Tagged: Mississippi State
NFL Draft: Greg Childs Impresses at Arkansas Pro Day
Former Arkansas Razorback wide receiver Greg Childs continued to show healthy improvement on his injured knee from the end of the Hogs 2011 regular season through the NFL draft combine to Arkansas’ Pro Day.
Childs improved his forty-yard scout combine run of 4.55 to 4.41 in front of NFL scouts Tuesday inFayetteville. His forty-time would have tied him for seventh best at the combine, the same time as former Baylor quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III.
Childs, listed at 6’3”, 219 pound, recorded a long jump of 10’7” at the pro day, besting his 10’5” at the combine, which would have tied him for sixth best among all players. His 40.5” vertical jump would have been the second best during the Feb. 22-28 event.
Childs benched 225 pounds 19 times placing him sixth best among all receivers at the combine. He graded out at 53.5 put in one week’s time has shown improvement in all areas. Some NFL team will take notice.
All-American punt returner Joe Adams tried to improve upon his 4.55 forty-yard dash at the combine but ran the same time at 4.55. He graded out at an 82.5 in front of scouts in Indianapolis.
The 2011 Arkansas Razorback media guide listedAdamsat 5’11” 190 pounds. At the combine he weighed 179 pounds. He projects to be a slot receiver at the next level so being undersized is not as big of an issue. The big question is will the increased weight gain teams will put him through slow his explosiveness on the field in the return game.
Jarius Wright turned in a top 10 performance in the shuttle 20-yard shuttle run during the combine at a timed 4.03. His 4.42 forty-yard dash run was tied for 14th best among all athletes and 9th best among wide receivers. His impressive display of speed and agility during the combine allowed him to sit out of speed drills Tuesday.
Wright graded out at 68.7 during the combine. His speed and quickness are a noted plus as a slot receiver at the next level, his strength off press coverage and ability to sustain blocks worry NFL scouts.
Wright’s vertical jump of 38” was ninth best for his position at the combine.
All receivers participating in receiving drills got help from an old friend. Former Arkansas quarterback and 2011 third round draft pick Ryan Mallett was on hand to throw to his former teammates.
Jake Bequette was a top performer in the three-cone and 20-yard shuttle runs at the combine posting a 6.90 and 4.07 respectively. His 20-yard run was second best among defensive ends (Bruce Irvin, West Virginia, 4.03) while his vertical jump was tied for 11th best (34.0”).
Bequette’s 4.82 40-yard dash was well below his previously listed 4.5 timing. He did not participate in speed drills during the pro day. Reports are he will hold a private workout for scouts in the upcoming weeks.
Recording a grade of 53.7 at the combine had to be frustrating for the first team All-SEC defensive end. In post season all star games and during his pro day scouts have looked at Bequette as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. Bequette’s ability to show scouts he can drop into coverage could be the deciding factor on where he ends up in the draft.
How NFL.com projects the grades of all players regardless of position:
100-96, top pick, future Hall of Fame player
95-85, first round pick, immediate starter
84-70, 2nd to 3rd round pick, eventual starter
69-50, 4th to 7th round pick, draft worthy
49-20, free agent player, not draft worthy
Notable 2012 Combine Grades:
Quarterbacks:
Andrew Luck, Stanford, 97
Robert Griffin III, Baylor, 95
Russell Wilson,Wisconsin, 68.5
Darron Thomas, Oregon, 55.0
Case Keenum, Houston, 53.5
Kellen Moore, Boise State, 51.0
Jordan Jefferson, LSU, 40
Running Backs:
Chris Polk, Washington, 86.0
LaMichael James, Oregon, 78.5
Cyrus Gray, Texas A&M, 75.5
Doug Martin, Boise State, 74.2
Chris Rainey, Florida, 73.7
Fozzy Whittaker, Texas, 51.2
Vick Ballard, Mississippi State, 50.5
Wide Receivers:
Michael Floyd, Notre Dame, 89.5
Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma, 84.0
Tight Ends:
Colby Fleener, Stanford, 85.2
Orson Charles, Georgia, 79.0
Cornerbacks:
Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama, 92.0
Morris Claiborne, LSU, 91.5
Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina, 84.0
Offensive Linemen:
Matt Kalil, Southern California, 94.0
David Decastro, Stanford, 92.5
Cordy Glenn, Georgia, 72.5
Donald Stephenson, Oklahoma, 53.5
Adam Gettis, Iowa, 52.2
Linebackers:
Luke Kuechly, Boston College, 91.0
Dont’a Hightower, Alabama, 85.0
DeMario Davis, Arkansas State, 51.2
Defensive Linemen:
Melvin Ingram, South Carolina, 90.5
Fletcher Cox, Mississippi State, 77.0
Whitney Mercilus, Illinois, 72.5
Safety:
Charles Mitchell, Mississippi State, 54.7
Kelcie McCray, Arkansas State, 51.5
For more Arkansas Razorback information check out Razorbackers.com!
