Changes In Hogs' Defense Create Excitement

[Mike Irwin]

FAYETTEVILLE--Nobody is more excited about the start of Razorback Football practices next week than linebackers coach Randy Shannon. "You go on vacation. You spend money you don't have. So you come back and you're refreshed and the guys are refreshed. They're happy to see you back and so it's fun," Shannon observed.

"This is what we do," defensive coordinator Robb Smith echoed. "We coach football. I had a little bit of the Griswold family vacation, traveling all over the midwest. My wife is ready for me to go back to work. If training camp started tomorrow that wouldn't be a bad thing."

Shannon is getting a new addition to his linebacker corp this week with the anticipated arrival of Josh Williams, a 6-2, 230 pounder with 4.43 speed out of Dodge City Junior College.
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[Lanny]

I am ready for football

[ricepig]

I am ready for football

Yep, even if it's practice in shorts, it's football and means the season is near.

[Wildhog]

I'm so excited to see what Josh Williams can do.  We sure need him.

[acey33]

I am ready for football

Yep me too...WPS

[ricepig]

I'm so excited to see what Josh Williams can do.  We sure need him.

The best thing is he will have 3 years to play, most JC guys seem to struggle for a while, or at least the ones we sign. Hopefully, he breaks that trend.

[Bebop]

I'm excited at seeing a more aggressive defense. I honestly think this will be better for us.

[JIHawg]

Good article.  Can someone give an example of "simplifying the defense" for the linebackers, so they will be quicker and more aggressive?  Thanks.

[SemperFi]

I am ready for football

I'll be thrilled with practice reports! It's been a long, long time for not only football to start up again, but to see my Hogs in action again. WPS!

[Biggus Piggus]

I have a feeling this defense has more usable depth, because Smith's style is more aggressive and can use more players in situational roles that don't require lots of learning.

[jgphillips3]

Foooo-ball!!!!

It can't get here soon enough.

[Speedracer]

I would THINK we have to be better on defense this season.

[Hog Fan...DOH!]

I have a feeling this defense has more usable depth, because Smith's style is more aggressive and can use more players in situational roles that don't require lots of learning.

And on that point, there are also just a lot more usable (talented) players on campus.  Particularly in the secondary.  And for the first time in years, we don't have to rely on freshmen and inexperience back there.  That is SUCH a big deal. 

[HOGINTENNESSEE]

I would THINK we have to be better on defense this season.

Lol, I have been thinking this for the last 8 years.

[Hawgzinbowlz]

We should be better. We'll see how competitive we are on August 30.

http://www.arkansasfight.com/2014/2/8/5393656/robb-smith-named-arkansas-defensive-coordinator-razorbacks-new-coach-bret-bielema

" GO HOGS "

[azhog10]

I thought Josh Williams was here this summer. Remember Bielema mentioned only Jefferson and Tretola a few weeks back as having not reported yet.

[SamBuckhart]

I am ready for football

Me too. Ready for fan day on the 17th.

[Mike Irwin]

I thought Josh Williams was here this summer. Remember Bielema mentioned only Jefferson and Tretola a few weeks back as having not reported yet.

Nope. Shannon said last week that he was not on campus yet.

[ifghog]

Lol, I have been thinking this for the last 8 years.

LOL! ^^^^^This^^^^^

[al_pigcino]

I'm excited at seeing a more aggressive defense. I honestly think this will be better for us.

I would love to see a blitz that involved more than 4 people and that actually got pressure.  I can't remember the last time we had a blitz where someone other than a DL was the one applying the pressure.

[HogWildBison2011]

Nope. Shannon said last week that he was not on campus yet.

6 days ago the 700 Lb hog video was made...

http://vimeo.com/101675995 if you look at the 00:53 second mark on the right side of the screen if i'm not mistaken it is Josh Williams.

A photo was taken yesterday with a photo of all four of the new LB additions..

https://twitter.com/No_off_days/status/494472569165066241

Sorry if I'm comprehending the conversation wrong Mike! That would leave a 7 day window for when he actually got on campus.

[wholehog92]

How the heck does Randy Shannon spend that much money on a vaca?  Partying with Nick Marshall?

[dj shanon "Notshavin" smeya]

Great read.  Williams is fast, love to see that size and speed.

[Cinco de Hogo]

Good article.  Can someone give an example of "simplifying the defense" for the linebackers, so they will be quicker and more aggressive?  Thanks.

Simple would be, if the ball goes that way you go that way.  If there is a gap you fill gap.  Or, if TE come your way expect him to get the ball, hit him when he get the ball(into tomorrow).

