 in Division 1-A in total punt return yards (321), average return yards per punt (16.89), but led all players in returns for a touchdown (4).

Adams was a primary threat in the SEC as one of the Razorbacks top wide receivers. He ranked No. 8 in the SEC with 652 total receiving yards and No. 4 in total receptions with 54 while catching three touchdown passes.

As a threat out of the backfield, Adams had 10 rushing attempts for 139 yards with one touchdown.

The 21 other former SEC players scheduled to play in the Senior Bowl include: RB Vick Ballard from MSU, DT Josh Chapman, Safety Mark Barron, WR Marquis Maze, CB DeQuan Menzie, LB Courtney Upshaw, and C William Vlachos from Alabama, Punter Drew Butler, CB Brandon Boykin, OT Cordy Glenn, and C Ben Jones from Georgia, DT Jaye Howard and RB Chris Rainey from Florida, RT Brandon Mosley and LS Josh Harris from Auburn, CB Casey Hayward from Vanderbilt, DE Melvin Ingram and S/LB Antonio Allen from South Carolina, and OG Will Blackwell, TE Deangelo Peterson, and Safety Brandon Taylor from LSU.

The Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama will air on the NFL Network at 4 p.m. EST January 28.

No former Razorback players will appear in the Battle for Florida played on January 21 at 8 p.m. EST on FOX College Sports in Boca Raton, Florida.

SEC Football: Recapping the 2011 Arkansas Razorbacks with a Look Ahead to 2012


What more can be said about the season Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino and his Razorback’s have had that has not already been said? Simply put, they had one of the best seasons in the school’s history. With all due respect to all previous Arkansas teams, maybe the second best ever?

Petrino guided Arkansas to their third 11 win season in school history (1964, Broyles, and 1977, Holtz), first in the BCS era. In the process the Razorbacks played four teams ranked in the BCS Top 10 finishing the season with a 29-16 win over Big 12 runner-up, No. 8 Kansas State Wildcats.

Entering the 2011 season the Hogs’ offense only returned four starters from 2010’s 10-win BCS Sugar Bowl team. Players gone to the NFL included: starting quarterback Ryan Mallett, All-SEC offensive linemen DeMarcus Love and Wade Grayson, and Mackey Award winning tight end D.J. Williams.

The Hogs were dealt two significant losses during spring and fall practices when running backs Knile Davis (foot) and Broderick Green (knee) suffered major injuries. Adding to the offensive woes was a hamstring injury to junior running back Dennis Johnson, a 2009 All-American as a kickoff returner.

Petrino had the arduous task of getting first-year starter Junior quarterback Tyler Wilson, three offensive linemen, running back Ronnie Wingo Jr., and a new starting tight end ready for one of the more demanding schedules in college football.

The 2010 Arkansas team was one of the most prolific scoring teams in school history finishing the season No. 17 in scoring offense (36.5 points per game) and No. 9 in total offense (482.5 yards per game) in Division 1-A.

Life was no easier on defense for coordinator Willy Robinson. The Razorbacks returned seven starters after losing players like Rudell Crim, Anthony Leon, and Ramon Broadway.

During the 2010 season the Hogs ranked 36th in total defense (348 yards per game) after playing six ranked teams- No. 1 Alabama, No. 7 Auburn, No. 18 South Carolina, No. 22 Mississippi State, No. 6 LSU, and No. 6 Ohio State.

The overlooked Razorback defense had a stronger finish than most expected ending No. 47 in total defense in 2011 allowing an average of 363 yards per game. Their scoring defense improved from No. 47 (23.4 points per game) in 2010 to No. 33 (22.23 points per game).

Playing not only in the toughest football conference in Division 1-A but perhaps the toughest division in college football history, the Hogs managed to finish the 2011 season with only two defeats, both coming on the road to then No. 3 Alabama and No. 1 LSU.

Regardless of the shortage on returning starters, Petrino added to his reputation as one of the greatest offensive football minds in the game after leading the Hogs to an average of 438.08 yards per game (No. 1 in the SEC) and the No. 16 ranked scoring offense in Division 1-A, averaging 36.77 points per game.

