Best news from August practices

[Biggus Piggus]

These are my selections, in no particular order:

The emergence of De'Andre Coley as a viable first-team option at strong OR free safety. Coley has been a disruptive force with seven interceptions and loads of tackles in August workouts and scrimmages. At 6-1, 214, Coley has the size and speed of a pro-type safety. He is ready to make a difference, and Arkansas really needs that.

Austin Capps has earned a place in the defensive tackle rotation. Arkansas had many returning veterans inside, but the Star City freshman brings strength, mobility and energy that the coaches see as SEC-ready.

Randy Ramsey earned back his scholarship and ascended into an important role at defensive end. Ramsey brings edge-rushing speed that the Razorbacks had lacked.

Rawleigh Williams III and Devwah Whaley immediately looked like they were ready for the challenge of powering the Hogs' rushing machine. Things could unfold differently, but it is hard to nitpick what they have done so far.

Many players have confirmed that the Razorback defense focused in the offseason on leaning down and improving speed, quickness and agility. Players such as Jeremiah Ledbetter, Taiwan Johnson, Dwayne Eugene and Khalia Hackett got lighter and quicker.

Moreover, the Hogs - guided by new approaches from DC Robb Smith and secondary coach Paul Rhoads - have taken a more direct approach to preparing for spread and up-tempo offenses. Arkansas is not going to let receivers catch easy passes as a core defensive strategy. The Hogs are not going to run the legs off the pass rush in futility.

Arkansas will see spread/uptempo from Louisiana Tech, TCU, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, Auburn and Mississippi State. Even Alabama, Florida and LSU have adopted spread and up-tempo elements. The approach of gearing the defense to handle the SEC's most feared challenges (Alabama and LSU) has been modified, in part because the whole league has shifted.

Austin Allen has performed well, showing outstanding passing accuracy and the ability to use many different receivers. Don't know what I expected, but Allen's numbers have been strong, and practice reports indicate he is consistent.

Whether Arkansas starts Jared Cornelius, Drew Morgan, Keon Hatcher or Cody Hollister, the receiver positions are solid. At some point, Dominique Reed, Jordan Jones and Deon Stewart will add another level of speed.

That's what I have. How about you?

[go hogues]

Great analysis.

One simple thing is the carryover of Coordinators. When was the last time we had two straight years of consistency in those positions?

I think that is a huge positive for this particular team.

[SooiecidetillNuttgone]

Whaley will be in contention for SEC Freshman of the year.

He and RW3 will rush for 1000+ each.

AA will not have as good a year as BA's last, but will be very good nonetheless.

Agim will be a beast, causing double teams and frustration in the last half of the season.

[bigred223]

I'm especially happy to hear that Coley is showing something back there. We must have improvement at safety. I am interested to see who steps up at tight end behind sprinkle and how much dre has improved from freshman year at linebacker.

[JIHawg]

The left side of the offensive line will open some holes.  The great Dane will scare some people.  A great 2nd tight end will emerge.

[a0ashle]

You have to talk about Froholdt locking down guard, they haven't had to think twice about him over there. He'll make some learning mistakes, but the kid is a player.

[Pig in the Pokey]

You have to talk about Froholdt locking down guard, they haven't had to think twice about him over there. He'll make some learning mistakes, but the kid is a player.

It's absurd, really. A true sophmore with 3 years of football in his life and he never has taken a snap in college on offense yet not only is he the starter, he is impressive and not a worry to coaches or fans at all- against a stout DL daily. It's almost an after-thought. Hell, Biggus even missed it on his recap. Wow.
:razorback:

[rljjr]

TJ and DJ not hurt as badly as originally thought is also a good thing.

[Pig in the Pokey]

TJ and DJ not hurt as badly as originally thought is also a good thing.

no doubt, especially DJ

[Hawgar The Horrible]

Agim will be a beast, causing double teams and frustration in the last half of the season.

Yep. And the overall D-line depth will serve the Hogs well this season. Should have fresh legs with Oct 29th off...right before FLA and LSU come to town.

[Boarmonger]

Cantrell is going to prove he's a player.  Based on Coach B's remarks, he will be good and quickly.

All the DBs seemed, at his juncture at least, to have gotten better.  The coaches comments are really positive.

CKA is going to do some things with this OL.  They will be much better at technique and will get better as the season goes on.  I don't look for a slow start from them this year.   They will be relentless.

[a0ashle]

WR depth will mean some very good players won't even see the field (that's a good thing)

[Jim Harris]

Terrific summation, Biggus. But Biggus, you don't go to any practices, how can you know all this? Did you get any coaches quotes to back all this up? And wait, weren't you a sportswriter at one time, can we even trust you? (sarcasm alert).

