Tagged: Joe Adams
Arkansas Football: Former Razorbacks Prepare for Grueling NFL Combine
Every year around this time 300 plus former college football players eligible for the NFL Draft close in on a six to eight week workout process in preparation for the combine in Indianapolis.
During the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine held from Feb. 22-28, former Arkansas Razorback players Jake Bequette, Joe Adams, Greg Childs, and Jarius Wright will participate before the league’s 32 teams, their coaches, and key personnel in hopes of improving their draft status and in some cases getting drafted period.
An invite to the combine does not assure a player the opportunity of being drafted but the opportunity certainly enhances their chances.
At the 2011 NFL combine, four Razorbacks showcased their talents. Quarterback Ryan Mallett, tight end D.J. Williams, and offensive lineman DeMarcus Love were drafted in the third, fifth, and sixth round respectively.
Offensive lineman Ray Dominguez went undrafted after attending the combine but signed a free agent contract with the Green Bay Packers after the draft.
Each combine invitee can choose to participate in the series of mental and physical tests, physical drills, and in some cases interview with perspective teams.
The interview process allows each team to meet with up to 60 different players for a maximum of 15 minutes. Topics of conversation during the interviews range from football knowledge to character concerns centered on the individual player.
Made even more popular by the Madden NFL video game is the Wonderlic Test. The assessment shines the spotlight on those players that perform well and those that test poorly.
The Wonderlic Cognitive Ability Test is a 12 minute timed aptitude test with 50 questions. The word test is designed to gain a better idea of an individual’s ability to problem solve and their overall intelligence level.
The common score of most football players is 20 denoting average intelligence. A testing performance of 10 means the person is considered literate.
A score of 24 is the median national average. A high test score of 31 corresponds with chemist and related fields.
According to Paul Zimmerman’s The New Man’s Thinking Guide to Pro Football the average Wonderlic test scores are broken down per positions:
- Offensive tackle- 26
- Center- 25
- Quarterback- 24
- Offensive guard- 23
- Tight end- 22
- Safety- 19
- Linebacker- 19
- Cornerback- 18
- Wide receiver- 17
- Fullback- 17
- Running back- 16
Over the last 10-15 years the medical tests players endure have been a subject of controversy.
Most NFL teams throw up a red flag on players with an injury history. Even if a player has been productive at the collegiate level and scored well on the physical performance tests during the combine, said players tend to slide down team’s draft boards once their doctors are able to perform orthopedic and MRI exams.
In the past medical information was traded freely between college team doctors and NFL teams. Now, due to medical privacy laws college teams can no longer hand over personal medical information on any given person.
What happens on the field during a game can be observed and documented most of the time. What happens on the practice field cannot. For this reason over 600 MRI are performed yearly at the combine. That is an average of two MRI per player each year.
The physical and speed drills tend to grab the headline attention at the combine. Fans drool over 40-yard dash times and player bench press reps while teams focus on 10-yard and 20-yard split times, vertical jumps, and three cone drills.
Heading into this week’s combine Joe Adams is listed as the seventh best wide receiver on Draftcountdown.com. Adams stock has risen over the past two months from a thought fifth round draft pick to a possible second rounder.
Adamsis listed at 5’11”, 190 pounds with 4.39 40-yard dash speed.
The second fastest wide receiver among the 66 compiled in the 40-yard dash is Jarius Wright. Wright is listed at 5’10”, 180 pounds with a 40-yard dash time of 4.33 just two one hundredths off Connecticut’s Kashif Moore’s 4.31.
Wright is ranked No. 25 out of the 66 receivers attending the combine.
Greg Childs is the bigger receiver of the Razorback bunch and the bigger prospect of the group until he hurt his knee during the 2010 season. After a slow start Childs picked up his pace in the LSU and Kansas State games at the end of Arkansas’ 2011 season.
Childs has a great opportunity to improve his draft stock at the combine. He is ranked No. 35 on the board. His 6’3”, 217 pound frame along with his production early in his Razorback career will attract attention.
If he can improve upon his 4.55 40-yard dash and show explosiveness in his breaks while running routes he could see his name called during the NFL Draft.
Childs will get to answer his fair share of questions about his knee during the scouting combine. Perspective teams will poke, prod, and examine his knee before the week is through to make sure he has fully healed from his injury before risking a draft pick on him.
After Jake Bequette’s first team All-SEC performance in 2011 it is hard to understand why he is not listed higher than the 14th best defensive end in the draft.
