Preseason Practice Starts Today

[MuskogeeHogFan]

They are all returning starters.  This thread is about possible impact players who aren't returning starters.

With Coley, Liddell, Richardson and Toliver being Sr's this year, I'm anxious to see how Korey Hernandez, Chevin Calloway, Kamren Curl, Montaric Brown, Jarques McClellion and Jordan Curtis develop. I can't remember for sure but aren't they working Derrick Munson at one of the LB spots? I think that the future could be very bright for us in the Secondary if these kids are as good as the staff believes them to be.

I'm also anxious to see just how good T.J. Smith, Melvin Johnson, Briston Guidry, Gabe Richardson, and Taylor are going to be at DE. Johnson is supposed to be highly regarded but I think his arrival on campus was delayed. If that is true then it could set him back a bit in terms of seeing the field earlier than later. With the emphasis on more pressure I'm looking forward to see how disruptive this group of guys can be.

While I think we have a good base of players returning at LB. We may not have a lot of starts returning but the 7 that are coming back have seen action in a combined 156 games (avg of 22.3 each) so that should be a good foundation. I think I have heard the staff talk about how WO Grant Morgan has impressed at times and I want to see if LaFrance is going to develop into a good LB and I am also looking forward to seeing what Kyrei Fisher is going to do. What's happened with Dee Walker? Haven't heard much about him.

At RB I think that Maleek Williams is going to be a lot better than anticipated. I can only base that on what we have heard the coaching staff say about him...powerful, good cuts, burst of speed and what is really impressive, I think it was Bielema who talked about how he had caught onto to his offensive assignments and blocking assignments quicker than anyone that they have had since his arrival at Arkansas. If you think about who we have had, that's pretty impressive. I'm really looking forward to seeing just how productive Sr. Transfer David Williams is going to be with just this season to play. Hammonds saw limited action LY but I think he is going to be a regular part of the offense this season and he will probably get a few carries out of the backfield each game. Last but certainly not least is Chase Hayden. I read where he really impressed his team mates with his work in the weight room over the off season and we know that he is talented. Will they R/S him? I guess we will see.

We are in great shape again at TE with Patton joining Gunter, Cantrell, Gragg and O'Grady at that position. The fight for reps at TE should be interesting to watch.

I know that this is a big question mark but I think we will be better than expected at WR with Cornelius, Stewart and Pettway back along with new additions in Nance, Martin, Jordan Jones and true freshmen Jarod Barnes, Maleek Barkley, Devion Warren and Koilan Jackson all fighting to get into the two deep. Bielema served notice to the returners after practice yesterday in his presser that the young guys could see playing time if the Vets don't step it up. Frankly, I think we may see some of the young guys anyway.

As for the O-Line I'm just going to project that they are going to execute a whole lot better than last year and, we have good depth. It should be interesting to see how quickly Wagner, Adcock and Clenin (all in for spring) develop. Whatever happened to Jake Heinrich? Haven't heard a lot about him lately.

In terms of newcomers and former reserves, those are the players whose progress I am looking forward to following this season.

[niels_boar]

What's the expectation for the receiving corps?  Improved? About the same? Not as good but good enough? Major question mark?  We lost a lot to graduation.

[bphi11ips]

What's the expectation for the receiving corps?  Improved? About the same? Not as good but good enough? Major question mark?  We lost a lot to graduation.

My expectation is that they are going to surprise a lot of people.  Based on what I read today about Jeremy Patton's size and athleticism, it sounds like he and Brandon Martin are both going to have big impacts.  They are two reasons why I think this team could be much better than forecast if everyone stays relatively healthy. 

There are a lot of under the radar four-star and similar players ready for their day in the sun.  That's the sign of a healthy program.  Brian Wallace is one I didn't mention in the OP.  He's been a starter but appears to be ready to fulfill his promise as an O-lineman.  Jalen Merrick is another who could be a big contributor.  Maybe the lightbulb has come on for Froholdte.

If we can get to the point where we say "next man up", then we'll know we're where we need to be, and it seems we are getting much closer to that than we have been in a long time.       

[colbs]

My expectation is that they are going to surprise a lot of people.  Based on what I read today about Jeremy Patton's size and athleticism, it sounds like he and Brandon Martin are both going to have big impacts.  They are two reasons why I think this team could be much better than forecast if everyone stays relatively healthy. 

There are a lot of under the radar four-star and similar players ready for their day in the sun.  That's the sign of a healthy program.  Brian Wallace is one I didn't mention in the OP.  He's been a starter but appears to be ready to fulfill his promise as an O-lineman.  Jalen Merrick is another who could be a big contributor.  Maybe the lightbulb has come on for Froholdte.