The Razorback offense played four teams that finished in the Top 20 in total defense- No. 1 Alabama, No. 2 LSU, No. 3 South Carolina, and No. 18 Vanderbilt.

On the schedule for the Hogs were Tennessee and Mississippi State. Both teams ended up No. 27 and No. 35 respectively in total defense.

Quarterback Tyler Wilson led the SEC in total passing yards (3,638), completion percentage among quarterbacks with over 300 passing attempts (63.2), total completions (277), and finished second in total touchdown passes (24).

Comparing Wilson’s 2011 season to Mallett’s 2010: Wilson had 11 more completions, eight fewer touchdown passes but threw six fewer interceptions (6 total) than Mallett’s 12. Mallett threw for 231 more total yards thanWilson.

Wilson spread the ball around to his receivers in Petrino’s offense. His favorite target was Senior receiver Jarius Wright. Wright led the SEC in yards (1,117) and touchdowns (12). He finished second to Da’Rick Rogers (Tennessee) in total receptions with 66 toRogers’ 67.

Seven Arkansas players caught 20 or more passes, four amassing over 500 total receiving yards- Wright, Joe Adams 54 catches 652 yards, Cobi Hamilton 34 receptions for 542 yards, Chris Gragg 41 catches for 518 yards, Dennis Johnson 24 receptions for 255 total yards, Greg Childs 21 receptions for 240 yards, and Ronnie Wingo Jr. 20 catches 187 total yards.

Wright, Adams, and Childs are all graduating seniors. Which returning Razorback receivers will replace this dynamic trio?

Cobi Hamilton is a junior with great speed and a knack for breaking loose in the oppositions secondary. As a freshman Hamilton averaged 18.3 yards per catch, as a sophomore he averaged 19.7, and this year he posted a 15.9 yard per catch average.

True freshman wide receiver Marquel Wade (Jacksonville, Florida) made an immediate impact on special teams for the Hogs with his game-breaking speed. Wade averaged 25.6 yards per kickoff return taking one of 14 returns to the house for an 85-yard touchdown.

Julian Horton, Quinta Funderburk, Keante Minor, Maudrecus Humphrey, and Javontee Herndon are all eagerly waiting for their chance to replace the aforementioned departing Razorback receiving core.

Perhaps two of the most difficult players to replace on the entire team will be linebacker Jerry Franklin and defensive end Jake Bequette.

Franklin led the team in tackles in each of the past four seasons. Franklin registered over 100 tackles in each of the past two seasons and was the heart and soul of the Razorback defense.

Bequette finished the season tied for second in the SEC with 10 sacks despite missing action in four different games. Bequette graduates third on the Razorback career sack list with 23.5- Wayne Martin 25.5 and Henry Ford 25.

Junior linebacker Alonzo Highsmith, sophomore defensive end Chris Smith, and true freshman defensive end Trey Flowers (Huntsville, Alabama) all appear ready to take over for the senior players.

Highsmith was second on the team with 4.5 sacks and third in total tackles with 80. Highsmith finished No. 10 in the SEC with 12.5 tackles for a loss. Smith was third on the team with 3.5 sacks and Flowers plays with a motor that never stops.

The secondary will miss the athletic play of safety Tramain Thomas. Thomas led the Razorbacks in interceptions the past two seasons- four in 2010 and five in 2011. He was also second in total tackles for the Hogs this year with 91.

Not accounting for players leaving early for the NFL, the Razorbacks should return seven starters on offense-Wilson, guard Alvin Bailey, center Travis Swanson, tackle Jason Peacock, early season starter true freshman Mitch Smothers (Springdale, Arkansas), tight end Chris Gragg, and running back Dennis Johnson.

Fullback Kiero Small, receiver Cobi Hamilton, and running back Ronnie Wingo’s contributions as starters cannot be overlooked heading into 2012.

Much speculation has centered on the return of All-SEC running back Knile Davis. Most Razorback fans expectDavisto return to his 2010 form in 2012 when he totaled 1,322 rushing yards with 13 touchdowns- second highest total in the SEC to Cam Newton’s 1,473. Rumblings have Davis possibly declaring for the NFL Draft despite missing the entire 2011 season.

