After losing three starters from last season’s stellar offensive line, Arkansas is entering the season facing some unfamiliar question marks up front. While head coach Bret Bielema and new offensive line coach Kurt Anderson have a stellar track record of producing successful linemen, coaching expertise will go only so far. That’s where senior graduate transfer Jake Raulerson comes into play for the Razorbacks.

After starting for Texas’ offensive line the last two seasons, Raulerson took advantage of the graduate transfer rule this offseason and will be immediately eligible to play for Arkansas this season. Despite having limited opportunities to impress the Arkansas staff, Raulerson has done just that in his short time with the team and looks to have put himself into strong contention for a starting role – at two positions no less.

“What I’ve seen is that he doesn’t lose a step when he moves to center (from guard),” Bielema said, according to Whole Hog Sports. “I am leaning to playing him at center right now, but we are still looking at it.”

His head coach isn’t the only one taking notice, as the Razorback’s new line coach Anderson had some glowing remarks for the Hogs’ most experienced newcomer.

“He’s by my office before and after practice,” Anderson said. “It will start out with him wanting to ask two questions, then the next thing you know it’s turned into 30 to 35 minutes. I like the kid. He’s smart, can communicate. He has length and a burning desire to be great. He loves this game. I think there is versatility. He has great feet. He’s trying to perfect his craft. I’ve seen that he’ll stick his nose in there.”

The adulation appears to go both ways, as Raulerson has taken to his new position coach, even praising his advanced knowledge of line play in comparison to his days playing in Austin.

“Coach Anderson is great,” Raulerson said. “He’s very detailed in his technique and the way he teaches. It’s NFL stuff in terms of the calls. What I’d say is different from Texas, is the detail in what we are doing. At Texas, it was simpler.”

While Raulerson has yet to officially lock down a starting role for Arkansas, given his experience and strong initial impression, it’s hard to see the senior not making a major contribution to the Hogs’ offensive line this season.

While Raulerson’s position coach refused to give up any specific information on the players competing to start up front, Anderson did give his thoughts on the Razorbacks’ most talked about position battle during Arkansas’ Media Day Sunday, courtesy of Bo Mattingly of Sports Talk with Bo: