Done deal

[ricepig]

Please welcome @CoachSings to Arkansas! http://t.co/nHsrKY0sJc #WoooPig http://t.co/w1WxX1CDQp

[Tim Harris]

Solid addition.  Like that he puts a huge emphasis on ball security.  Also looks like someone who will be around a while instead of looking again next year.

[Ugly Uncle]

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas has named Jemal Singleton as the football program's new running backs coach and special teams coordinator, head coach Bret Bielema announced on Wednesday.

Singleton joins the Arkansas staff after more than 10 years of FBS experience as both a player and coach at the running back position. He spent the past four seasons as the running backs coach at Oklahoma State following a long tenure at Air Force.

"We are very intrigued with Jemal's history as a person, player and coach, and specifically his experience with the running back position," Bielema said. "He will be a great asset that brings life experience to Arkansas. Jemal fits into our offensive and special teams philosophy. We are excited for him to join our program and help us win an SEC championship."

"After meeting with Coach Bielema, Mr. Long and the rest of the Razorback football staff, I knew that this was something I wanted to be a part of," Singleton said.  "It was just the perfect fit, both on and off the field. The opportunity to coordinate special teams and work with two returning 1,000 yard rushers was icing on the cake.  My family and I cannot wait to join this great institution and community. I look forward to helping the University of Arkansas win an SEC championship."

One of Singleton's points of emphasis is ball security and the Cowboys did not disappoint in that facet in 2014. Oklahoma State's running backs did not commit a single turnover during the season, combining for 509 touches with only one fumble, a ball that was recovered by the Cowboys.

In 2013, Oklahoma State rushed for 35 touchdowns in the regular season, ranking second in the Big 12 and 15th nationally. The mark was also the sixth-best in a single season in school history. Desmond Roland rushed for 13 touchdowns, leading all Big 12 running backs and ranking 31st nationally despite not starting until the seventh game of the season.

Singleton served as the position coach for Joseph Randle, one of the most heralded running backs in Oklahoma State history. In 2012, Randle was a unanimous first-team All-Big 12 selection after leading the Big 12 with 1,417 rushing yards. He went on to be selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL Draft.

In his first season at Oklahoma State, Singleton helped the Cowboys to one of the best seasons in program history, winning the Big 12, finishing 12-1 and ranked No. 3 in the final Associated Press poll. Randle rushed for 24 touchdowns, the fourth-most in FBS that season and earned first-team All-Big 12 honors by the AP. The Cowboys' running backs totaled 10 games of 100 yards or more.

Singleton joined the Oklahoma State staff after 11 years at Air Force where he was the running backs coach during the final five years of his tenure there. He also served as the run game coordinator from 2007-10. The Falcons led the Mountain West in rushing and ranked in the top 10 nationally each season.

In 2010, Air Force ranked second in the nation with 306.5 rushing yards per game. The team totaled 3,985 rushing yards, which was the second-best total in MWC history at the time. The Falcons also rushed for 41 touchdowns, tying the MWC record.

Singleton tutored Chad Hall in 2007, who was named MWC Offensive Player of the Year and earned third-team All-America honors. Hall rushed for 1,478 yards and totaled 2,683 all-purpose yards, helping Air Force win nine games. Hall played three seasons in the NFL for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Singleton began his Air Force and coaching career shortly after graduating from the Academy in 1999 with a degree in social sciences. He served as an instructor and assistant head coach/offensive coordinator at the USAFA Prep School in 2000. Singleton was then stationed at Little Rock AFB in Jacksonville, Ark., from January 2001 to January 2003 where he served as a public affairs officer. He returned to the Academy in the spring of 2003 and served as the executive officer for the athletic director before becoming the junior varsity defensive coordinator and varsity assistant coach.

As a player, Singleton starred at Air Force where he earned three letters at halfback and earned All-Western Athletic Conference honorable mention as a senior. He helped the school win 10 games in back-to-back seasons for the first time in school history. Singleton is one of just six players in Air Force history to ever be elected a two-time captain.

He and his wife, Jennifer, have two daughters, Morgan and Mallory.

Arkansas closed the 2014 season winning three of its final four games against powers LSU, Ole Miss and Texas. The Razorbacks finished 7-6 with a 31-7 win over Texas in the AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl, marking Arkansas' first winning season since 2011.