Is it too late to start a “one more year” campaign for Davis inFayetteville?

Regardless ofDavis’ 2012 status the Hogs will be stacked at running back with Johnson, Wingo, and Kody Walker returning.

Defensively the Hogs will return seven starters- linemen Bryan Jones, Robert Thomas, and Tenarius Wright, Highsmith, corners Darius Winston and true freshman Tevin Mitchell (Mansfield,Texas) with safety Eric Bennett.

The play of the Razorback front seven against Kansas State in the Cotton Bowl has fans excited about the arrival of new defensive coordinator Paul Haynes.

Arkansas held the Wildcats to 87 total rushing yards while totaling six sacks. The secondary limited KSU quarterback Collin Klein to 173 passing yards.

Is this a sign of things to come from Arkansas’ defense?

On special teams Arkansas will return punter Dylan Breeding and place kick Zach Hocker. Breeding led the SEC in punting averaging 45.28 yards per punt. His ability to flip the field of play was a defensive weapon throughout the season.

Hocker was fourth in the SEC in field goal percentage (78) and tied for second in total field goals (21). Hocker led the SEC with 40 touchbacks on kickoffs.

Dennis Johnson and Marquel Wade give the Razorbacks two of the better return specialist in the SEC. Johnson and Wade both returned kickoffs for touchdowns in 2011.

The schedule plays into Arkansas’ favor in 2012. With seven home games, including SEC rivals Alabama and LSU, and the possible addition of another home non-conference game, the Hogs should find comfort in the friendly confines of Reynolds Razorback Stadium and War Memorial Stadium inLittle Rock. Arkansas was undefeated at home in 2011.

Vanderbilt and Tennessee are rotated off the schedule for a home game against Kentucky. SEC newcomer Texas A&M, a team the Hogs have beaten three straight years in non-conference play, becomes a permanent fixture as a SEC West divisional rival.

With all of the returning talent and home schedule a third straight 10-win season for the Hogs is a more than reasonable expectation.

Petrino leading Arkansas to their only back-to-back 11 win season is a possibility worth visiting Las Vegas.

Watching the Razorbacks roll to the SEC Championship Game in 2012 with a chance to play in the BCS National Championship game is what Razorback Nation has been waiting for.

Any Razorback fans ready for fall practices yet?

2012 Cotton Bowl Preview: No. 6 Arkansas versus No. 8 Kansas State


Friday January 6, 2012 college football fans will witness what happens between vastly contrasting styles of play when the Arkansas Razorbacks take on the Kansas State Wildcats in the 2012 Cotton Bowl in Arlington, Texas.

 

The matchup seem more like a lesson in physics from Archimedes or Albert Einstein than a college football game; a slow moving Kansas State offense against a bending Razorback run defense and a high powered Arkansas offense against a spacious Wildcat pass defense.

 

All of the elements add up to what promises to be one of the best bowl games of the year.

 

Team Overviews

 

KansasStaterelies on a solid ground attack led by Junior quarterback Collin Klein while the Razorbacks are led by their fluid passing Junior quarterback Tyler Wilson.

 

Klein set the single season Wildcat rushing touchdown record this season racking up 26 scores along with 1,099 rushing yards. Should Klein score one more rushing touchdown against the Razorbacks he will tie former Texas running back Ricky Williams for the all-time single season Big 12 record.

 

Klein’s 1,099 total rushing yards was fourth best in the Big 12 and his 91.58 rushing yards per game was the 39th best rushing yard per game average in Division 1-A.

 

Sophomore scat back John Hubert was second on the Wildcat team with 933 rushing yards, seventh best in the Big 12. The 5’7”, 185 pound running back scored three rushing touchdowns and proved to be dangerous as a pass catching option out of the backfield amassing 23 receptions for 193 yards with one touchdown on the season.

 

A deceptive running option for the Wildcats had been wide receiver Tyler Lockett. Lockett, a freshman from Tulsa, Oklahoma, rushed 10 times for 110 yards before a lacerated kidney ended his season.