2012 University of Arkansas Baseball Schedule
Overall Record: 9-1
SEC Record: 0-0
Date/Opponent/Site/Time/Result
Feb. 17, Villanova, Faytetteville, 11-5 
Feb. 18, Villanova, Faytetteville, 13-1
Feb. 19, Villanova, Faytetteville, 17-1
Feb. 21, Northwestern State, Faytetteville, 8-7
Feb. 22, Northwestern State, Faytetteville, 6-2
Feb. 24, Valparasio, Faytetteville, 7-3
Feb. 25, Valparasio, Faytetteville, 4-3
Feb. 26, Valparasio, Faytetteville, 9-10 (L), 10 innings
Feb. 28, BYU, Faytetteville, 5-0
Feb. 29, BYU, Faytetteville, 8-1
March 2, Texas Tech, Houston, Texas, Minute Maid Park, 12:00 p.m.
March 3, Houston, Houston, Texas, Minute Maid Park, 12:00 p.m.
March 4, Texas, Houston, Texas, Minute Maid Park, 11:00 a.m.
March 9, Binghman University, Fayetteville, 3:05 p.m.
March 10, Binghman University, Fayetteville, 1:05 p.m.
March 11, Binghman University, Fayetteville, 12:05 p.m.
March 13, Gonzaga, Fayetteville, 6:05 p.m.
March 14, Gonzaga, Fayetteville, 3:05 p.m.
March 16, Alabama*, Fayetteville, 6:35 p.m.
March 17, Alabama*, Fayetteville, 3:00 p.m.
March 18, Alabama*, Fayetteville, 1:05 p.m.
March 20, Nevada, Fayetteville, 6:35 p.m.
March 21, Nevada, Fayetteville, 6:35 p.m.
March 23, Mississippi State*, Starkville, Miss., 6:30 p.m.
March 24, Mississippi State*, Starkville, Miss., 2:00 p.m.
March 25, Mississippi State*, Starkville, Miss., 12:00 p.m.
March 30, LSU*, Baton Rouge, LA, 7:00 p.m.
March 31, LSU*, Baton Rouge, LA, 7:00 p.m.
April 1, LSU*, Baton Rouge, LA, 1:00 p.m.
April 6, Georgia*, Fayetteville, 6:35 p.m.
April 7, Georgia*,Fayetteville, 2:05 p.m.
April 8, Georgia*, Fayetteville, 12:05 p.m.
April 10, Oklahoma, Norman,OK, 6:30 p.m.
April 13, Kentucky*, Fayetteville, 6:35 p.m.
April 14, Kentucky*, Fayetteville, 2:05 p.m.
April 15, Kentucky*, Fayetteville, 12:05 p.m.
April 17, Stephen F. Austin, Fayetteville, 6:35 p.m.
April 20, Ole Miss*, Oxford, MS, 6:30 p.m.
April 21, Ole Miss*, Oxford, MS, 4:00 p.m.
April 22, Ole Miss*, Oxford, MS, 1:30 p.m.
April 24, Oral Roberts, Fayetteville, 6:35 p.m.
April 27, Florida*, Gainesville, FL, 6:00 p.m.
April 28, Florida*, Gainesville, FL, 6:00 p.m.
April 29, Florida*, Gainesville, FL, 2:30 p.m.
May 1, Missouri, Fayetteville, 6:35 p.m.
May 2, Missouri, Fayetteville, 3:05 p.m.
May 4, South Carolina*, Fayetteville, 7:00 p.m.
May 5, South Carolina*, Fayetteville, 12:00 p.m.
May 6, South Carolina*, Fayetteville, 1:05 p.m.
May 10, Auburn*, Fayetteville, 6:30 p.m.
May 11, Auburn*, Fayetteville, 6:35 p.m.
May 12, Auburn*, Fayetteville, 2:05 p.m.