Fans can put a deposit down for 2015 season tickets by visiting ArkansasRazorbacks.com. The 2015 home schedule includes six games in Fayetteville, four against opponents that played in bowl games last season – UTEP, Auburn, Mississippi State and Missouri. Arkansas will also take on Toledo at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock.

For more information on Arkansas Football, follow @RazorbackFB on Twitter.

[Rison Razor Hog]

Please welcome @CoachSings to Arkansas! http://t.co/nHsrKY0sJc #WoooPig http://t.co/w1WxX1CDQp

I like his background, Uncommon. I am kind of partial to AFA as well I look forward to seeing the product of his coaching!

[hawginbigd1]

Sounds great, I like academy bred coaches. On another note, Tim Harris Jr. to FIU as RB coach?

[A Hogwork Orange]

How well does he recruit? Honestly I don't know much about him.

[snoblind]

thanks, Rice.  Looks like a solid hire.

[whippersnapper]

I like that he comes from working in 2 different offenses. The option at AF and air raid at OSU

[PORKULATOR]

I love CBBs comment about him being a part of us winning an SEC title.
Wps

[BadHog]

And here he is!

[The_Boot_stops_here]

How well does he recruit? Honestly I don't know much about him.

and herein lies the key

[PorkRinds]

and herein lies the key

I think the key is how well he WILL recruit, not how well he HAS recruited.

[ricepig]

and herein lies the key

It's obvious that he met Bret's qualifications on it.

[The_Boot_stops_here]

I think the key is how well he WILL recruit, not how well he HAS recruited.

agreed

[rzrbk4life]

Looks like a solid hire. Welcome to the program Mr Singleton

[Hawgzinbowlz]

Welcome, Coach Singleton and family.  " GO HOGS "

[Rooka]

Seems like a good hire to me. Time will tell.

Welcome Coach!

[ricepig]

Looks like a 1 year deal at $310,000.

@RazNation: Jemal Singleton's contract runs through June 30th, 2016 and he will make $310,000 as RB coach and Special Teams Coordinator.

[Oklahawg]

Love the hire!

We just hired away a coach - parallel move - who worked for a perennial bowl team and former BCS participant. OSU has had a pipeline of RBs. They went into GA late to land a 4-star recruit this year, I believe. Had the OSU hat "on the table" for numerous elite RBs from south of the border.

Fantastic position coach, stellar recruiter in my book. Upgrade over a good coach (Thomas).

[DeltaBoy]

Solid Blue Collar Hire.

[Shrevepork]

"..... 509 touches with only one fumble..."

Wow-that's incredible. Is that some kind of record?

[tophawg19]

Love the hire!

We just hired away a coach - parallel move - who worked for a perennial bowl team and former BCS participant. OSU has had a pipeline of RBs. They went into GA late to land a 4-star recruit this year, I believe. Had the OSU hat "on the table" for numerous elite RBs from south of the border.

Fantastic position coach, stellar recruiter in my book. Upgrade over a good coach (Thomas).

South of the border ? Mexico has 4 star RB'S ? He must be using the OBAMA plan .lol Or was you talking about Taco Bell  Having 4 star RB'S

[Justifiable Hogicide]

It's obvious that he met Bret's qualifications on it.

That's enough for me.
Welcome Coach Singleton  :razorback:

[jgphillips3]

South of the border ? Mexico has 4 star RB'S ? He must be using the OBAMA plan .lol Or was you talking about Taco Bell  Having 4 star RB'S

In Oklahoma, I believe "South of the border" means Texas.

[tophawg19]

they say he has recruiting ties to LA, Texas , And Okla. in particular . Areas we need help in . I think Oklahoma Has a good number of players we may be able to steal .

[SwineGrind]

@JohnSimon31 just direct message me on twitter...

"You got a great hire, Congrats"


Stand up guy that took the time to follow up with me. I havent tweeted him since the other day. Make sure you tweeterers show him some live/Respect.

[ricepig]

@JohnSimon31 just direct message me on twitter...

"You got a great hire, Congrats"


Stand up guy that took the time to follow up with me. I havent tweeted him since the other day. Make sure you tweeterers show him some live/Respect.