 

Will KSU head coach Bill Snyder find another speedy option on reverses or option running plays to replace Lockett?

 

Klein threw for 1,745 yards in 2012 ranking him No. 8 in the Big 12; per team totals KSU was last in the Big 12 in total passing yards.

 

Klein’s average passing yards per game (145.42) plus his average rushing yards per game (91.58) ranks him 45th in the nation in total yards per game (237).

 

Chris Harper is the leading receiver for KSU. He caught 39 passes for 536 yards with five touchdowns. Tramaine Thompson is second on the team with 18 catches for 281 yards with one score.

 

The Wildcat offense ranked No. 96 in Division 1-A averaging 343.42 yards per game.

 

In comparison to Kansas State, Arkansas’ offense operates at the speed of light. The Razorback’s offense ranked No. 25 in the nation averaging 445.83 yards per game.

 

Arkansashead coach Bobby Petrino relied on Tyler Wilson to lead his pass happy attack in 2012 after Ryan Mallett departed for the NFL at the end of last season.

 

Wilson, a first-year starter, is averaging 285 passing yards per game, 21st best in college football.

 

Wilson’s favorite target has been Senior wide receiver Jarius Wright. Wright is first in the SEC in receiving touchdowns (11) and second in the SEC in total receiving yards (1,029).

 

Wright only needs four catches against KSU to tie Ja’Rick Rogers (Tennessee) for the SEC lead (67) in total receptions and he is 12 receiving yards away from passingRogers(1,040) for the SEC lead in total receiving yards.

 

Wilson has done a great job of spreading the ball around within the offense. Joe Adams is No. 5 in the SEC in total receiving yards (630) with 49 receptions, Cobi Hamilton is No. 12 (516) with 31 receptions, and tight end Chris Gragg has 40 catches for 492 total yards.

 

The Razorback running game has been by committee for most of the 2011 season. Junior running back Ronnie Wingo Jr. was the early season starter for the Hogs while Dennis Johnson (hamstring) and Broderick Green (knee) recovered from injuries.

 

Wingo accumulated 280 of his 440 rushing yards in the first six games of the season before giving way to Johnson. Since Dennis Johnson’s return to full-time work, he has rushed for 637 yards with three touchdowns ranking No. 12 in the SEC.

 

Johnson and Wingo are both threats in the passing game. Johnson has caught 22 passes for 253 and Wingo has 19 receptions for 183 yards.

 

Both backs give way to Senior Broderick Green on short yardage and goal line situations. Green has five rushing touchdowns on 61 attempts.

 

For the season the Hogs are ranked No. 81 in Division 1-A in total rushing yards with 1,657. Arkansas ranks No. 25 in total offense averaging 445.83.

 

 

Key Matchups

 

Kansas State’s running attack versus Arkansas’ run defense: The Razorback run defense has been a dark matter during the season. The Hogs fought through injuries to four starters (Bequette, Winston, Wright, and Madison) from theAlabamagame to the Tennessee game finishing the season allowing 174.33 rushing yards per game.

 

One of the weak areas for the Hogs has been their ability to stop running quarterbacks. Opposing quarterbacks have typically run against the Razorbacks on broken plays or resulting from excellent downfield coverage.

 

Klein runs on every play not just on passing plays gone wrong.

 

Can the Hogs stop a “Wildcat” quarterback?

 

Arkansas’ passing attack versusKansasState’s pass defense: In KSU’s two losses to Oklahoma and Oklahoma State the pass defense allowed Landry Jones (OU) and Brandon Weeden (OSU) to pass for over 500 yards. Jones threw five touchdowns and Weeden threw four on the Wildcats.

 

The Wildcats secondary is led by undersized junior college transfer cornerback Nigel Malone. Malone, listed at 5’10”, 175 pounds, led the team in interceptions with seven ranking first in the Big 12.

 

In a pass first league KSU only managed 18 sacks on the season. Will Snyder’s defense be able to force the dynamicWilsoninto turnovers?