Bequette’s hamstring injury aside, he posted 10 sacks during the season tying him for the SEC lead withSouth Carolina’s defensive end Marvin Ingram. Both players were tied for the ninth best sack total during the 2011 season.
Ingram is ranked as the second best defensive end.
Bequette enters the combine as the fastest defensive end among the 42 invitees having run a reported 4.59 40-yard dash. His 6’5”, 271 pound frame makes him an ideal 4-3 defensive end in the NFL.
When the combine announced their list of invitees for 2012, a couple of Razorbacks were surprisingly missing- linebacker Jerry Franklin and safety Tramain Thomas.
Franklinled the Hogs in tackles in each of the past four seasons compiling 100 or more tackles during his senior and junior years.
Thomas was tied for 13th in Division I with five interceptions during his senior campaign. He also was second on the team and tied for 10th in the SEC with 91 tackles while playing through a shoulder injury much of the season.
Razorback players attending the combine and those that were not invited will have one last opportunity to showcase their abilities before the NFL Draft at Arkansas’ pro day on March 6.
Last year 18 former Razorbacks performed at Arkansas’ pro day including quarterback Ryan Mallett. This year senior offensive linemen Grant Cook and Grant Freeman, linebacker Jerrico Nelson, cornerback Isaac Madison, safety Elton Ford, running back Broderick Green, and defensive lineman Zach Stadther along with others will get their chance to perform combine drills for the NFL scouts on hand.
If the combine tells fans and future NFL hopefuls anything, it’s no matter where you attend college that if one works hard enough and plays well enough the scouts will find you.
One of the more shocking 2012 combine players scheduled to attend is Shawn Loiseau, a former linebacker at Merrimack. Loiseau’s invite is not shocking because of his ability to play but due to the size of Merrimack’s college.
Better known for their hockey teams, Merrimack is a small school inNorth Andover, MA with an undergraduate enrollment of 2,064 students. The Warriors compete in the Northeast 10 Conference, a Football Championship Subdivision conference formerly called Division II.
In-state Arkansas football fans will be happy to know that safety Kelcie McCray and linebacker DeMario Davis of Arkansas State are scheduled to attend the combine as well.
McCray is listed as the 14th best safety at the combine whileDavisis ranked as the 16th best linebacker.
Arkansas State will hold their pro day on March 27.
The 2012 NFL Draft is April 26-28.
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 Depth Chart: Arkansas Razorbacks versus Kansas State Wildcats
It comes as no surprise that the 2012 Cotton Bowl between No. 6 Arkansas and No. 8 Kansas State features two depth charts loaded with upper classmen.
The Arkansas Razorbacks have five seniors and seven juniors listed on their two-deep offensive depth chart. The notable Hog seniors include a trio of wide receivers – Jarius Wright, Greg Childs, and Joe Adams.
Adamswas a consensus All-American as a punt returner and Wright leads the SEC in receiving touchdowns.
The Kansas State Wildcats list five seniors and 10 juniors on their offensive depth chart. None more important on offense than junior quarterback Collin Klein and junior running back John Hubert.
On defense the Wildcats have a pair of junior transfers, cornerback Nigel Morgan from City College of San Francisco and linebacker Arthur Brown from University of Miami, that are the heart and soul of their team.
Jerry Franklin, the Razorbacks’ Senior middle linebacker, is a four-year starter and team leader in tackles. Tramain Thomas leads the Hogs in interceptions (5) while senior defensive end Jake Bequette leads the team in sacks (8.5).
Kansas State does not have an Arkansas player listed on their team.
Defensive tackle Robert Thomas is the onlyArkansasplayer with immediate ties to the state of Kansas. Thomas graduated high school from Muskogee, Oklahoma but is a junior college transfer from Coffeyville, Kansas.
The following is a two-deep listing of the depth charts for the Arkansas Razorbacks and Kansas State Wildcats heading into the 2012 Cotton Bowl.
Arkansas Razorbacks
Offense
WR Joe Adams (Sr.)
Julian Horton (So.)
WR Jarius Wright (Sr.)
Marquel Wade (Fr.)
WR Cobi Hamilton (Jr.) or
Greg Childs (Sr.)
RB Dennis Johnson (Jr.) or
Ronnie Wingo Jr. (Jr.)
FB Kiero Small (Jr.)
QB Tyler Wilson (Jr.)
Brandon Mitchell (So.)