May 15, Louisiana Tech, North Little Rock, Ark., 7:05 p.m.
May 17, Tennessee*, Knoxville, Tenn., 5:00 p.m.
May 18, Tennessee*, Knoxville, Tenn., 5:00 p.m.
May 19, Tennessee*, Knoxville, Tenn., 1:00 p.m.
May 22-27, SEC Tournament, Hoover, Alabama, TBA
June 1-2, NCAA Regionals, TBA
June, 8-10, NCAA Super Regionals, TBA
June 15-25, College World Series, Omaha, Neb., TBA
* SEC Game
North Little Rock game will be played at Dickey-StephensPark
All Fayetteville games are played at Baum Stadium
All game times are CST
Razorback Ticket Office: 800-982-4647 (HOGS)
Mississippi State Recruiting: The Bulldogs Fall in Rankings
The volatile and ever changing landscape of college football recruiting can be best represented by the situation inStarkville. Less than a week ago the Bulldogs’ 2012 class was ranked No. 20 by Rivals.com giving fans hope for the future.
Now Mississippi State has fallen to No. 30 with one week left before National Signing Day on Feb. 1. How far will the Bulldog’s recruiting class fall?
Head coach Dan Mullen’s early recruiting success has given way as the rest of the pack seems to be catching up to the Bulldogs. The only change on the verbal commitment list is the loss of 3-star linebacker Lelland Ducksworth fromHattiesburg, Miss and the addition of 3-star defensive end A.J. Jefferson from Summit, Miss.
Per the state rankings on Rivals.com Jefferson is ranked No. 6 while Ducksworth is ranked No. 14. The thought upgrade in overall talent has not kept the Bulldogs ranking secure.
Of the 25 scholarships available three have already been claimed by junior college players. 3-star offensive linemen Dylan Holley and Charles Siddoway have signed their letter of intent.
East Mississippi Community College standout Denico Autry has signed his letter of intent as well. On Sout.com Autry is considered a 5-star recruit. Per Rivals.com Autry was the second best junior college player in the nation during the 2011 season.
With 22 available scholarships left Dan Mullen appears to be eager to sign a quarterback to this year’s class. Steven Bench, a 3-starPennStateverbal commitment fromCairo,Georgiaas of Jan. 24, received an in-home visit from Mullen on Monday. Bench verbally committed to Rice in December. Mullen and his staff can only hope that Bench flips again.
Also on the Bulldogs radar is Nick Schuessler, a 2-star quarterback prospect fromLoganville,Georgia. Schuessler does not have any reported offers to date. He was scheduled to take his first official visit to Arkansas this weekend but has changed his trip to MSU instead.
With the hard cap rule of only 25 recruits allowed to sign for any given SEC team, one of Mullen’s current verbal commitments may end up losing their scholarship offer if Schuessler’s visit goes well in Starkville.
Five other recruits are scheduled to join Schuessler on the MSU campus this weekend including:
OT Demitric Camiel, 2-star, 6’6”, 285 pounds, Houston,Texas
QB Forest Williams, Not Ranked, 6’1”, 175 pounds, Amory, Miss
TE Hunter Bradley, Not Ranked, 6’4”, 220 pounds, Collierville, Miss
K Michael Mordecai, Not Ranked, 6’4”, 185 pounds, Jackson, Miss
K Evan Sobiesk, Not Ranked, 5’9”, 185 pounds, Hattiesburg, Miss
Here’s a list of Mississippi State’s 22 verbal commitments:
DT Quay Evans, 6’3”, 295 pounds, 4-star, Morton, Miss
DT Nick James, 6’4”, 335 pounds, 3-star,Long Beach, Miss
RB Xavier Grindle, 5’10”, 190 pounds, 3-star,Columbia, Miss
RB Deonte Evans, 5’11”, 198 pounds, 3-star, McComb, Miss
S Adarrius Perkins, 6’2”, 185 pounds, 3-star, Brooklyn, Miss
OL Devon Desper, 6’4” 295 pounds, 3-star, Madison, Miss
DB Cedric Jiles, 6’0”, 180 pounds, 3-star, Clinton, Miss