If I were a sportswriter at a daily newspaper in Arkansas, I might plagiarize this and run it as my own.

[HamHands]

I love your Kol-aid!!

[ricepig]

It will soon be September and game time, that's the best news.

[DeltaBoy]

Sounds good Woo Pig!

[Atlhogfan1]

These are my selections, in no particular order:

The emergence of De'Andre Coley as a viable first-team option at strong OR free safety. Coley has been a disruptive force with seven interceptions and loads of tackles in August workouts and scrimmages. At 6-1, 214, Coley has the size and speed of a pro-type safety. He is ready to make a difference, and Arkansas really needs that.

Austin Capps has earned a place in the defensive tackle rotation. Arkansas had many returning veterans inside, but the Star City freshman brings strength, mobility and energy that the coaches see as SEC-ready.

Randy Ramsey earned back his scholarship and ascended into an important role at defensive end. Ramsey brings edge-rushing speed that the Razorbacks had lacked.

Rawleigh Williams III and Devwah Whaley immediately looked like they were ready for the challenge of powering the Hogs' rushing machine. Things could unfold differently, but it is hard to nitpick what they have done so far.

Many players have confirmed that the Razorback defense focused in the offseason on leaning down and improving speed, quickness and agility. Players such as Jeremiah Ledbetter, Taiwan Johnson, Dwayne Eugene and Khalia Hackett got lighter and quicker.

Moreover, the Hogs - guided by new approaches from DC Robb Smith and secondary coach Paul Rhoads - have taken a more direct approach to preparing for spread and up-tempo offenses. Arkansas is not going to let receivers catch easy passes as a core defensive strategy. The Hogs are not going to run the legs off the pass rush in futility.

Arkansas will see spread/uptempo from Louisiana Tech, TCU, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, Auburn and Mississippi State. Even Alabama, Florida and LSU have adopted spread and up-tempo elements. The approach of gearing the defense to handle the SEC's most feared challenges (Alabama and LSU) has been modified, in part because the whole league has shifted.

Austin Allen has performed well, showing outstanding passing accuracy and the ability to use many different receivers. Don't know what I expected, but Allen's numbers have been strong, and practice reports indicate he is consistent.

Whether Arkansas starts Jared Cornelius, Drew Morgan, Keon Hatcher or Cody Hollister, the receiver positions are solid. At some point, Dominique Reed, Jordan Jones and Deon Stewart will add another level of speed.

That's what I have. How about you?

Good to hear on the valuing of speed.  IMO, Johnson wasted a season LY.  Hope to see him be that disruptive undersized dlineman we have seen with past Hogs. 

[PonderinHog]

It will soon be September and game time, that's the best news.

Stole my thunder!      It's almost over!

[Bubba's Bruisers]

Tons of potential this season.

[ricepig]

Stole my thunder!      It's almost over!

Early bird counts his chickens before the worm, or something like that......

[SooiecidetillNuttgone]

Early bird counts his chickens before the worm, or something like that......

A worm in the bush is worth a hot branding iron!

[bphi11ips]

I'll agree with Jim Harris. That's a pretty good summary.

I'd add that our linebackers seem to have added much needed depth with Josh Williams back and Da'Jon Harris showing future All-SEC potential.  That guy is a football player. 

It's also a good sign that we haven't heard much about the safeties.  No news is good news there, and no injuries.  The Hogs have a veteran group behind the front 9, and although Rohan Gaines was a good Razorback, he was also the weak link in pass coverage.  So addition by subtraction there.

The biggest thing for me is the general sense that Arkansas' s offense is going to be very good, but that's what I thought before Fall camp.

[PonderinHog]

Someone please lie and tell me our special teams are completely fixed.

[sowmonella]

Paul Rhoads is a huge upgrade. :razorback:

[je100]

Austin Allen has performed well, showing outstanding passing accuracy and the ability to use many different receivers. Don't know what I expected, but Allen's numbers have been strong, and practice reports indicate he is consistent.

By far for me.  If we can get Austin to play at a level that is close to Brandon's last year, we'll be fine.  With a less-than-Brandon quarterback last year, I believe we would have lost the Ole Miss game and the Auburn game, and closed out the season without a bowl game.

The schedule seems a little more favorable than last year, but I still think we need Austin to perform at some level similar to Brandon's last year to give us a chance for a great year.