TE Chris Gragg (Jr.)
Austin Tate (So.)
OT Jason Peacock (Jr.) or
Mitch Smothers (Fr.)
OG Grant Cook (Sr.)
Luke Charpentier (Fr.)
C Travis Swanson (So.)
Tyler Deacon (Jr.)
OG Alvin Bailey (So.)
Chris Stringer (So.)
OT Grant Freeman (Sr.)
Brey Cook (Fr.)
Defense
DE Jake Bequette (Sr.)
Chris Smith (So.)
DT Bryan Jones (So.)
Alfred Davis (Jr.)
DT Robert Thomas (So.)
DeQuinta Jones (Jr.)
DE Tenarius Wright (Jr.)
Trey Flowers (Fr.)
OLB Alonzo Highsmith (Jr.)
Bret Harris (Sr.)
MLB Jerry Franklin (Sr.)
Terrell Williams (Jr.)
OLB Jerrico Nelson (Sr.)
Ross Rasner (Jr.)
CB Darius Winston (Jr.)
Tevin Mitchell (Fr.)
S Eric Bennett (So.)
Elton Ford (Sr.)
S TramainThomas (Sr.)
Ryan Farr (Jr.)
CB Isaac Madison (Sr.)
Greg Gatson (Sr.)
Special Teams
K Zach Hocker (So.)
P Dylan Breeding (Sr.)
SNP Alan D’Appollonio (Fr.)
H Brian Buehner (Fr.)
KOR Dennis Johnson (Sr.)
Marquel Wade (Fr.)
PR Joe Adams (Sr.)
Marquel Wade (Fr.)
*Information obtained from the 2012 Arkansas Razorback Cotton Bowl Media Guide
Kansas State Wildcats
Offense
WR Chris Harper (Jr.)
Tramaine Thompson (So.)
WR Sheldon Smith (Sr.)
Curry Sexton (Fr.)
WR Brodrick Smith (Jr.)
Torell Miller (So.)
RB John Hubert (So.)
Angelo Pease (Jr.)
FB BradenWilson(Jr.)
Jay Hanley (Jr.)
QB Collin Klein (Jr.)
Sammuel Lamur (Sr.)
TE Travis Tannahill (Jr.)
Andre McDonald (So.)
RT Clyde Aufner (Sr.)
Cornelius Lucas (So.)
RG Colten Freeze (Sr.)
Jordan Allred (Jr.)
C B.J. Finney (Fr.)
Tomasi Mariner (Fr.)
LG Nick Puetz (Jr.)
Keenan Taylor (So.)
LT Zach Hanson (Sr.)
Ethan Douglas (Jr.)
Defense
CB Nigel Malone (Jr.)
Allen Champman (Jr.)
FS Tysyn Hartman (Sr.)
Matthew Pearson (Sr.)
SS Ty Zimmerman (So.)
Thomas Ferguson (Jr.)
CB David Garrett (Sr.)
Kip Daily (Jr.)
WLB Tre Walker (So.)
Blake Slaughter (Jr.)
MLB Arthur Brown (Jr.)
Jarell Childs (Jr.)
SLB Emmanuel Lamur (Sr.)
Jonathan Truman (Fr.)
DE Jordan Voelker (Sr.)
Meshak Williams (Jr.)
DT Vai Lutui (Jr.)
Raphael Guidry (Sr.)
NT Ray Kibble (Sr.)
John Sua (Jr.)
DE Adam Davis (Jr.)
Laton Dowling (Fr.)
Special Teams
K Anthony Cantele (Jr.)
P Ryan Doerr (Jr.)
KOR Tramaine Thompson (So.)
Chris Harper (Jr.)
PR Tramaine Thompson (So.)
Ty Zimmerman (So.)
*Information obtained from the 2011-2012 Kansas State Cotton Bowl Media Guide
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
Arkansas Razorbacks: Tyler Wilson Named First Team All-SEC
Wilson and Wright named first team All-SEC.
Tyler Wilson has done something no other Arkansas Razorback has ever accomplished he’s been named first team All-SEC at the quarterback position.
Wilsonalong with six other Razorback players was named to All-SEC teams Monday. Wide receivers Jarius Wright and Joe Adams were selected first team All-SEC as well. Adams selection was as an all-purpose player for his contributions as a punt returner and wide receiver.