DE Nelson Adams, 6’5”, 260 pounds, 3-star, Brandon, Miss
ATH Adairius Barnes, 5’11”, 180 pounds, 3-star, Port Gibson, Miss
WR Frederick Brown, 6’1”, 166 pounds, 3-star, Jackson, Miss
OT Justin Senior, 6’6”, 280 pounds, 3-star, Chatham,Virginia
DT Jordan Washington, 6’2”, 275 pounds, 3-star, Suwannee, Georgia
CB Kivon Coman, 6’1”, 190 pounds, 3-star, Florence, Alabama
RB Brandon Holloway, 5’9”, 165 pounds, 2-star, Tampa Bay,Florida
TE Gus Walley, 6’4”, 215, 2-star, Leakesville, Miss
DE Ryan Brown, 6’5”, 240 pounds, 3-star, Marrero, Louisiana
OG Cole Carter, 6’6”, 270, 3-star, Caledonia, Miss
DE Torrey Bell, 6’5”, 225, 2-star, River Ridge, Louisiana
S Quadry Antoine, 5’11”, 210 pounds, 3-star, Belle Chasse, Louisiana
P Devon Bell, 6’3”, 190 pounds, 3-star,Vicksburg, Miss
DE A.J. Jefferson, 6’4”, 240 pounds, 3-star, Summit, Miss
K Devon Bell, 2-star, 6’3”, 180 pounds,Vicksburg, Miss
To show the discrepancy in recruiting services, Rivals.com has MSU ranked No. 30, Scout.com No. 18, ESPN.com does not have MSU ranked in their top 30, while 247Sports.com has the Bulldogs ranked No. 24.
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
College Football Recruiting: Mississippi State Reaping Benefits of In-State Talent
With just over two weeks remaining before National Signing Day, Mississippi State head coach Dan Mullen has batten down the state’s borders keeping the majority of prize recruits for the Bulldogs and away from SEC rivals.
The trouble with having a No. 20 ranked recruiting class (Scout.com) is other head coaches want some of the same players to help round out their roster. Can MSU keep all 25 verbal commitments through Signing Day on February 1?
Of the Top 25 players ranked in the state of Mississippi per Rivals.com, MSU has 11 high school seniors ready to play their colligate careers for Mullen including:
No. 3 DT Quay Evans, 6’3”, 295 pounds, 4-star
No. 9 DT Nick James, 6’4”, 335 pounds, 3-star
No. 10 RB Xavier Grindle, 5’10”, 190 pounds, 3-star
No. 11 RB Deonte Evans, 5’11”, 198 pounds, 3-star
No. 12 S Adarrius Perkins, 6’2”, 185 pounds, 3-star
No. 14 LB Lelland Ducksworth, 6’1”, 215 pounds, 3-star
No. 16 OL Devon Desper, 6’4” 295 pounds, 3-star
No. 18 DB Cedric Jiles, 6’0”, 180 pounds, 3-star
No. 22 DE Nelson Adams, 6’5”, 260 pounds, 3-star
No. 23 ATH Adairius Barnes, 5’11”, 180 pounds, 3-star
No. 25 WR Frederick Brown, 6’1”, 166 pounds, 3-star
Quay Evans is ranked the 15th best defensive tackle in the nation.
Nick James is ranked the 40th best defensive tackle in the nation.
Running back Xavier Grindle is ranked 46th in the nation per his position.
The state of Mississippi has an excellent junior college system that routinely produces great players ready to make an impact on the Division 1-A level. This year the prize MSU recruit for the Bulldogs is 5-star junior college transfer defensive end Denico Autry from East Mississippi Junior College.
Autry is considered a pass rushing specialist with offers from USC, Florida, Texas, Alabama, and Auburn. This is one recruit that will not get away from MSU as Autry has already signed his letter of intent to play for the Bulldogs.
Autry will be joined by two other junior college transfers that have already signed their letter of intent, 3-star offensive tackle Charles Siddoway (Eugene, Oregon) and 2-star offensive guard Dylan Holley from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.
The top out of state talent heading to play for the Bulldogs is 4-star cornerback Will Redmond from East High School in Memphis, Tennessee. Redmond is listed at 6’0”, 176 pounds with a 4.41 40-yard dash. He finished the season as the No. 19 cornerback in the nation.
