Next year's O-Line. Heaviest and most experienced in the SEC.

[IronHog]

I'm worried about the tackles.  Interior should be fine.

Wallace and Jackson have the potential to be very good tackles.....
They need to get them in position in spring and rep the fire out of them instead of the musical chairs approach.....cross train later.


Froholt and Gibson can be real good.......both are future NFLers.


Ragnow is possibly too good to come back.

[JayBell]

I think Ragnow's situation is made more tenuous by the fact that Kirkland didn't get drafted last year.  If Ragnow projects as a LT, then he might need to actually play tackle at some point in college.  If he projects as a center, then he'll be replaced by Raulerson anyway.

I think Wallace has the most potential among the rest of the guys returning next season.  I would only be mildly concerned about RT if Ragnow goes pro and Wallace goes to RT, but even then, you're talking about someone taking over who has been in the program for multiple years by now.

And again, if you give these guys consistency in the offseason instead of the constant tinkering they went through this year, I think they could show some real growth.  It's no accident that Arkansas' line was better the second half of the year the last two seasons.

[Soooie21]

LT Brian Wallace 6'6 335
LG Hjalte Froholdt 6'4 318
C Frank Ragnow  6'5 319
RG Johnny Gibson 6'4 344
RT Jalen Merrick 6'4 327

Average 6'4 1/2 328.6   :razorback:

I think Merrick takes over at Right Tackle because I saw that they had him in some heavy packages last week as an extra blocker.   Edit: Maybe I just saw Merrick congratulating in the end zone after the fourth down TD because he was coming out for the extra point. I'm hoping he starts at Right Tackle though because he's a huge 4 star and we beat out FSU and others for him. Anyway....

So now AA will only get crushed, 30 times a game instead of 35....

[IronHog]

I think Ragnow's situation is made more tenuous by the fact that Kirkland didn't get drafted last year.  If Ragnow projects as a LT, then he might need to actually play tackle at some point in college.  If he projects as a center, then he'll be replaced by Raulerson anyway.

I think Wallace has the most potential among the rest of the guys returning next season.  I would only be mildly concerned about RT if Ragnow goes pro and Wallace goes to RT, but even then, you're talking about someone taking over who has been in the program for multiple years by now.

And again, if you give these guys consistency in the offseason instead of the constant tinkering they went through this year, I think they could show some real growth.  It's no accident that Arkansas' line was better the second half of the year the last two seasons.

Ragnow looks like a center.....a good one.  He doesn't appear to have the length of an NFL OT.

Jackson, Wallace, Froholt, and Gibson all have very good physical talent.....they need to make them into a unit.


The OL played a great game vs Miss St.....they have some good players up front that just got swallowed up all night.

[IronHog]

So now AA will only get crushed, 30 times a game instead of 35....

If the coaches can get kids in the right spots and AA gets the ball out faster he should have a much better year in the pocket.


The OL will still be better running vs pass but won't be the jail break unless they have injuries....

[12247]

One of these days, a lot of Hogvillers will, grudgingly figure out why Arkansas seems to have entire groups of players who don't seem to catch on or just cannot be fast enough or smart enough or dedicated enough, etc.  You know, it is not unusual for a player or 2 in a group of say offensive linemen or WRs or D-linemen to just fail.  Could be a lost girlfriend, trouble at home, cannot seem to hit the books well enough to stay eligible, lost their lust to play the game, etc..  But here in Hogland, we have for example, a large group of D-linemen who were well on their way, only to do a mass failure along the way.  Our WRs, none of them knew jack crap about their job, too slow, couldn't catch a fever, mush less a ball,  couldn't separate from a snail and then Hatcher was allowed on the field mostly as the best loser of the bunch.  He kind of caught on and was praised as the only one who knew jack crap and then damn, he got seriously injured and we had to use one of the barking dogs to just take up space and durn, he had the audacity to go play pretty well and then another and then another until we ended up with a decent bunch, all forced onto the field just so we could have someone, anyone stumble around in those spots on the field.  And then the O-line, which is the centerpiece of our team, but oops, we ran slap dab out of those Guys.  Couldn't find a winner among the bunch.  Everyone of them couldn't do their job inside the 5 or 25 or eventually anywhere on the field.  AA got bitch slapped and overrun every time he attempted to pass.  Yep, it is odd how we just lose the entire group quite often, especially with all the super duper training, conditioning and mental preparedness they get Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter.  You just gotta admit. wes about the most unluckiest team around with this group failure syndrome.  But we just gotta realize it takes time.  Be patient.  If a particular group or groups end up all being failures, well, you just gotta wait till the next group comes along.  Be patient.

[Deep Shoat]

I'm worried about the tackles.  Interior should be fine.

A reasonable take.  Wallace has looked pedestrian in pass blocking, and Jackson looked worse.  Ramirez and Heinrich might make an impression on the discussion, though.  And Wallace/Jackson could improve. 