Arkansassecond team picks included linebacker Jerry Franklin, punter Dylan Breeding, guard Alvin Bailey, and running back Dennis Johnson; Johnson was an all-purpose selection for his kickoff return abilities and play at running back.
Senior safety Tramain Thomas received an honorable mention. Thomas had five interceptions during the 2011 season tying him for No. 10 in FBS and No. 4 in the SEC.
Missing from the All-SEC lists is senior defensive end Jake Bequette. Bequette missed significant game time and three total games with an early season hamstring injury but still managed to finish the season with eight sacks. Bequette’s eight sacks ranked No. 8 in the SEC.
Jarvis Jones led the SEC in sacks with 13.5, finishing second in college football during the regular season to Whitney Mercilus a defensive end forIllinois.
The following is a list of the All-SEC honorees, their position, their school, and their class:
First Team Offense
QB – Tyler Wilson,Arkansas, Jr.
RB – Trent Richardson, Alabama, Jr.
RB – Michael Dyer, Auburn, So.
WR –Jarius Wright, Arkansas, Sr.
WR – Da’Rick Rogers, Tennessee, So.
OL –Barret Jones,Alabama, Jr.
OL –Rokevious Watkins, South Carolina, Sr.
OL – Cordy Glenn, Georgia, Sr.
OL – Will Balckwell, LSU, Sr.
C -William Vlachos, Alabama, Sr.
TE –Orson Charles, Georgia, Jr.
Special Teams
K –Caleb Sturgis, Florida, Jr.
AP – Joe Adams, Arkansas, Sr.
First Team Defense
DT – Fletcher Cox, Mississippi State, Jr.
DT –Malik Jackson, Tennessee, Sr.
DE – Melvin Ingram,South Carolina, Sr.
DE – Sam Montgomery, LSU, So.
LB – Danny Trevathan, Kentucky, Sr.
LB – Courtney Upshaw, Alabama, Sr.
LB –Jarvis Jones,Georgia, So.
CB – Morris Claiborne, LSU, Jr.
CB – Tyrann Mathieu, LSU, So.
S –Mark Barron, Alabama, Sr.
S –Bacarri Rambo,Georgia, Jr.
Special Teams
P – Brad Wing, LSU, Fr.
Second Team Offense
QB – Aaron Murray, Georgia, So.
RB – Zac Stacy, Vanderbilt, Jr.
RB –Vick Ballard, Mississippi State, Sr.
WR –Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina, Jr.
WR – Rueben Randle, LSU, Jr.
OL – Alvin Bailey, Arkansas, So.
OL – Chris Faulk, LSU, So.
OL – Larry Warford,Kentucky, Jr.
OL – Gabe Jackson, Mississippi State, So.
C –Ben Jones, Georgia, Sr.
TE – Philip Lutzenkirchen, Auburn, Jr.
Special Teams
K- Drew Alleman, LSU, Jr.
AP – Dennis Johnson, Arkansas, Jr.
Second Team Defense
DT – Michael Brockers, LSU, So.
DT – Josh Chapman, Alabama, Sr.
DE – Cory Lemonier, Auburn, So.
DE – Barkevious Mingo, LSU, So.
LB – Chris Marve, Vanderbilt, Sr.
LB – Jerry Franklin, Arkansas, Sr.
LB – Don’t’A Hightower, Alabama, Jr.
CB –Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama, Jr.
CB – Casey Hayward, Vanderbilt, Sr.
S –Antonio Allen, South Carolina, Sr.
S – Eric Reid, LSU, So.
Special Teams
P –Dylan Breeding, Arkansas, Jr.
Offensive Player of the Year
Trent Richardson, Alabama
Defensive Player of the Year
Tyrann Mathieu, LSU
Coach of the Year
Les Miles, LSU
Freshman of the Year
Isaiah Crowell, Georgia
SEC College Football Preview: How Arkansas will beat Alabama
Arkansas and Alabama have two very similar teams in 2011 except one is getting a lot more national attention than the other. Is the early season attention given to Alabama over Arkansas truly deserved?
Both teams are ranked in the AP and Coaches Top 25 going into this week’s game, Arkansas 14th, Alabama 3rd in the AP. Neither team has played a challenging schedule to date. Yes that includes Alabama’s trip to Penn State, a team that finished 2010 7-6. Arkansas received perhaps their toughest offensive test for the entire season against Troy, 8-5 in 2010, and their highly regarded quarterback Corey Robinson; sans a November visit from Marcus Lattimore and the South Carolina Gamecocks.