Rounding out the rest of Mississippi State’s recruiting class:
OT Justin Senior, 6’6”, 280 pounds, 3-star, Chatham,Virginia
DT Jordan Washington, 6’2”, 275 pounds, 3-star, Suwannee, Georgia
CB Kivon Coman, 6’1”, 190 pounds, 3-star, Florence, Alabama
RB Brandon Holloway, 5’9”, 165 pounds, 2-star, Tampa Bay,Florida
TE Gus Walley, 6’4”, 215, 2-star, Leakesville, Mississippi
DE Ryan Brown, 6’5”, 240 pounds, 3-star, Marrero, Louisiana
OG Cole Carter, 6’6”, 270, 3-star, Caledonia, Mississippi
DE Torrey Bell, 6’5”, 225, 2-star, River Ridge, Louisiana
S Quadry Antoine, 5’11”, 210 pounds, 3-star, Belle Chasse, Louisiana
P Devon Bell, 6’3”, 190 pounds, 3-star,Vicksburg, Mississippi
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.
Music City Bowl: Mississippi State versus Wake Forest in SEC-ACC Showdown
The Music City Bowl on Friday December 30, features 6-6 Mississippi State and 6-6 Wake Forest, two up and coming teams that are still trying to find their way within the elite circles of their perspective conferences.
Mississippi State under the direction of head coach Dan Mullen started the season ranked No. 20 with high hopes to compete within the SEC West for a divisional title. After a 59-14 drumming of the Memphis Tigers in week one, MSU was ranked No. 16 in the AP Poll before their showdown with the Auburn Tigers.
Auburn’s defense rose to MSU’s last second challenge when they stuffed Bulldog senior quarterback Chris Relf at the goal line to preserve a 41-34 win. The goal line play would be symbolic of the season ahead for Mississippi State, almost there but not quite.
The Bulldogs were a scrappy team throughout the season but could never get over the hump against the better SEC teams. MSU held LSU to 19 total points, lost 14-12 to South Carolina, and trailed Alabama 7-0 at halftime before being worn down by the Tide 24-7.
Each of the six teams MSU lost to during the 2011 season made post season bowls. Four of those losses came to teams currently ranked in the BCS Top 10 – LSU, Alabama, Arkansas, and South Carolina.
Wake Forest had a similar season behind head coach Jim Grobe as the Bulldogs. After an upsetting loss to Syracuse to open the season, the Demon Deacons won four games in a row including a big win over then No. 23 Florida State.
After taking down theSeminolesWakeForestlost five of seven games, all against teams with winning records. A close 24-23 victory against 3-9 Duke almost ruined the Deacons’ season.
Grobe enters the Music City Bowl on the proverbial hot seat. Grobe had a dynamic season in 2006 leading the Deacon’s to an 11-3 record with a berth in the Orange Bowl. Since then he led the Deacon’s to two winning seasons, two losing seasons, and are on the brink of another losing season should they trip against the Bulldogs.
Grobe’s overall record at Wake is 68-66 with three bowl wins to only one loss.
The Key Matchups
The Bulldogs will have to stop the tandem of wide receiver Chris Givens and quarterback Tanner Price if they expect to win.
Price was third in the ACC in total passing yards (2,803), tied for fourth in total passing touchdowns (20), and only threw six interceptions. His quarterback rating of 137.9 was fifth best in the conference.
WakeForestgave up the 30th most sacks in college football this season (29). Mississippi State’s defense will look to take advantage of the 28 sacks Price gave up behind the Deacon’s line.
Price will have to get rid of the ball fast or junior Bulldog defensive tackle Fletcher Cox will have a field day in Nashville. The Bulldogs sacked the opposition’s quarterback 21 times in 2011, four of those sacks coming from Cox.
MSU picked off 12 total passes in a conference better known for running the ball during the 2011 season. If the Bulldogs can apply enough consistent pressure on Price they may be able to force Price into a costly mistake or two.
Givens, a junior, led the ACC in total receiving yards and set a single season school record with 1,276 yards. He was third in receiving touchdowns (9) and third in total receptions (74) within the conference.
Givens had seven games of 100 or more yards receiving. Deacons’ head coach Jim Grobe will look to get his best offensive player the ball on running plays as well. He had four rushing attempts against Notre Dame for 39 total yards.
Senior Deacon’s running back Brandon Pendergrass caught fire towards the end of the season in the absence of sophomore Josh Harris due to a hamstring injury. Pendergrass averaged 95.8 rushing yards per game over the final five games with five rushing touchdowns and one receiving.
Pendergrass finished 9th in the ACC in total rushing yards (750).
Senior quarterback Chris Relf started the season under center for Mississippi State but gave way to a rotation of Tyler Russell and Dylan Farve before the end. Relf struggled in the passing game where Russell excelled.