I think next season will argely live or die with those Tackles and the tackling on D.

[LZH]

Our OL will be unstoppable next year, because.....well, just because. That's the company line, right?

[Deep Shoat]

Our OL will be unstoppable next year, because.....well, just because. That's the company line, right?

Yep.  Ignore the reasonable posts in this thread to post something asinine.

Way to go, LZH.

[IronHog]

A reasonable take.  Wallace has looked pedestrian in pass blocking, and Jackson looked worse.  Ramirez and Heinrich might make an impression on the discussion, though.  And Wallace/Jackson could improve. 

I think next season will argely live or die with those Tackles and the tackling on D.

Good news is both guys are physically capable of playing tackle.

Of course Tony Ugoh was an elite athlete that didn't appear to enjoy football all that much....

[ricepig]

Yep.  Ignore the reasonable posts in this thread to post something asinine.

Way to go, LZH.

Well, he could have posted a 500 poorly worded and grammatically incorrect post like 12345, so, he has that going for him.

[Deep Shoat]

Well, he could have posted a 500 poorly worded and grammatically incorrect post like 12345, so, he has that going for him.

I guess there is that...

Not being 12345 is certainly something to be recognized.

[Deep Shoat]

Good news is both guys are physically capable of playing tackle.

Of course Tony Ugoh was an elite athlete that didn't appear to enjoy football all that much....

I agree.  They SHOULD improve.  Hopefully they WILL...

[Science Fiction Greg]

One of these days, a lot of Hogvillers will, grudgingly figure out why Arkansas seems to have entire groups of players who don't seem to catch on or just cannot be fast enough or smart enough or dedicated enough, etc.  You know, it is not unusual for a player or 2 in a group of say offensive linemen or WRs or D-linemen to just fail.  Could be a lost girlfriend, trouble at home, cannot seem to hit the books well enough to stay eligible, lost their lust to play the game, etc..  But here in Hogland, we have for example, a large group of D-linemen who were well on their way, only to do a mass failure along the way.  Our WRs, none of them knew jack crap about their job, too slow, couldn't catch a fever, mush less a ball,  couldn't separate from a snail and then Hatcher was allowed on the field mostly as the best loser of the bunch.  He kind of caught on and was praised as the only one who knew jack crap and then damn, he got seriously injured and we had to use one of the barking dogs to just take up space and durn, he had the audacity to go play pretty well and then another and then another until we ended up with a decent bunch, all forced onto the field just so we could have someone, anyone stumble around in those spots on the field.  And then the O-line, which is the centerpiece of our team, but oops, we ran slap dab out of those Guys.  Couldn't find a winner among the bunch.  Everyone of them couldn't do their job inside the 5 or 25 or eventually anywhere on the field.  AA got bitch slapped and overrun every time he attempted to pass.  Yep, it is odd how we just lose the entire group quite often, especially with all the super duper training, conditioning and mental preparedness they get Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter.  You just gotta admit. wes about the most unluckiest team around with this group failure syndrome.  But we just gotta realize it takes time.  Be patient.  If a particular group or groups end up all being failures, well, you just gotta wait till the next group comes along.  Be patient.

Good lord.  Get some pepto for that diarrhea.

[Temprees]

We've seen how little being the "biggest offensive line in all of football" really means.  What will matter is the experience next year's line will have.

If Ragnow projects at tackle for the NFL, he's the LT next year and Raulerson starts at center.  I tried to tell everybody for a year Skipper would take over at LT because experience is so key there.  If it's not Ragnow, it will be Wallace.  They're both guaranteed to start.

Froholdt and Gibson are set at the guard positions.  Froholdt had his fair share of struggles in the first three games, but he's improved the most of anyone on the line.  Raulerson was obviously the standout in the wrong way, but he can be good as a senior at center if Ragnow moves to tackle.

The only potential position battle is going to be at RT.  Rogers may push Raulerson at C some, but the coaches love experience and rightfully so.  Merrick may push for time, but Jackson will have the inside track.

We have better than Raulerson

[JayBell]

We have better than Raulerson

At guard and tackle, unquestionably.  Raulerson's only chance to start next year is at C.  That's not a provocative statement.

[12247]

You folks just keep hanging in there, licking and slurping.  When and if you ever wake up, will you have the Guts to say it?  Likely not.

[ricepig]

You folks just keep hanging in there, licking and slurping.  When and if you ever wake up, will you have the Guts to say it?  Likely not.

Same day you admit you don't have any idea on anything involving football.

[Science Fiction Greg]

You folks just keep hanging in there, licking and slurping.  When and if you ever wake up, will you have the Guts to say it?  Likely not.

What are we supposed to wake up to?  Was there some big revelation in that incoherent barrage of letters you unleashed on us earlier?  I certainly couldn't find anything halfway coherent.