Both teams have lost a great deal of talent off of their 10-win 2010 teams. Alabama has 14 returning starters while Arkansas has 11. Offensively Arkansas and Alabama have had to replace their starting left tackles. Arkansas has had to go a step further and replace two additional offensive linemen.
Arkansas lost Knile Davis to injury during fall practices, a 1,322-yard rusher in 2010, while Alabama had to replace their 2009 Heisman Trophy winning tailback Mark Ingram (875-yards rushing in 2010). Trent Richardson and Ronnie Wingo Jr. saw significant snaps for their respective teams last year. Richardson ended the year with 700-yards rushing on 112 attempts for a 6.2 yard per carry average to Wingo’s 253-yards rushing on 41 attempts also good for a 6.2 yard per carry average. Both backs excel as pass catching options out of the backfield.
Tyler Wilson has stepped in well for departed quarterback Ryan Mallet.Wilson is currently 23rd in the nation in passing yards averaging 274-yards per game in part-time work. AJ McCarron has replaced Greg McElroy at quarterback by posting 193-passing yards per game, ranking him 69th in FBS. McCarron has thrown two touchdown passes toWilson’s five.
Arkansas entire wide receiving core returns from a passing offense that ranked fourth in the nation. The Tide has to replace first round draft pick Julio Jones and Preston Dial.
Arkansasis the first team ever to have four finalists for the Biletnikoff Award (Joe Adams, Greg Childs, Cobi Hamilton, and Jarius Wright).Alabama has three finalists named to the watch list (Duron Carter, Darius Hanks, and Marquis Maze) even though none of their receivers topped 600-yards receiving last season.Adamshad 813, Childs 659, and Wright had 788-yards receiving. Maze had 557-yards.
14 Razorbacks were named to the All-SEC Preseason Teams, the most of any SEC team.
Both teams return seven starters from their highly ranked defense. Bama finished the season ranked fifth in the nation in total defense, Arkansas finished 36th.
Alabama currently has the third ranked defense in the nation to Arkansas 35th ranked defense. Between the two teams Arkansas has played a team with a more dynamic offense,Troy, than Alabama has in Kent State, Penn State, or North Texas. Penn State has the 103rd ranked offense in FBS toTroy’s 33rd ranked offense; versus Clemson and Arkansas.
Arkansas has the 11th ranked offense, Alabama the 21st.
Arkansas has two punt returns for touchdowns, Alabama zero.
Arkansas has one kickoff return for a touchdown and is ranked third in FBS with 33-yards per kickoff return.Alabama is ranked 33rd averaging 24.6-yards per kickoff return with zero touchdowns.
What’s the main difference between two evenly matched teams? Not much other than Arkansas can put points on the board against any team in the nation.Alabama’s young offense has yet to prove their abilities against a top tier defense.
Bama has a slight advantage playing at home but not enough to cover the current spread out of Las Vegas at 13 points.
Both teams may have played a vanilla offense against lesser opponents thus far and held back their blitz and defensive packages but you can expect Arkansas to run some of their 5-2 defense against Trent Richardson and Eddie Lacy. Arkansas defensive coordinator will beg Nick Saban to let AJ McCarron throw the ball to beat the Razorbacks.
Arkansas has a more experienced quarterback that has played well on the road in the state of Alabama. Wilson threw for 332-yards and four touchdowns at Jordan-Hare Stadium in front of 85,000 plus in less than three quarters worth of time. The 100,000 in attendance in Bryant-Denny Stadium will not rattle Tyler Wilson.
Alabama gets a slight edge on the offensive line… but they did give up four sacks against North Texas; three on AJ McCarron and one on Phillip Sims.
Arkansas wins the special teams match-up due to their kickoff and punt returns. Both teams have excellent field goal kickers.
The turnover battle will always factor into any football game. No one can predict what one team will or will not do against the other.
Arkansas will limit the pressure their young offensive line will receive from Alabama’s defense by running five and eight-yard pass routes. When the Tide sit back look for Arkansas to drag Bama’s defenders from one side of the field to the other.
Arkansas will be able to stopAlabama’s big play threats from Eddie Lacy and Trent Richardson. Against North Texas Alabama broke four long runs for touchdowns, 43, 58, 71, and 67-yards. Those four plays account for all of Alabama’s net rushing yards (347) against North Texas.
Arkansas wins this one 28-21. After all Petrino “didn’t come here to paint”.
HogManInLA 