If we can get to the point where we say "next man up", then we'll know we're where we need to be, and it seems we are getting much closer to that than we have been in a long time.       

This.  The WR group is more talented than the last few years but just lack experience.  With so much competition it should make everyone better.  WR is probably one of the easiest positions to see the field as a freshman.  I know he wasn't a freshman but a couple of years ago no really expected much of Drew Morgan and at the end of the season he had more TDs in the SEC than any other WR.

I feel like the TE group is deeper overall too.  Also, a lot of talent there as well.

[Potosihog]

I wish I could be as confident as some of you that TJ Hammonds is going to get 5-10 touches a game.  I think he is explosive.  I would love to see him returning punts if he can catch and make good judgements. 

My concern is we have a very crowded backfield.  IMO if he excels as a WR he will get those kind of touches.  If he is not believable when he lines up in the slot or WO position they will not be able to use him on the jet sweep.

IF he is a reliable receiver, every thing else becomes a possibility.

[bphi11ips]

At RB I think that Maleek Williams is going to be a lot better than anticipated.

My expectations increased after I read this article last week:

http://www.wholehogsports.com/news/2017/jul/18/off-and-running-weight-loss-rawleigh-in/

Mr. Williams appears to be very intelligent and driven.  Physical talent will only take you so far. 

[MuskogeeHogFan]

My expectations increased after I read this article last week:

http://www.wholehogsports.com/news/2017/jul/18/off-and-running-weight-loss-rawleigh-in/

Mr. Williams appears to be very intelligent and driven.  Physical talent will only take you so far. 

Great article.

[Cinco de Hogo]

If I made a statement like "any talk about or offense without a mention of Austin Cantrell has to be ill informed", but maybe it's just me that's ill informed.  Austin is without a doubt my favorite player.  So that said...Austin Cantrell?

[bennyl08]

What's the expectation for the receiving corps?  Improved? About the same? Not as good but good enough? Major question mark?  We lost a lot to graduation.

Think about the transition from Brandon Allen to Austin Allen at qb and I expect the transition to WR to be similar. We lost some good players that took a while to develop but started here for a long time. Now, they are being replaced by players with better physical talent who have been seasoned in the collegiate ranks for several years. There will be some rookie mistakes made simply because Cornelius is the only receiver to have caught more than one pass for us in a game, just like Austin made mistakes last year. However, the transition should be pretty smooth and made even easier by them having Austin throwing them the ball and the amount of time they'll be given from our improved OL.

For a recap, we have Cornelius who outproduced every single other receiver in the country last year from the slot position coming in here for his senior season. We have the #1 JUCO receiver, Martin, coming in who enrolled early. We have 2 talented 3rd years receivers in Pettway and Stewart. We have a 2nd year guy in Jordan Jones who was heavily recruited by the likes of Bama, who iirc enrolled early his freshmen season as well, and is one of, if not the fastest player on our team. On top of that, we also have Cantrell who proved reliable last year at TE, O'Grady who is a pass catching specialist TE, and we brought in the #1 JUCO TE Patton who is also a pass catching specialist similar to O'Grady all while Grayson Gunter made a nice catch as a true freshmen showing coaches that despite the talent ahead of him on the depth chart, he was too special to redshirt.

All that is truly known at the receiver position is Cornelius. However, just playing probability and looking at how things have played out in the past, we should be just fine with our pass catchers.

[MuskogeeHogFan]

If I made a statement like "any talk about or offense without a mention of Austin Cantrell has to be ill informed", but maybe it's just me that's ill informed.  Austin is without a doubt my favorite player.  So that said...Austin Cantrell?

Since this thread is about new players and non-starters who might be stepping up, Cantrell wouldn't be included since he had 5 starts last year. But, I did mention him in my post from above, so I ain't sticking to the rules either.

With Coley, Liddell, Richardson and Toliver being Sr's this year, I'm anxious to see how Korey Hernandez, Chevin Calloway, Kamren Curl, Montaric Brown, Jarques McClellion and Jordan Curtis develop. I can't remember for sure but aren't they working Derrick Munson at one of the LB spots? I think that the future could be very bright for us in the Secondary if these kids are as good as the staff believes them to be.

I'm also anxious to see just how good T.J. Smith, Melvin Johnson, Briston Guidry, Gabe Richardson, and Taylor are going to be at DE. Johnson is supposed to be highly regarded but I think his arrival on campus was delayed. If that is true then it could set him back a bit in terms of seeing the field earlier than later. With the emphasis on more pressure I'm looking forward to see how disruptive this group of guys can be.