 

Wilson has 22 passing touchdowns on the season with six interceptions. He has faced six pass defenses ranked in the Top 25 – No. 1 Alabama, No. 2 South Carolina, No. 8 LSU, No. 13 Tennessee, No. 19 Vanderbilt, and No. 22 Ole Miss.

 

The Hogs offensive line has been a wave of missed assignments in pass blocking schemes during the 2011 season. In 12 games they have surrendered 25 sacks, tied for 71st in Division 1-A, but Wilson has been hit or knocked down repeatedly after releasing the ball.

 

If the Wildcats hope to slow down the Razorback passing game they will have to attack the offensive line with blitzes and stunts throughout the game.

 

The Statistics

 

Total Offense: Arkansas No. 27, Kansas State 96

Scoring Offense: Arkansas No. 14,Kansas State 30

Rushing Offense: Arkansas No.79, Kansas State 29

Passing Offense: Arkansas No. 13, Kansas State 109

 

Total Defense: Arkansas 52, Kansas State 74

Scoring Defense: Arkansas 37, Kansas State 69

Rushing Defense: Arkansas 80, Kansas State 39

Passing Defense: Arkansas 26,  Kansas State 105

 

Net Punting: Arkansas46,Kansas   State 50

Punt Returns: Arkansas 15, Kansas  State55

Kickoff Returns: Arkansas 32, Kansas State 9

 

Turnover Margin: Arkansas 59, Kansas State 5

 

Game Analysis

 

On paper the Cotton Bowl pits an accelerating offense opposed by a collision-grind it out offense. Both defenses will be challenged by the other’s offense.

 

When Arkansas faced a similar pass defense in Texas A&M, ranked No. 109 to K State’s 105, Tyler Wilson threw for a school record 510 yards with two touchdowns and zero interceptions.

 

WhenKansasStatefaced similar passing offenses toArkansas, they lost both games- Oklahoma 58-17 and Oklahoma State 42-45.

 

Snyder’s Wildcat team has one defeat against a team ranked at the time of their game- No. 15 Baylor.

 

Petrino has led the Razorbacks against five ranked teams, three in the Top 10 at the time of the game. The Hogs record is 3-2 against those teams- Alabama, Texas A&M, Auburn, South Carolina, and LSU.

 

Common 2011 Opponent: Texas A&M

Kansas State won 53-50

Arkansas won 42-38

 

Field goal attempts:

Kansas State is 17-21, with four misses on kicks between 30-49 yards

Arkansas is 18-24, with five misses on kicks between 30-49 yards

 

Punting Average:

Arkansas punter Dylan Breeding leads the SEC in punting averaging 45.2 yards per punt

Kansas State punter Ryan Doerr is No. 8 in the Big 12 in punting averaging 39.9 yards per punt

 

Prediction

 

Bowl games can showcase the talented teams from the regular season or they can show that the month plus long layoff between games proves to be too much of a distraction for some teams. All coaches have to fight the inertia, rust, players facing graduation, and players looking forward to the NFL to keep their teams focused. Will the Razorbacks or Wildcats face this problem in the Cotton Bowl?

 

Both teams can play the disrespect card of not being in a BCS Bowl Game. Kansas State was outright snubbed by the Sugar Bowl because of a thought lack of a traveling fan base. While the Razorbacks momentum was stopped by the BCS rule of no more than two BCS teams per conference forcing them to yield toAlabamaand LSU in the BCS National Championship Game.

 

Arkansas’ offense is battle tested in a defense first conference. Texas, ranked No. 12 in total defense, is the only Top 50 defense the Wildcats have faced this year. Oklahoma is the second best defense they played- No. 55.

 

Klein will keep drives alive with his feet as he has done all season long. He was beat up at the end of the regular season. A month off should prove to be a big advantage for the Wildcats’ offense and Klein’s ability to produce within the offense.

 

The big question is can Snyder control the game clock with his running game and limit the Razorback’s offensive possessions?

 

The game will come down to Bobby Petrino’s offense. If the Razorback offense comes ready to play their potential energy should prove to be too much for the Wildcat pass defense.

 

Final Score

 

Arkansas 38, Kansas State 28

 

 

Cotton Bowl Game Time Information

The Cotton Bowl will be played January 6, 2012, at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

 

Game time is 8:00 p.m. EST on FOX.