Relf’s touchdown to interception ratio was part of the problem (9/7). Relf had a better completion percentage than Russell, 59.6 – 53.5, but Russell helped stretch the field better by averaging 8.0 yards per completion to Relf’s 6.3.
Russell’s touchdown to interception ratio was better (8/4) and he threw 42 fewer passes than Relf.
The Bulldogs’ top receiving target is junior wide receiver Arceto Clark. Clark finished with 404 receiving yards.
MSU’s main offensive threat is senior running back Vick Ballard. Ballard finished with 1,009 total rushing yards, fourth in the SEC, but struggled behind his offensive line in conference play. He had five 100-yard rushing games only two of those in conference play – Auburn and Ole Miss.
Ballard is a threat to receive the ball out of the backfield when they call his number. Against Auburn he caught five passes for 64 yards.
Comparing Stats
Wake Forest has the No. 76 ranked total offense in the nation gaining 374.50 yards per game.
Mississippi State has the No. 87 ranked offense in the nation averaging 355 yards per game.
Statistics can be misleading; the Bulldogs faced the top four defensive teams in the nation – Alabama, LSU, Georgia, and South Carolina.
The Deacons faced three teams with defenses ranked in the top 20 –Florida State,Virginia Tech, and Vanderbilt.
MSU boast the No. 43 ranked defense limiting teams to 355.92 yards per game.
Wake Forest has the No. 75 ranked defense in CFB allowing 399.08 yards per game.
MSU has the 19th best scoring defense in the nation holding teams to 19.92 points per game.
The Demon Deacons allow 27.75 points per game on average ranking their scoring defense 70th in CFB.
Wake Forest averaged 26.75 points per game during the season ranking 62nd in the nation.
MSU average 25.50 points per game ranking 73rd in CFB.
Wake’s passing offense threw for 255.58 yards per game good for 36th in CFB.
MSU was ranked 92nd only averaging 186.25 per game.
MSU had the 45th best rushing offense in the nation at 168.83 yards per game.
Wake had 24th worst or the 96th best rushing offense averaging 118.92 yards per game.
Wake’s rush defense versus MSU’s rushing attack:
WakeForestis tied for 70th best rush defense in CFB with Georgia Tech at 162.92 yards allowed per game.
Bulldogs pass defense versus Wake’s passing offense:
Mississippi State has the 23rd best pass defense limiting teams to 194.92 yards per game only allowing 12 passing touchdowns on the year.
Should Tyler Russell have to win the game with his arm, the Deacon’s defense allows 236.17 passing yards per game giving up 21 passing touchdowns in the process.
Bowl History
Wake Forest is 6-3 all-time in bowl games having won their last two.
Mississippi State is 9-6 all-time in bowl games having won four straight dating back to 1999.
Prediction
The Deacons faltered down the back stretch of the season. Will the time off before their bowl game recharge their batteries enough to beat Mississippi State?
Mississippi State has a very similar team to Vanderbilt; both teams are scrappy on offense and play hard on defense for their coaches.
The Commodores limited Price’s ability to throw as he only completed 47 percent of his passes for 157 yards before being taken out of the game in the fourth quarter.
Vanderbilt has a two-headed running tandem between their quarterback Jordan Rodgers and running back Zac Stacey, same as MSU.
Vanderbilt had an easy go of Wake Forest in the last game of the regular season winning 41-7. Look for the same here.
Final Score
Mississippi State 34 – Wake Forest 24
The Music City Bowl will be played December 30 at 6:40 p.m. EST in Nashville, Tennessee.
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
College Football: Mississippi State Trying to Catch No. 6 Arkansas Looking Ahead
The tale of two teams thought to be on a similar rise in the SEC West just a season ago could not be any more different as the Mississippi State Bulldogs travel to Little Rock, Arkansas this weekend in an attempt to knock off No. 6 Arkansas.
Last season Mississippi State, 9-4, appeared to be on the brink of taking a major step towards contending with the SEC West elite teams. The Bulldogs had wins over SEC powerhouses Georgia, Florida, and crushed their in-state rival Ole Miss in the Egg Bowl. MSU finished the season with a 52-14 win over University of Michigan in the Gator Bowl.
The return of 15 starters and a preseason ranking of No. 20 brought high expectations for Mississippi State’s head coach Dan Mullen. High hopes have turned to a disappointing season for the 5-5 Bulldogs. Instead of challenging the SEC upper crust teams, Mullen has two games left to become bowl eligible.