While I think we have a good base of players returning at LB. We may not have a lot of starts returning but the 7 that are coming back have seen action in a combined 156 games (avg of 22.3 each) so that should be a good foundation. I think I have heard the staff talk about how WO Grant Morgan has impressed at times and I want to see if LaFrance is going to develop into a good LB and I am also looking forward to seeing what Kyrei Fisher is going to do. What's happened with Dee Walker? Haven't heard much about him.

At RB I think that Maleek Williams is going to be a lot better than anticipated. I can only base that on what we have heard the coaching staff say about him...powerful, good cuts, burst of speed and what is really impressive, I think it was Bielema who talked about how he had caught onto to his offensive assignments and blocking assignments quicker than anyone that they have had since his arrival at Arkansas. If you think about who we have had, that's pretty impressive. I'm really looking forward to seeing just how productive Sr. Transfer David Williams is going to be with just this season to play. Hammonds saw limited action LY but I think he is going to be a regular part of the offense this season and he will probably get a few carries out of the backfield each game. Last but certainly not least is Chase Hayden. I read where he really impressed his team mates with his work in the weight room over the off season and we know that he is talented. Will they R/S him? I guess we will see.

We are in great shape again at TE with Patton joining Gunter, Cantrell, Gragg and O'Grady at that position. The fight for reps at TE should be interesting to watch.

I know that this is a big question mark but I think we will be better than expected at WR with Cornelius, Stewart and Pettway back along with new additions in Nance, Martin, Jordan Jones and true freshmen Jarod Barnes, Maleek Barkley, Devion Warren and Koilan Jackson all fighting to get into the two deep. Bielema served notice to the returners after practice yesterday in his presser that the young guys could see playing time if the Vets don't step it up. Frankly, I think we may see some of the young guys anyway.

As for the O-Line I'm just going to project that they are going to execute a whole lot better than last year and, we have good depth. It should be interesting to see how quickly Wagner, Adcock and Clenin (all in for spring) develop. Whatever happened to Jake Heinrich? Haven't heard a lot about him lately.

In terms of newcomers and former reserves, those are the players whose progress I am looking forward to following this season.

[Cinco de Hogo]

Since this thread is about new players and non-starters who might be stepping up, Cantrell wouldn't be included since he had 5 starts last year. But, I did mention him in my post from above, so I ain't sticking to the rules either.

Well I don't know if it was defined as such, several of the players the OP mentioned have started games and are expected to start, so I think we're good.

[bphi11ips]

Love these best case scenario type threads. There was a good one on SEC Country that I read earlier.

Not a best case scenario thread by any stretch.  It's a thread about potential impact players who are underrated or unknown.   

[bphi11ips]

Well I don't know if it was defined as such, several of the players the OP mentioned have started games and are expected to start, so I think we're good.

There are two mentioned with previous starts - Ramsey and Greenlaw.  I acknowledged Greenlaw isn't new and explained that I included him because he missed the last half of last year with an injury, and the media seems to have forgotten him.  He wasn't named to any SEC preseason teams even though he was All-SEC as a freshman.  I didn't think about Ramsey.  He started 3 games last year. 

[bphi11ips]

Since this thread is about new players and non-starters who might be stepping up, Cantrell wouldn't be included since he had 5 starts last year. But, I did mention him in my post from above, so I ain't sticking to the rules either.

I've loved Austin Cantrell since watching his high school film.  The guy is a football player.  Sort of like Peyton Hillis and Drew Morgan.   

[supersaint]

If I made a statement like "any talk about or offense without a mention of Austin Cantrell has to be ill informed", but maybe it's just me that's ill informed.  Austin is without a doubt my favorite player.  So that said...Austin Cantrell?
[/quote
Austin Mantrell

[Pigsknuckles]

Always anxious when preseason practice starts.  Seems like we always lose someone key to an injury. 

Shhh.....might as well have said "no hitter" or "shank"     That said, August is my least favorite time of the season for the very reason you mention.

[niels_boar]

Interesting discussion.  It will be fun to see what the new guys bring to the table.  I'm a believer that, if the players around Austin do their jobs, we'll score enough to win our share.  However, I find myself having blank expectations for this season.  Not the same as low expectations, just terra incognita.  For me the team is a complete unknown, which is fine for sanity purposes.  I've felt this way before many of our best seasons.  When I'm convinced without a doubt that we are preparing a landing party to collect riches and glory, a hail of arrows from the natives often awaits.

[HF#1]

Lord I hope our special teams and kicking is improved. 

We still do not have a coach, right? Still doing by committee?

[LZH]

I just hope we make conditioning a top priority this year, because we have faded/ran outta gas in the second half of quite a few games. Other than that, here is to no injuries in Fall camp.