 

FOX Broadcast Team

Gus Johnson – Play-by-play

Charles Davis – Color

Tim Brewster – Sideline Reporter

SEC Football: Two Recruits Commit Giving Arkansas an Early Christmas Gift


Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino received an early Christmas gift when Austin Flynn became the first official recruit for the 2012 class to sign a letter of intent with the Razorbacks on Wednesday.

 

Flynn, 6’4”, 250 pounds, with 4.55 forty-yard speed is listed as a three-star defensive end (Rivals.com). Flynn, from Wilmington, California, played at Los Angles Harbor Community College the past two seasons.

 

Petrino received another verbal commitment on Wednesday from three-star Manvel, Texas defensive end Taiwan Johnson. Johnson is listed at 6’3”, 240 pounds, and runs a reported 4.8 forty-yard dash.

 

Johnson recorded 86 total tackles this season with 11 sacks and 1 fumble recovery. In 2010 he had 61 total tackles, 7 sacks, with 1 fumble recovery.

 

The addition of Flynn and Johnson should help offset the loss of senior defensive end Jake Bequette to graduation.

 

More Arkansas Recruiting News

 

Arkansas lost out on one of the top rated junior college cornerbacks when Mo Seisay verbally committed to Nebraska on Tuesday after visiting Arkansas over the weekend of December 17.

 

The Hogs are now in the running for tailback Greg Garmon from Erie, Pennsylvania. Garmon is ranked the No. 26 prospect in the nation. He is listed at 6’1”, 200 pounds with 4.36 forty-yard dash.

 

Garmon was recruited by new offensive coordinator Paul Petrino while he was at Illinois and Arkansas’ new defensive coordinator Paul Haynes while he was at Ohio State.

 

If Garmon were to commit he would join running backs Donovan Roberts of Norman, Oklahoma and Jonathan Williams of Allen, Texas.

 

Roberts was recently offered by University of Oklahoma. Roberts kept his verbal commitment to Arkansas despite being offered by one of the top colleges in the nation that happens to reside in his hometown.

 

Garmon reports over 40 scholarship offers.

 

Arkansas’ football team is currently ranked No. 25 in the nation in recruiting by Rivals.com, No. 17 by Scout.com, and moved up three spots to No. 26 by ESPN.com.

 

Here’s a list of the 22 Razorbacks recruits:

 

  1. OG Cordale Boyd, Memphis, TN
  2. CB Ray Buchanan Jr., Suwanee, GA
  3. WR Jalen Cobb, Warren, AR
  4. CB Jared Collins, Tulsa, OK
  5. WR D’Arthur Cowan, Olive Branch, MS
  6. DE Austin Flynn, Wilmington, CA
  7. WR Courtney Gardner, Roseville, CA
  8. CB John Gibson, Missouri City, TX
  9. WR Keon Hatcher, Owasso, OK
  10. WR Eric Hawkins, Longview, TX
  11. DE Taiwan Johnson, Manvel, TX
  12. DE Brandon Lewis, Memphis, TN
  13. DB Defonta Lowe, Bearden, AR
  14. ATH Nathan Holems, Port Arthur, TX
  15. RB Donovan Roberts, Norman, OK
  16. TE Jeremy Sprinkle, White Hall, AR
  17. LB Jakarri Thomas, Tallahassee, FL
  18. LB A.J. Turner, Lepanto, AR
  19. OG Jeremy Ward, Pottsville, AR
  20. DE JaMichael Winston, Prichard, AL
  21. RB Jonathan Williams, Allen, TX
  22. DE Deatrich Wise Jr., Carrolton, TX

 

Position by position breakdown of Arkansas 2012 verbal commitments:

 

Offensive line: Two

Tight ends: One

Defensive line: Five

Linebackers: Two

Secondary: Four

Running backs: Two

Wide receivers: Five

Quarterbacks: Zero

Athletes: One

Kickers: Zero

 

All verbal commitments are non-binding until a letter of intent is signed.

