Razorbacks Spring Report Card : Linemen, tight ends appear to be Arkansas’ strengths going into preseason workouts
Posted on Monday, May 12, 2008
OFFENSE C Quarterbacks Casey Dick gives the Razorbacks an experienced man under center, but he is operating in a whole new world in Bobby Petrino's Spread offense. Casey had a solid spring and is excited about the opportunity to be a playmaker rather than just a bus driver, but the question is whether he can handle the responsibility. Nathan Dick came on strong to finish ahead of Alex Mortensen during spring drills, but a young gun like Greenwood's Tyler Wilson could get into the mix very quickly in fall drills.
B- Running Backs Michael Smith is out to prove that Arkansas' running game will not disappear with the exit of Darren McFadden and Felix Jones, and he looked like a gamer in the spring. Though small, Smith runs with authority much like former Hog Fred Talley. Brandon Barnett ran the ball well but had trouble with fumbles and pass protection. Petrino did not find the power back he wants to salt away games in the spring. Freshmen DeAnthony Curtis of Camden and Dennis Johnson of Texarkana have the opportunity to earn playing time.
A Offensive Line With Remington Trophy winner and two-time All-American Jonathan Luigs anchoring an experienced group, the Hogs' offensive line is the strength of the football team. The Hogs are still adjusting to the progressive pass coverage alignments in Petrino's offense, but this group is up to the task.
B + Tight Ends Razorback fans starved for passes to the tight end during the Nutt era will have their wishes fulfilled this year. Sophomore D. J. Williams was the Razorbacks most productive and consistent receiver in the spring and junior Andrew Davie wasn't far behind. Talented sophomore Ben Cleveland showed flashes of his old self late in spring drills after struggling with a foot injury early.
C Receivers There is potential for the Razorbacks to grade higher at this position as talents such as London Crawford, Carlton Salters, Marques Wade and Rod Coleman continue to get more repetitions in the fall and gain more confidence, but focus was a problem in the spring as the Hogs had more balls thrown their way than at any time during their college careers. Freshmen, particularly, Joe Adams of Little Rock will be counted on to help this fall.
DEFENSE B Defensive Line Adrian Davis, Antwain Robinson, Jake Bequette and Damario Ambrose form a four-man rotation at defensive end that coordinator Willy Robinson is ready to go to war with in the SEC. Malcolm Sheppard needs to add weight but is quick and active at the tackle spot, but the Hogs need run-plugger Ernest Mitchell to recover from his knee injury and play big this season. There is room for a newcomer to help here, too.
C- Linebackers The Razorbacks have speed to burn at the position but lack the size that Petrino desires and are short on depth. Jerry Franklin and Ryan Powers have the tenacity and speed to grow into very good players and Elston Forte is solid leader, but an injury to Wendel Davis and off-the-field problems for Freddie Fairchild has sapped Arkansas' depth. Look for freshman Tenarius Wright of Memphis to get an opportunity to play this fall.
C + Secondary After losing all four starters from 2007, the play of the secondary was the defensive surprise of the spring. Petrino said the Hogs have five corners they can count on and that does not include Jerell Norton, who missed spring drills with a hamstring injury. Matt Harris and Dallas Washington had a hard-hitting and productive spring at the two safety spots.
B Special Teams Alex Tejada returns for his sophomore season after a fine freshman campaign. Petrino believes the Hogs can count on 3 points once they reach the 35. Matt Harris will be his holder. Jeremy Davis, who averaged 40 yards a punt in 2007, also returns. However, Petrino said the rest of the special teams will be sorted out in the fall with Michael Smith, Harris and Jerrell Norton candidates as punt returners and kick-off returners to be decided. Some freshmen will no doubt earn early playing time here.
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