Very classy, he'll do well.

[The_Boot_stops_here]

@JohnSimon31 just direct message me on twitter...

"You got a great hire, Congrats"


Stand up guy that took the time to follow up with me. I havent tweeted him since the other day. Make sure you tweeterers show him some live/Respect.

That's very cool. Good dude

[Pig In The City]

In order to sell the program, you have to believe in it.  You can't sell a kid on something you are not behind 100%. 

Arkansas has a unique situation when it comes to recruiting.  Coaches have to work much harder than other schools for the same athlete.  It is a tough job with long hours in efforts to upgrade the talent level that will come to a program in ARKANSAS.  Some on here could have a little understanding of the difficulties inherent in our recruiting process.

[Wildhog]

I'll say this:  for what he's being paid, he'd damn well better sign at least one ELITE RB this year.

[ricepig]

I'll say this:  for what he's being paid, he'd damn well better sign at least one ELITE RB this year.

What's your definition of elite? Top 10, Top 20, what?

[MuskogeeHogFan]

I'll say this:  for what he's being paid, he'd damn well better sign at least one ELITE RB this year.

I'll say this, Bielema took his time when everyone was wondering what the hold up was. He found a guy that fits with this staff and their philosophy of not only hard work and going after good players, but good players that fit the character (chemistry) of the players that they want on this team. Is he an A+ hire? We will see. If Bielema is happy wth the hire (or obviously he would not have hired him) then I am happy as well. We will know more about this guy and what he brings to the table in the near future.

[SamBuckhart]

Welcome to Arkansas, Coach Sings.

[Wildhog]

What's your definition of elite? Top 10, Top 20, what?

I'll broaden the definition to "one with a bunch of quality offers."

[goodguytex]

Great coaching background and ties to the area. Looks like a really solid hire to me. I actually kind of prefer his background to coach Thomas in a few ways. We will see how everything works out. Hopefully our offense really does well over the next several years and we get some continuity in our staff. Either way, our staff is complete now. Now on to spring practice!

[PorkSoda]

In Oklahoma, I believe "South of the border" means Texas.

same difference

[hawgwash]

Very classy, he'll do well.

That's very cool. Good dude

For some reason an old commercial jingle is running through my head after reading this thread and finally reading these two posts.  "I'd like to teach the world to sing, in perfect harmony...."

[shotgun7]

I love how every coach we have hired has mentioned in their presser how they look forward to helping us win an SEC Championship.... not get to... not contend for, but win.  :razorback:

[BigPapaHawg]

Nice hire!!!!

[batesvillepharmer]

I like his background, Uncommon. I am kind of partial to AFA as well I look forward to seeing the product of his coaching!

Amen. Something a little more noble about the character of a man whose path has included service to his country. Wish him the best.

[southeasthog]

I'll say this:  for what he's being paid, he'd damn well better sign at least one ELITE RB this year.

I disagree. He's just spent the last four years trying to convince their top targets that Oklahoma St. is the next best thing since sliced bread. It will be hard to go into those same living rooms and say "I was wrong. The best thing for you young man, is to come to Arkansas."
He might bring in some elite RB's this season but it would be the ones we were already on. The next season would be the one I would start judging him on.

Also, why is his salary a disclaimer in it? I expect results from all our staff no matter what they are paid.

[Pork Twain]

Love this hire and I predict that once again CBB will come out showing us all he knows more about coaching hires than any of us.

[Doug]

I just dug into Coach Sing a little more... he actually played on the same squad (at the Air Force Academy) as my neighbor did (there's a few of us that grew up together, but only one went to the AFA as a RB (now either a Lt. Col or an outright Col.)). Overlap of at least 2 years together.

Notable from Coach Sing's playing days..
1997 and 1998 Team Capitain
1998 AFA's MVP (Halfback)

[MuskogeeHogFan]

I disagree. He's just spent the last four years trying to convince their top targets that Oklahoma St. is the next best thing since sliced bread. It will be hard to go into those same living rooms and say "I was wrong. The best thing for you young man, is to come to Arkansas."
He might bring in some elite RB's this season but it would be the ones we were already on. The next season would be the one I would start judging him on.