[1highhog]

Next years OL. probably no better than this year.  Defense, unless heads roll, worse than this year.

[code red]

And the most overrated.

Agreed and from what I have seen.....they may wanta shed some of that weight.

[mizzouman]

Doesn't matter how big or heavy you are on the OL.  It's all about using your hands, feet and technique for individuals.  Then taking that and working as a group. 

[RebelW]

I really think Paul Ramirez will get the nod at RT

[1highhog]

Doesn't matter how big or heavy you are on the OL.  It's all about using your hands, feet and technique for individuals.  Then taking that and working as a group. 

I saw a smaller defense shove this years OL down on the ground and have their way with them in the 2nd half at Mizzou.  I think I'll see much the same next year with every team we play pretty much pushing our overweight OL around and falling on themselves.  CBB likes his big boys but they don't do much, excuse me, they don't do any more than any other line I've seen in all of College Ball.

[The_Iceman]

This year had a lot of brand new players on the O-line, including Froholdt, Wallace, Gibson, and Raulerson. Next year, I expect a much more productive and cohesive line.

[jgphillips3]

This year had a lot of brand new players on the O-line, including Froholdt, Wallace, Gibson, and Raulerson. Next year, I expect a much more productive and cohesive line.

I still think, if Ragnow leaves, Rogers should and will be our Center.

[Lake City Hog]

I agree that would give us a 2 year guy there. I really hate that we wasted his Freshman year, redshirt him and he would have been around for 3 more years!

[Sooie71923]

no need to get hopes up this soon. im not buying anymore player or position hype for the rest of my life. i will judge based on game performance from here on out. too many of our fans take media and coach speak to heart and when they dont see what they think they should see on the field, it results in meltdowns and firing rants.

do yourselves a favor, wait and see, dont listen and expect.

[JayBell]

no need to get hopes up this soon. im not buying anymore player or position hype for the rest of my life. i will judge based on game performance from here on out. too many of our fans take media and coach speak to heart and when they dont see what they think they should see on the field, it results in meltdowns and firing rants.

do yourselves a favor, wait and see, dont listen and expect.

I think a lot of guys on this staff are great, but they're probably the worst offenders of this I've ever seen, at least at Arkansas.  Their preseason prognostications are always way off.  It takes them at least 2-3 games to get the best players on the field, sometimes longer.

You're not supposed to think next year's group will be great because it's the company line.  You're supposed to think that because of the way they've grown throughout the season and the fact they will bring back a lot of experience.

[JayBell]

This year had a lot of brand new players on the O-line, including Froholdt, Wallace, Gibson, and Raulerson. Next year, I expect a much more productive and cohesive line.

And chemistry.  And continuity.  Bielema and his line coaches have probably tinkered with the line too much the past two seasons.  Froholdt was the only player to stay in the same spot in the preseason.  Skipper was the only other constant on the line during the season.

You likely have Froholdt and Gibson staying in their same position.  If Ragnow comes back, he either stays at his position or he moves to LT and Wallace stays at his.

Instead of seeing changes made across the line, you're going to see two.  I think they will be much improved next year.

[mizzouman]

I saw a smaller defense shove this years OL down on the ground and have their way with them in the 2nd half at Mizzou.  I think I'll see much the same next year with every team we play pretty much pushing our overweight OL around and falling on themselves.  CBB likes his big boys but they don't do much, excuse me, they don't do any more than any other line I've seen in all of College Ball.

It's about technique which includes leverage.  I see Skipper get knocked backwards several time this year because he can't get low enough.  Plus, his footwork is atrocious.  If he wants to be an NFL OL, then he better work on that.

[DeltaBoy]

I expect the O line to be way better.

[hogatheart]

I think from here on out I'm not gonna read too much into the, "heaviest line in the universe" type thing anymore. I think when we place too much emphasis on this and then get stuffed at the LOS quite often, it makes us look really bad. The Oline did show some improvement which is comforting, and it's a good indication that they will work on problematic phases in the off season. So yeah, Im expecting a much improved Oline next year, but not just based on size. The fact of the matter is, our HUGE Oline got owned more times than not this past year.

[kp72204]

It hinges on what happens with Ragnow.  If Ragnow goes pro or moves to LT, Raulerson will start at C.  It's his natural position.  He's not athletic enough to do everything they ask of the guards and his confidence sure seems like it has taken a hit this year.

Remember, Raulerson didn't announce his transfer until mid-June.  He didn't get to work as much with the line as everybody else did.  Give him a full preseason of work at C and I don't think he'll be any kind of weak link like he was this season.

I don't think when he showed up plays a part in this. Ball is snapped you engage the defensive lineman and don't let him by you. He got abused in every way possible. Also I thought Raulerson was a grad transfer with 1 to play not two. If they were doing more sweeps then maybe he needed to gel but straight up........no. He gave his best but came up short.