HogManInLA’s College Football Top 25: Week 15


 

  1. LSU 13-0
  2. Alabama 11-1
  3. Oklahoma State 11-1
  4. Arkansas 10-2
  5. Wisconsin 11-2
  6. Oregon 11-2
  7. South Carolina 10-2
  8. Stanford 11-1
  9. USC 10-2
  10. Georgia 10-3
  11. Michigan State 10-3
  12. Boise State 11-1
  13. Virginia Tech 11-2
  14. Kansas State 10-2
  15. Clemson 10-3
  16. Michigan 10-2
  17. Oklahoma 9-3
  18. Baylor 9-3
  19. Southern Mississippi 11-2
  20. TCU 10-2
  21. Arkansas State 10-2
  22. Houston 12-1
  23. Nebraska 9-3
  24. Penn State 9-3
  25. West Virginia 8-3

 

All the hype on Sunday will be about Oklahoma State. Will they or won’t they… that is will they move to No. 2 in the BCS Rankings or will they remain at No. 3?

 

Oklahoma State did impress Saturday night in their home win over Oklahoma, but one has to remember that Alabama lost to the No. 1 team in the nation in their lone defeat not to an unranked team; one could argue that Bama won every facet of the game except the score board against LSU. All Oklahoma State did was beat a two-loss team Saturday.

HogManInLA’s Heisman Watch List: Week 14 Heisman Top Five-ish


 

Even though Robert Griffin III only got to play in the first half due to concussion like symptoms, he still finished Saturday’s game with three total touchdowns in a non-defensive game against Texas Tech winning 66-42… and Big 12 fans don’t understand why their high scoring offenses lose in BCS Bowl Games?

 

Trent Richardson put on another running back clinic againstAuburn. The only hole to poke in his game was zero rushing touchdowns. Not very Heisman like, but again, that’s poking holes against a guy that rushed for over 200 yards.

 

Montee Ball continued his assault on college football’s single season rushing records. Wisconsin will play Michigan State in the Big 10 Conference Championship, another opportunity to gain on Trent Richardson who not get to add another game’s worth of stats in the SEC Championship Game this year.

 

If Brandon Weeden has a shot to win the Heisman Trophy and gain new voters, this weekend’s game against Oklahoma will be his chance. The Bedlam Series not only could decide the BCS National Championship teams, assuming OSU can win big over OU, but also the Heisman Trophy winner. Weeden has two concerns coming out of the Big 12, 1) will Heisman voters split votes between Weeden and Justin Blackmon and 2) will Heisman voters split votes between Weeden and Landry Jones?

 

All talk may be for not if Heisman voters are still stuck on Andrew Luck. Despite the fact that Luck’s total numbers are pedestrian and he only has one quality win on his resume, somehow he is still a frontrunner according to media pundits?

 

Brandon Weeden (OklahomaState) Bye

 

Robert Griffin (Baylor) vs. Texas Tech

7-11 for 106 yards passing, 1 touchdown, 0 interceptions

14 rushes for 62 yards, 2 touchdowns

 

Trent Richardson (Alabama) vs. Auburn

27 rushes for 203 yards, 0 rushing touchdowns

1 catch for 5 yards, 1 receiving touchdown

 

Montee Ball (Wisconsin) vs. Illinois

25 rushes for 156 yards, 4 rushing touchdowns

2 catches for 0 yards, 1 receiving touchdown

*Ball is five touchdowns shy of Barry Sanders 1988 single season rushing touchdown record of 39.

 

Case Keenum (Houston) vs. SMU

33-46 for 457 yards passing, 5 touchdowns, 0 interceptions

 

Justin Blackmon (Oklahoma State) Bye

 

HogManInLA’s College Football Top 25: Week 14


 

  1. LSU 12-0
  2. Alabama 11-1
  3. Oklahoma State 10-1
  4. Arkansas 10-2
  5. Wisconsin 10-2
  6. Michigan State 10-2
  7. Georgia 10-2
  8. Virginia Tech 11-1
  9. South Carolina 10-2
  10. Houston 12-0
  11. Stanford 11-1
  12. USC 10-2
  13. Oklahoma 9-2
  14. Boise State 10-1
  15. Oregon 10-2
  16. Kansas State 9-2
  17. Michigan10-2
  18. Baylor 8-3
  19. TCU 9-2
  20. Arkansas State 9-2
  21. Nebraska 9-3
  22. Penn State 9-3
  23. West Virginia 8-3
  24. Clemson 9-3
  25. Southern Mississippi 10-2