The Razorbacks finished 2010 with their first appearance in a BCS Bowl when they accepted a bid to play Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl. Even with the departure of quarterback Ryan Mallett and Mackey Award winning tight end D.J. Williams to the NFL along with only returning 11 starters, the Hogs have surpassed their preseason No. 15 ranking.
The 9-1 Arkansas Razorbacks have been focused and sharp entering the stretch run of their season after two lackluster road performances against lower tiered SEC teams Vanderbilt and Ole Miss. Arkansas easily defeated then No. 10 South Carolina 44-28 and University of Tennessee 49-7 in back-to-back home games as they narrow in on the biggest game of their season against No. 1 LSU.
The Bulldogs have struggled off and on all season as indicated by their 5-5 record. There has been inconsistent quarterback play between the shuffling in and out of senior Chris Relf, sophomore Tyler Russell, and freshman Dylan Farve. Combined the quarterbacks are averaging 204 passing yards per game with 10 total interceptions thrown on the season.
MSU senior running back Vick Ballard has suffered through poor offensive line play and a lack of a passing attack to put up solid numbers on the season. Ballard is ranked 6th in the SEC with 811 total rushing yards, though the majority of his rushing yards have come in non-conference games – 437 yards.
MSU’s defense has played well without the support of the offense. The Bulldog defense is ranked 40th in the nation in total defense holding teams to 353 yards per game.
The Razorbacks underperformed on defense in tough games on the road early in the season but have made significant strides over the past four contests. The addition of injured players Tank Wright, Isaac Madison, Darius Winston, and Jake Bequette back into the defensive rotation has allowed defensive coordinator Willy Robinson more flexibility in calling stunts and blitzes.
Throughout the season Arkansas has relied on the arm of quarterback Tyler Wilson. Wilson’s 2,850 total passing yards leads the SEC and he is second in touchdown passes thrown with 18. His favorite target, Jarius Wright, leads the SEC in total receiving yards with 906 and 11 receiving touchdowns even though he has missed one game this season -Troy.
Razorback fans are fearful that the Hogs will get caught looking ahead to LSU by a hungry Bulldog team. Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino is well aware of the talent Mississippi State has despite their 5-5 record. In 2010 MSU took Arkansas into double overtime before the Hogs pulled out a 38-31 victory on a seven yard touchdown pass by Ryan Mallett to Knile Davis.
What’s at Stake for Both Teams?
An upset victory over Arkansas would knock the Hogs out of contention for a possible shared SEC West Division Title and take away a potential BCS Bowl berth. The Razorbacks are well aware of what is riding on the line against MSU.
A Bulldogs win would mean they are bowl eligible for a second year in a row, something the Bulldogs have only done two other times in school history, 1980-81 and 1999-2000.
Inside the Mississippi State versus Arkansas Game
Vick Ballard and Chris Relf both rushed for over 100-yards with four combined touchdowns against the Razorbacks last year.
Jarius Wright had 2 catches for 105 yards and 1 touchdown last year against MSU.
Arkansas averages 455 yards of total offense per game ranking 26th in FBS.
Arkansas’ defense allows an average of 375 yards per game, 56th in FBS.
Mississippi State gains an average of 373 total yards of offense per game.
Arkansas averages 38.80 points per game.
Mississippi State averages 25.80 points per game.
Mississippi State holds teams to 19.20 points per game.
Arkansas holds teams to 21.50 points per game.
Arkansas averages 311 passing yards per game.
Mississippi State averages 203.80 passing yards per game.
Mississippi State’s pass defense is limiting teams to 186 yards per game.
MSU’s lone conference win came against 4-6 Kentucky.
Arkansas has won nine straight games in Little Rock.
The Razorbacks have won 11 of the last 12 games versus Mississippi State.
Prediction
Mississippi State could salvage their season by beating the Hogs inLittle Rock.Arkansascould throw away a possible shared SEC West Divisional Conference Title, a potential SEC Championship Game berth, and a possible BCS Bowl bid by losing to the Bulldogs. Both teams have a lot to play for only Arkansas has a lot to lose.
Playing at home, Arkansas has more talent, one of the best passing attacks in college football, and more riding on the line.
Petrino delivers Arkansas’ first undefeated season at home since 1999.
Final Score
Arkansas 28, Mississippi State 13
Los Angeles Area Arkansas Alumni Association Watch Party: Mississippi State vs. No. 6 Arkansas
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