And so on!

Now see how many of ya 'll can confuse the issue.

[dj shanon "Notshavin" smeya]

Simple would be, if the ball goes that way you go that way.  If there is a gap you fill gap.  Or, if TE come your way expect him to get the ball, hot him when he get the ball(into tomorrow).

Hulk, smash!

But seriously, sounds like just being more physical is going to be a big part of it.

[Mike Irwin]

6 days ago the 700 Lb hog video was made...

http://vimeo.com/101675995 if you look at the 00:53 second mark on the right side of the screen if i'm not mistaken it is Josh Williams.

A photo was taken yesterday with a photo of all four of the new LB additions..

https://twitter.com/No_off_days/status/494472569165066241

Sorry if I'm comprehending the conversation wrong Mike! That would leave a 7 day window for when he actually got on campus.

Clearly he's there. What I wrote was based on what Shannon said at the NWA Razorback Club's golf tourney. He indicated that he had only seen Williams on video which I thought meant he had not yet arrived since this summer coaches can actually get on the field and watch players.

Thanks. I'll correct the story.

[tophawg19]

IT'S CLOBBERIN' TIME

[OTTER]

IT'S CLOBBERIN' TIME

AMEN! 

[DallasHogFan]

Where the heck did Coach Shannon go to spend the money he "doesn't have?"

[HogWildBison2011]

Clearly he's there. What I wrote was based on what Shannon said at the NWA Razorback Club's golf tourney. He indicated that he had only seen Williams on video which I thought meant he had not yet arrived since this summer coaches can actually get on the field and watch players.

Thanks. I'll correct the story.

Glad to assist one of my favorite reporters! Listen to you all the time on 93.3 going from class to class.

[DeltaBoy]

WE sure need the Big Red D to be like that 78 group we had.  BIGGUS THREAD about a Nutt like 3-5 year building plan plumb enough to drive me to DRINK.

[al_pigcino]

Where the heck did Coach Shannon go to spend the money he "doesn't have?"

He doesn't have it.  His wife does.

[Hawk]

He doesn't have it.  His wife does.

Don't they all (wives) 

[Swinesong]

IT'S CLOBBERIN' TIME

With Robb Smith as LB Coach last year, Tampa Bay led the NFL in unnecessary roughness, roughing the qb and roughing the kicker penalties. Hoping that we don't lose anyone for targeting and don't get flagged for every hit we make but will be nice to see the other teams needing extra ice bags and bandages for a change. But if we do get a roughing penalty called on us, I hope the hit is a slobber knocker! YEAH, IT'S CLOBBERIN' TIME!

[hogwild210]

I am ready for football

Yep, even if it's practice in shorts, it's football and means the season is near.

I would be satisfied with flag football at this point. I NEED MY PIGSKIN.

[razorbackkid]

We need a defense that puts the fear of the Hog in people, hopefully it's coming.

[The Hogfather]

6 days ago the 700 Lb hog video was made...

http://vimeo.com/101675995 if you look at the 00:53 second mark on the right side of the screen if i'm not mistaken it is Josh Williams.

A photo was taken yesterday with a photo of all four of the new LB additions..

https://twitter.com/No_off_days/status/494472569165066241

Sorry if I'm comprehending the conversation wrong Mike! That would leave a 7 day window for when he actually got on campus.

Can someone name all of the guys in the pic?

[HogWildBison2011]

Can someone name all of the guys in the pic?

Yes Randy Ramsey, Khalia Hackett, Josh Williams, Dwayne Eugene.

If you go from the left of the picture to the right it is the guys listed below. Ramsey is taller than everyone else.
http://247sports.com/Player/Randy-Ramsey-21325
http://247sports.com/Player/Khalia-Hackett-16779
http://247sports.com/Player/Josh-Williams-21324
http://247sports.com/Player/Dwayne-Eugene-30016

[NorCalRazorback]

6 days ago the 700 Lb hog video was made...

http://vimeo.com/101675995 if you look at the 00:53 second mark on the right side of the screen if i'm not mistaken it is Josh Williams.

That is Josh Williams - standing in the back with his hat on backwards!  You are correct.

A photo was taken yesterday with a photo of all four of the new LB additions..

https://twitter.com/No_off_days/status/494472569165066241

Sorry if I'm comprehending the conversation wrong Mike! That would leave a 7 day window for when he actually got on campus.

[NorCalRazorback]

You are right that was Josh Williams!  Good spot!