[FraggleHog]

Paul Rhoads is a huge upgrade. :razorback:

Time will tell on this, but everything I've been reading in fall camp confirms this as true

[FraggleHog]

Early bird counts his chickens before the worm, or something like that......

and people in glass houses sink ships...

[Hawgar The Horrible]

Someone please lie and tell me our special teams are completely fixed.

No punting. No field goal attempts. Only PAT's.

[Seebs]

Well Done.

[ricepig]

Someone please lie and tell me our special teams are completely fixed.

It's excellent, I couldn't be more proud of their effort!

[Biggus Piggus]

It's absurd, really. A true sophmore with 3 years of football in his life and he never has taken a snap in college on offense yet not only is he the starter, he is impressive and not a worry to coaches or fans at all- against a stout DL daily. It's almost an after-thought. Hell, Biggus even missed it on his recap. Wow.
:razorback:

I do not know what to think about Froholdt yet. That is why I did not include him. The fact that he is virtually unchallenged as the starting left guard is noteworthy in itself. I'm a bit too nervous about the whole Oline to call anything about it "good news."

[Biggus Piggus]

Terrific summation, Biggus. But Biggus, you don't go to any practices, how can you know all this? Did you get any coaches quotes to back all this up? And wait, weren't you a sportswriter at one time, can we even trust you? (sarcasm alert).

If I were a sportswriter at a daily newspaper in Arkansas, I might plagiarize this and run it as my own.

You made me spit coffee. Again.

[Bacon_Bitz]

Don't forget the emergence of Hayden Johnson.

[hogfansince79]

I have a question for anyone that knows...

I remember back in the Spring, CBB said they moved Hedlund's fieldgoal attempts back a yard so he would be 8 yards deep instead of 7.  Are they still doing that?

I have read they have worked on and/or fixed the blocking, and that Cole is getting the ball up quicker.  After last year though, I hope they stay at 8 yards.

[Oklahawg]

Don't forget the emergence of Hayden Johnson.

Coupled with depth at LB that allows the return of Kendrick Jackson to FB.

[rzrbk4life]

I think another thing to note is we are relatively healthy to start the season as opposed to last. Hopefully I didn't just jinx us...

[BigSexyHog]

This team will go as far as AA takes them.  Sucks balls to put so much on his shoulder but it is what it is.    The film on AA is pretty limited but who knows what he is/will do this year.  This team has the goods in a lot of places so I am expecting good things.   No slow start this year!!!!

[TexArkHogFan]

I hate to put too much emphasis on one game, but I think the TCU game will be a game changer as far as our season goes.  My, how things have changed since our SWC days.  This game used to be always a W for the Hogs.

[supersaint]

Cantrell has the guns out and is ready to smash.

[GuvHog]

This team will go as far as AA takes them.  Sucks balls to put so much on his shoulder but it is what it is.    The film on AA is pretty limited but who knows what he is/will do this year.  This team has the goods in a lot of places so I am expecting good things.   No slow start this year!!!!

If I were a betting man, I'd bet that he wants it on his shoulders that way. He's a 4th year Junior who has been preparing for this year from day one and he's probably licking his chops for a week from Saturday to get here.

[LRrazorback]

These are my selections, in no particular order:

The emergence of De'Andre Coley as a viable first-team option at strong OR free safety. Coley has been a disruptive force with seven interceptions and loads of tackles in August workouts and scrimmages. At 6-1, 214, Coley has the size and speed of a pro-type safety. He is ready to make a difference, and Arkansas really needs that.

Austin Capps has earned a place in the defensive tackle rotation. Arkansas had many returning veterans inside, but the Star City freshman brings strength, mobility and energy that the coaches see as SEC-ready.

Randy Ramsey earned back his scholarship and ascended into an important role at defensive end. Ramsey brings edge-rushing speed that the Razorbacks had lacked.

Rawleigh Williams III and Devwah Whaley immediately looked like they were ready for the challenge of powering the Hogs' rushing machine. Things could unfold differently, but it is hard to nitpick what they have done so far.

Many players have confirmed that the Razorback defense focused in the offseason on leaning down and improving speed, quickness and agility. Players such as Jeremiah Ledbetter, Taiwan Johnson, Dwayne Eugene and Khalia Hackett got lighter and quicker.

Moreover, the Hogs - guided by new approaches from DC Robb Smith and secondary coach Paul Rhoads - have taken a more direct approach to preparing for spread and up-tempo offenses. Arkansas is not going to let receivers catch easy passes as a core defensive strategy. The Hogs are not going to run the legs off the pass rush in futility.