Also, why is his salary a disclaimer in it? I expect results from all our staff no matter what they are paid.

I think every recruit and their family realize that when a coach changes schools that the new school becomes the new "best place to go". What he has to sell to them now is playing RB in the SEC. I think that is worth a bit more to some (a perception thing) than getting to play RB at Okla State in the Big 12. A good salesman knows how to leverage his school's best qualities and differentiate between his school and opposing schools without having to go negative in the process.

[Razorfox]

Pretty cool that this will be his second time to live in Arkansas.  He was an active duty officer at LRAFB after he left the AFA. 

[woodrow hog call]

I just dug into Coach Sing a little more... he actually played on the same squad (at the Air Force Academy) as my neighbor did (there's a few of us that grew up together, but only one went to the AFA as a RB (now either a Lt. Col or an outright Col.)). Overlap of at least 2 years together.

Notable from Coach Sing's playing days..
1997 and 1998 Team Capitain
1998 AFA's MVP (Halfback)

I just dug into Coach Sing a little more... he actually played on the same squad (at the Air Force Academy) as my neighbor did (there's a few of us that grew up together, but only one went to the AFA as a RB (now either a Lt. Col or an outright Col.)). Overlap of at least 2 years together.

Notable from Coach Sing's playing days..
1997 and 1998 Team Capitain
1998 AFA's MVP (Halfback)

I just dug into Coach Sing a little more... he actually played on the same squad (at the Air Force Academy) as my neighbor did (there's a few of us that grew up together, but only one went to the AFA as a RB (now either a Lt. Col or an outright Col.)). Overlap of at least 2 years together.

Notable from Coach Sing's playing days..
1997 and 1998 Team Capitain
1998 AFA's MVP (Halfback)

I just dug into Coach Sing a little more... he actually played on the same squad (at the Air Force Academy) as my neighbor did (there's a few of us that grew up together, but only one went to the AFA as a RB (now either a Lt. Col or an outright Col.)). Overlap of at least 2 years together.

Notable from Coach Sing's playing days..
1997 and 1998 Team Capitain
1998 AFA's MVP (Halfback)

I like the fact he was a team captain for his JR and SR year,
that speaks pretty highly of how his team mates thought of him.

[Hoggish1]

I disagree. He's just spent the last four years trying to convince their top targets that Oklahoma St. is the next best thing since sliced bread. It will be hard to go into those same living rooms and say "I was wrong. The best thing for you young man, is to come to Arkansas."

I hope you are kidding about this.  First off, if you are selling a kid on OKIE Lite that it and Stillwater are the best place for you, you are fighting an uphill battle all the way.

On the other hand, Fayetteville IS a great place.  For starters, and that's a great lead in.  Second:

If you are telling a kid that our O style, in the SEC, is a great fit for a running back—you are being totally honest, unlike trying to say that at a spread school.

[PorkRinds]

I disagree. He's just spent the last four years trying to convince their top targets that Oklahoma St. is the next best thing since sliced bread. It will be hard to go into those same living rooms and say "I was wrong. The best thing for you young man, is to come to Arkansas."
He might bring in some elite RB's this season but it would be the ones we were already on. The next season would be the one I would start judging him on.

Also, why is his salary a disclaimer in it? I expect results from all our staff no matter what they are paid.

Are you serious?  You think he will just stop recruiting kids he was on at OSU?  No.  He will say "Look, I found a better opportunity and now I want to bring you with me".  Easy peasy.

[26.2Hog]

Coach Singleton is 39.

I'm going to round that up to 40 and say he's a man!

[JackJohnson]

To me the most impressive part about Singleton is that both Gundy and Bielema are known as two of the better coaching talent evaluators there is.  The fact that Singleton was chosen by both of them is quite impressive.

Gundy's coaching tree includes WV HC Dana Holgorson, UNC HC Larry Fedora, Illinois HC Tim Beckman and USM HC Todd Monken.  We of course are aware of CBB's coaching tree.

I do have minor concerns over his recruiting, however recruiting RB's to Ark should be quite a bit easier then to OSU.  Since we are in dire need of signing 1 if not 2 legit studs in this class we will find out really soon how good of a recruiter he is