[Hogs49ers]

How are there not more people talking about the first two practices??  I feel like most people are still caught up with all the offseason bs threads...

I want to see more discussion on practice reports and player updates!

[bphi11ips]

How are there not more people talking about the first two practices??  I feel like most people are still caught up with all the offseason bs threads...

I want to see more discussion on practice reports and player updates!

Hear, hear!!!

[jgphillips3]

In the clips I have seen, The ball leaves Cole Kelley's hand at the speed of light and his arm strength look similar to Mallett.  He has more learning to do, but when he knows what he is doing (like possibly next year)...watch out.

[MuskogeeHogFan]

I just hope we make conditioning a top priority this year, because we have faded/ran outta gas in the second half of quite a few games. Other than that, here is to no injuries in Fall camp.

How are there not more people talking about the first two practices??  I feel like most people are still caught up with all the offseason bs threads...

I want to see more discussion on practice reports and player updates!

I agree about conditioning, it is vital. What you do in the off season program and then in July/August, are what wins games throughout the season. The price you pay prior to the season not only produces better conditioning of the body, but instills greater mental toughness to be drawn from when the chips are down in a game.

As for discussion of practices, I liked what I heard from Rhoads yesterday after practice. It sounds like players are executing very well from a technique and effort standpoint and that is encouraging, but as he mentioned, we will have to wait and see what happens when the pads go on. On defense, I'm not worried so much about their willingness to make solid contact. What I want to see is correct alignments, correct adjustments to shifts in the offensive alignment, the ability to apply pressure, strong pursuit to the ball and solid tackling and gang tackling, all in pads.

[bphi11ips]

I agree about conditioning, it is vital. What you do in the off season program and then in July/August, are what wins games throughout the season. The price you pay prior to the season not only produces better conditioning of the body, but instills greater mental toughness to be drawn from when the chips are down in a game.

As for discussion of practices, I liked what I heard from Rhoads yesterday after practice. It sounds like players are executing very well from a technique and effort standpoint an5d that is encouraging, but as he mentioned, we will have to wait and see what happens when the pads go on. On defense, I'm not worried so much about their willingness to make solid contact. What I want to see is correct alignments, correct adjustments to shifts in the offensive alignment, the ability to apply pressure, strong pursuit to the ball and solid tackling and gang tackling, all in pads.

Rhoads discussed tackling yesterday in an article by Clay Henry.  He's teaching these guys to tackle.  Football is played with the eyes and the feet.  "The number one thing, keep the  eyes up. The head can't be down" said Rhoads.  "The hips go all the way to the ballcarrier, then I want them to step on their toes." 

The players have been working on technique in drills every day since Spring practice.  "You have to run through the ballcarrier", said Santos Ramirez.  Rhoads showed Ramirez what he was doing wrong in the filmroom.  "I didn't keep my feet moving.  I took bad angles."  Kevin Richardson said he has been tackling with his arms and that reaching caused him to tear a pectoral muscle last year.

All of this may sound elementary, but tackling is becoming a lost art as full contact disappears from all but the games.  Tackling also has no place in the showcases that land these highly recruited athletes scholarships.  It's no wonder so many defensive backs don't know how to tackle.  One way to gain an advantage over the competition is to teach these players to tackle. 

"You have to tackle to play great defense", said Rhoads. That should be music to many ears here.

[AirWarren]

What's up with Cornelius?

[ricepig]

What's up with Cornelius?

Bad back, it bothered him last year for a few games. I think they are going to be cautious with Greenlaw and him during these 5 weeks.

[AirWarren]

Bad back, it bothered him last year for a few games. I think they are going to be cautious with Greenlaw and him during these 5 weeks.

Medical disability?

[ricepig]

Medical disability?

Probably a little too soon for that claim.......

[Dominicanhog]

In the clips I have seen, The ball leaves Cole Kelley's hand at the speed of light and his arm strength look similar to Mallett.  He has more learning to do, but when he knows what he is doing (like possibly next year)...watch out.

Any insight on Proctor or Hyatt... both seem to have the size and background to play... has anyone seen any throwing sessions or heard any coach speak about either?

[JIHawg]

My candidate is Jamaro Bell at outside linebacker.  I'm told by an assistant coach that this is a player to watch.

[onebadrubi]

Any insight on Proctor or Hyatt... both seem to have the size and background to play... has anyone seen any throwing sessions or heard any coach speak about either?

Way too early

[bphi11ips]

My candidate is Jamaro Bell at outside linebacker.  I'm told by an assistant coach that this is a player to watch.

If so we have both sides covered at OLB.

[ricepig]

https://twitter.com/RazorbackFB/status/891678643973480449