 

A Win for No.3 Arkansas over No.1 LSU would have an Immeasurable Impact for Razorback Nation


Arkansas fans know the mantra well, “there’s always next year.” Well Razorback fans, next year has finally arrived. If Arkansas beats No. 1 LSU on Friday they should be a lock for the BCS National Championship Game, a position unfamiliar to Razorback Nation in a long time.

The Razorbacks have not won a national championship in football since 1964 and have been long suffering fans every since. The potential impact of anArkansaswin over LSU would not only help the team, the university, and the conference but it would also award the loyal Arkansas Razorback fans as well.

Following the national championship team of 1964, in 1965 No. 2 Arkansas finished the season undefeated with a chance to win the national championship. The 10-0 Hogs were in line to win it all after No. 1 Michigan State lost to UCLA 14-12 in the Rose Bowl.

All the Hogs had to do is beat LSU in the Cotton Bowl. The Razorbacks would lose 14-7 and that would be the last time they would finish within a game of being college football’s national champions. There is an air of familiarity for Friday’s game against that same Tiger program.

If the Hogs win, they’re in. The impact of a win for the University of Arkansas would be immeasurable at this point. Immediate thoughts would include a jump in university enrollment, jersey and Razorback paraphernalia sales would spike, an increase in monetary donations and endowments to the school would follow, bigger recruiting doors would open across the board for all Arkansas athletic programs, and a year’s worth of publicity by the national media for the Hogs would ensue.

More importantly what would a win over LSU mean to the Razorback Nation?

Feeling like the bride’s maid but never the bride, the Razorback fans have been loyal through the ups and downs of head coaches Jack Crowe, Joe Kines, Danny Ford, Houston Nutt, Reggie Herring (for one game), and Bobby Petrino and their players. A victory would give the Hogs a chance to differentiate them from the rest of the SEC and lay claim to SEC elite status. This moment in time is something Razorback fans have been wanting since joining the SEC in 1992, a chance for legitimate SEC bragging rights.

The Hogs have yet to win a SEC Conference Championship. Four times the Razorbacks have won or shared the SEC West Divisional Title representing the West in three of those years, 1995, 2002, and 2006; 1998 Arkansas did not play in the SEC Championship Game. All three SEC Title games ended in a loss further punctuating the differences between the Razorback program and their SEC East counterparts in Florida and Georgia.

Despite having the SEC Coach of the Year in 2001 and 2006, and the National Coach of the Year in 1998 with former head coach Houston Nutt, Nutt could never take Arkansas to the next level in the SEC. Nutt’s closest shot was in 2006, a year that ended with three straight losses to Top 10 teams (LSU, Florida, and Wisconsin) and a final record of 10-4. That downfall began with a 31-26 loss to the Tigers.

A win this year against LSU would also putArkansas’ overall record in the SEC above .500. The Razorbacks are 77-77 in conference games since 1992 with a record of 136-100-2 overall. This would be just another step along the way for the Hogs to join the SEC elite while defeating one of their biggest rivals and college football nemesis.

With bragging rights, a possible SEC Conference Championship Game berth, and a possible BCS National Championship Game berth on the line, this is what Razorback fans have been praying for. This opportunity is what the University of Arkansas hired Bobby Petrino for. This is what Bobby Petrino has done for Razorback fans in four short seasons.

The SEC has won five straight BCS National Championships, three of those won by SEC West rivals LSU in 2007, Alabama in 2009, and Auburn in 2010. This is Arkansas’ opportunity to add to the SEC streak and SEC West run for three straight.

Good luck to the Arkansas Razorback players and staff, you have the support of Razorback Nation behind you. We are ready to shake the feeling of being “snake bitten” year after year and ready to join college football’s elite.