[Rzbakfromwaybak]

He doesn't have it.  His wife does...did.  The plastic card company probably has it now....plus about 18%

[Rzbakfromwaybak]

Excellent news about our new defensive style & communications.  Certainly sounds like a big step in the right direction. If we can improve this part of our football team, we will clearly be more competitive.

[southeasthog]

Personally , I don't mind the defensive penalties like that one bit, unless they are stupid crap happening half the field away from the ball or minutes after the play has been whistled dead or something like that.

A good aggressive late hit on the QB when you think you can get away with it though? That's aggressive football.

Roughing the punter is the one that drives me bonkers. That should go in your turnover stats.

[nchogg]

You know Coach B is a defensive minded coach. He retooled his defensive coaching staff after last year. I do think the defense will be much better. As far as penalties, you know how coach feels about them, he doesn't like giving yards to any team.

[three hog night]

Changes in scheme are a big source of concern, but our Dline is very solid and the secondary is going to be very much improved.   The secondary should shock some fans with how much better we are at corner.   Safety is still questionable.   LB is the enigma at this time.

[TMc]

The best thing is he will have 3 years to play, most JC guys seem to struggle for a while, or at least the ones we sign. Hopefully, he breaks that trend.

I agree.., seems to be that way.  I'm just hoping he can provide quality depth- anything beyond that is a bonus.

[dj shanon "Notshavin" smeya]

The thing about Defense that is different than Offense(except maybe on the O-line), is that all-out effort, heart, desire....going pelotas to the wall is something that can help you win games, and make up for lack of super-complex defensive schemes.  I think Ash has a great future, but I'm so glad the change happened, because our D needed a fire lit under them that he simply didn't have here - for whatever reason.

I expect our D to play with more of an attitude, even a craziness - especially at home - and give our Offense a lift from time to time.  For ex., consistently giving them the ball with great field position, and a major spark once in a while like a pick or fumble recovery for 6, or a sack for a safety.

While talent on D is still being developed and recruited, heart and effort can go a long way once they start to develop more chemistry, their own identity and camaraderie.  That can and needs to start showing up THIS SEASON, especially when we are at HOME!!!

I can't wait to see the results of some of this that we know they have been working on!

[three hog night]

The thing about Defense that is different than Offense(except maybe on the O-line), is that all-out effort, heart, desire....going pelotas to the wall is something that can help you win games, and make up for lack of super-complex defensive schemes.  I think Ash has a great future, but I'm so glad the change happened, because our D needed a fire lit under them that he simply didn't have here - for whatever reason.

I expect our D to play with more of an attitude, even a craziness - especially at home - and give our Offense a lift from time to time.  For ex., consistently giving them the ball with great field position, and a major spark once in a while like a pick or fumble recovery for 6, or a sack for a safety.

While talent on D is still being developed and recruited, heart and effort can go a long way once they start to develop more chemistry, their own identity and camaraderie.  That can and needs to start showing up THIS SEASON, especially when we are at HOME!!!

I can't wait to see the results of some of this that we know they have been working on!

I think the 8-10 yard cushion given by Corners, slow decision making by the FS, and the LB's killed us last year.   We had a great def line but it was wasted by the back 7.   This year is much different- the cushion is gone and we are adding some press coverage.   LB talent and depth has improved.   Peters is healthy, Ellis started as a true FR and learned, Speight should be better, Mitchell should be better, and then Josh Williams is a stud.  The FS position is still an enigma. 

[RazrRila99]

Hulk, smash!

But seriously, sounds like just being more physical is going to be a big part of it.

Is there anyone who can do a GIF of Hulk throwing Malzahn around like Loki in Avengers?  I think that would be OUT-FREAKING-STANDING. 

[HogWildBison2011]

The thing about Defense that is different than Offense(except maybe on the O-line), is that all-out effort, heart, desire....going pelotas to the wall is something that can help you win games, and make up for lack of super-complex defensive schemes.  I think Ash has a great future, but I'm so glad the change happened, because our D needed a fire lit under them that he simply didn't have here - for whatever reason.

I expect our D to play with more of an attitude, even a craziness - especially at home - and give our Offense a lift from time to time.  For ex., consistently giving them the ball with great field position, and a major spark once in a while like a pick or fumble recovery for 6, or a sack for a safety.

While talent on D is still being developed and recruited, heart and effort can go a long way once they start to develop more chemistry, their own identity and camaraderie.  That can and needs to start showing up THIS SEASON, especially when we are at HOME!!!

I can't wait to see the results of some of this that we know they have been working on!

I love that word... That is all.