[kp72204]

It's about technique which includes leverage.  I see Skipper get knocked backwards several time this year because he can't get low enough.  Plus, his footwork is atrocious.  If he wants to be an NFL OL, then he better work on that.

NAAAHHHH!!!! he's gonna be a FG block specialist. Making good money for special teams. I can see it now. Former Hog blocks game winning kick

[Jonteviosk]

UMM you don't know me, nor my agendas. And Brandon Allen got knocked around like a Pinata at a Hispanic birthday. So has his brother. Next!

Your a moron BA felt no heat at all last year not even Bama... learn to know something about football before you speak.

[IronHog]

UMM you don't know me, nor my agendas. And Brandon Allen got knocked around like a Pinata at a Hispanic birthday. So has his brother. Next!

BA had about the easiest QB job in history last year....


That line could flat pass protect against anyone.

[IronHog]

It's about technique which includes leverage.  I see Skipper get knocked backwards several time this year because he can't get low enough.  Plus, his footwork is atrocious.  If he wants to be an NFL OL, then he better work on that.

Skipper is a mauler......he's just too big to be a technical OL.


He's tough, mean, and great in the open field.  Probably not an NFL lineman unless he's a platoon player.

[IronHog]

And chemistry.  And continuity.  Bielema and his line coaches have probably tinkered with the line too much the past two seasons.  Froholdt was the only player to stay in the same spot in the preseason.  Skipper was the only other constant on the line during the season.

You likely have Froholdt and Gibson staying in their same position.  If Ragnow comes back, he either stays at his position or he moves to LT and Wallace stays at his.

Instead of seeing changes made across the line, you're going to see two.  I think they will be much improved next year.

Winner.


If Ragnow comes back and Jackson can own LT it can be a good line.


Ragnow leaves and they fool around all preseason again it will be another mess.

[MountieDawg]

LT Brian Wallace 6'6 335
LG Hjalte Froholdt 6'4 318
C Frank Ragnow  6'5 319
RG Johnny Gibson 6'4 344
RT Jalen Merrick 6'4 327

Average 6'4 1/2 328.6   :razorback:

I think Merrick takes over at Right Tackle because I saw that they had him in some heavy packages last week as an extra blocker.   Edit: Maybe I just saw Merrick congratulating in the end zone after the fourth down TD because he was coming out for the extra point. I'm hoping he starts at Right Tackle though because he's a huge 4 star and we beat out FSU and others for him. Anyway....

That was the argument about this yeas defense returning 9 starters, but we found out returning 9 guys from a crappy defense just meant your defense would be crappy again!

[Boss Hog in the Arkansas]

As we saw this season with the defense, just because you bring back numbers and experience, doesn't mean you are going to be good.

If you have good position coaches and coordinators you will

[ballz2thewall]

is it necessary for LT to be a typical giant?

harken back to the jimmie johnson miami days as a model, for example. johnson had some very nimble lineman that weren't typical pancake style blockers. this, of course, served the passing scheme.

it seems to me that finding balance at this position is difficult. thus, pick a player that can handle situations where damage control is most needed - pass blocking, AND merely getting is someone's way is also valuable.

just a thought......

[JayBell]

I don't think when he showed up plays a part in this. Ball is snapped you engage the defensive lineman and don't let him by you. He got abused in every way possible. Also I thought Raulerson was a grad transfer with 1 to play not two. If they were doing more sweeps then maybe he needed to gel but straight up........no. He gave his best but came up short.

...at guard.  You're judging how good he can be as a center based on how he played as a guard.  They have different responsibilities and require different movements.

[HamSammich]

Yes sir! I seem to remember hearing all about our "biggest offensive line in football" last year too. We did just as good of a job on 3rd and inches and 4th and inches as we did this season. Give me 290lbs across the board that can move like the Denver Broncos did with T Davis. He got over 2,000 yards with that puny line.

Different blocking scheme. Denver and kubiak have always used a stretch cut block system.

[Ex-Trumpet]

Big is important.  Speed and technique are more so.

[PonderinHog]

Big is important.  Speed and technique are more so.

Maybe they shouldn't have overated so much.

[Youngsta71701]

So now AA will only get crushed, 30 times a game instead of 35....

It'll still be 35 if he holds on to the ball too long...

[Youngsta71701]

At guard and tackle, unquestionably.  Raulerson's only chance to start next year is at C.  That's not a provocative statement.

Let's not forget about Rogers.

[Turminator]

And the slowest too.

Don't forget most un-athletic

[Ex-Trumpet]

Big is important.  Speed and technique are more so.

Can't believe we didn't get the "that's what she said..." reply...

Y'all are really slacking!!  It's time for the Hogs to be competitive again!!!