Arkansas will see spread/uptempo from Louisiana Tech, TCU, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, Auburn and Mississippi State. Even Alabama, Florida and LSU have adopted spread and up-tempo elements. The approach of gearing the defense to handle the SEC's most feared challenges (Alabama and LSU) has been modified, in part because the whole league has shifted.

Austin Allen has performed well, showing outstanding passing accuracy and the ability to use many different receivers. Don't know what I expected, but Allen's numbers have been strong, and practice reports indicate he is consistent.

Whether Arkansas starts Jared Cornelius, Drew Morgan, Keon Hatcher or Cody Hollister, the receiver positions are solid. At some point, Dominique Reed, Jordan Jones and Deon Stewart will add another level of speed.

That's what I have. How about you?

Nice job

Biggest surprise to me is Austin Capps. I thought Briston Guidry would be the young dlineman to see time. I thought Austin would transition to oline and be an interior lineman. Very nice surprise to have him in the two deep

[daBoar]

These are my selections, in no particular order:

Excellent list; I wonder how close this might be to CBB's list.  On the other hand, why in no particular order; that seems anti-argumentative. 

I would like to know how the OP would have ranked these.

[MuskogeeHogFan]

This team will go as far as AA takes them.  Sucks balls to put so much on his shoulder but it is what it is.    The film on AA is pretty limited but who knows what he is/will do this year.  This team has the goods in a lot of places so I am expecting good things.   No slow start this year!!!!

I'll just say that I think this team will go as far as this team takes itself. It isn't going to be on the shoulders of Allen alone, though he is a very important cog in the machine. I would imagine that Enos is telling him to not try to be his brother, just relax and play his game, don't try to force balls, let the game come to him. If Allen just manages the offense, he has enough talent around him to make the offense go. And while we are talking about putting the game on someones shoulders, hello defense, time to show up big time.

[Mulberry Squeezins]

and people in glass houses sink ships...

A scientific rocket tells no tales

[Mulberry Squeezins]

The two biggest happy faces for me are Ramsey and Capps. 

I'm not sure why I'm worried about the OL?  My heart tells me that the Line is Bielema's forte and will never be a weakness as long as he's our coach.  My gut tells me the front half of our schedule is tough, SEC game speed learning curve will need to be swift. 

[oldbear]

I'll just say that I think this team will go as far as this team takes itself. It isn't going to be on the shoulders of Allen alone, though he is a very important cog in the machine. I would imagine that Enos is telling him to not try to be his brother, just relax and play his game, don't try to force balls, let the game come to him. If Allen just manages the offense, he has enough talent around him to make the offense go. And while we are talking about putting the game on someones shoulders, hello defense, time to show up big time.

From the bits and pieces I get from interviews and the red/white game, those things are exactly what AA needs to hear. I get the sense that although he and his brother seem close, he is definitely not his brother. If the fans get frustrated with anything this year, it will be that he will force some balls here and there and try to make the big throw. He seems to have a lot of confidence and a pretty doggone good arm.

I really believe this will be a fun year. Yes, we all build ourselves up for that but we wouldn't be fans if we didn't.

[Biggus Piggus]

Excellent list; I wonder how close this might be to CBB's list.  On the other hand, why in no particular order; that seems anti-argumentative. 

I would like to know how the OP would have ranked these.

I didn't have time to think that much. To me, the QB play, RB play, and philosophy changes on defense are all critically important.

[hawginbigd1]

These are my selections, in no particular order:

The emergence of De'Andre Coley as a viable first-team option at strong OR free safety. Coley has been a disruptive force with seven interceptions and loads of tackles in August workouts and scrimmages. At 6-1, 214, Coley has the size and speed of a pro-type safety. He is ready to make a difference, and Arkansas really needs that.

Austin Capps has earned a place in the defensive tackle rotation. Arkansas had many returning veterans inside, but the Star City freshman brings strength, mobility and energy that the coaches see as SEC-ready.

Randy Ramsey earned back his scholarship and ascended into an important role at defensive end. Ramsey brings edge-rushing speed that the Razorbacks had lacked.

These are mine as well, I was thinking based on past performance that Edwards was going to be needed right away in order for us to achieve success in the Safety area, but apparently Coley and the other 2 are going to be much better. If we achieve higher levels of performance at safety and LB, this defense will be a lot closer to 2014 than 2015.

Ramsey well, if you can't be happy, excited, or proud of that turn-around you have something wrong with ya!

Capps being ready as a Frosh is icing.

[Biggus Piggus]

I wish someone would ask CBB this question on his radio show tonight.

[supersaint]

Come at me bro