Arkansas is nowhere near on the same level as the Alabamas and LSUs of the college football world, but they would like to be. Wouldn’t everyone? In fact, there really is no reason the Razorbacks should not compete for SEC Championships. The fan base is there, the facilities are there (and they are getting better) and the desire to have a great team is there.

The main ingredient, of course, to competing for and winning championships is a top-notch head coach. And that is what AD Jeff Long will be cutting his teeth over the next few months.

So who will be leading Arkansas on the field next season?

We can start by saying who it won’t be. Some have thrown out names like Jon Gruden, Bill Cowher and Pete Carroll. Gruden is a pip-dream. Cowher and Carroll? Forget about it.

However, there are a handful of high profile, qualified coaches that would fit the bill for Arkansas. The first three on this list are native Arkansans who would really understand the job.

• Charlie Strong, HC Louisville – Strong has shown that he can coach and recruit and is a defensive minded guy that could help the Hogs porous defense immediately. Strong is from Batesville, Arkansas, and attended the University of Central Arkansas. He’s been in and around the SEC for several years with Florida and South Carolina. He could be ideal.
• Gus Malzahn, HC Arkansas State – Gus has a dynamic offense, and he is widely considered one of the best play callers in the game. His offense broke NCAA records at Tulsa, and it helped Auburn win its’ first national championship in over 50 years. Malzahn is in his first year as a HC, so he has some experience. Gus is from Ft. Smith, Arkansas, and attended Henderson State University in Arkadelphia.
• Butch Davis, advisor Tampa Bay Bucs – Butch got his first head coaching job with the Miami Hurricanes in 1995, after serving as the Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator in 1993 and 1994. Miami had slipped into mediocrity and Davis brought the team back to national prominence. He has a great defensive mind and is known to be an outstanding recruiter. The NCAA recently exonerated Davis of any wrongdoing during his tenure as head coach at North Carolina. Butch is from Springdale, Arkansas, and attended the University of Arkansas.
• Kirby Smart, DC Alabama – Smarts’ defenses have been stellar while at Bama. His 3-4 scheme has produced two national championships in three years and is considered the best defense in all of college football. Smart won the Broyles Award in 2009 as the best assistant coach in the nation. Kirby is from Montgomery, Alabama, and attended the University of Georgia.
• Dana Holgorsen, HC West Virginia – Holgorsen was the offensive coordinator at Oklahoma State, and he helped build up their dynamic passing attack before leaving for West Virginia. He was also on staff at Texas Tech from 2000-07. His play-calling has been outstanding, and he has turned out to be a solid head coach and recruiter. Dana is from Davenport, Iowa, and attended Iowa Wesleyan.
• Garrick McGee, HC UAB – McGee is in his first year as a head coach at UAB. Garrick was Arkansas’ OC from 2010-2011 when the Hogs won 21 games. There is some concern with bringing McGee back to Arkansas because he may want to retain a number of coaches on the current Razorbacks staff. McGee is from Tulsa, Oklahoma, and attended OU.

Long better make the right hire, or the Hog faithful will start screaming for his job next.

It doesn’t help matters any that Arkansas was upset by ULM the previous week in Little Rock. The Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks almost pulled off another victory over Auburn this past Saturday, but fell short in OT. That doesn’t make the Razorbacks or their fans feel any better.

Not since Arkansas’ first season in the SEC, 1992, has the team and its fan base felt so low. The Hogs started that forgettable year with a loss to Div. I-AA The Citadel, 10-7. The next day, former athletic director Frank Broyles fired head coach Jack Crowe. The Hogs managed only three victories that season, although one of those wins was a huge upset over a #4 Tennessee squad in Knoxville.

The Hogs are fighting for their football lives right now, and they desperately need something good to happen. With the Rutgers Scarlet Knights coming to Fayetteville this Saturday, Arkansas must find a way to pull out a W, before hitting the road for two weeks at Texas A&M and Auburn.

Senior QB Tyler Wilson, who didn’t play against Alabama due to a concussion, did his best Tim Tebow impression at the post-game press conference. The fan reaction has been mixed, but a slight majority agrees that Wilson should have called out his teammates.

Wilson stated that he did think that some of his fellow Hogs gave up at times versus the Tide, and that as a leader, it was his responsibility to make sure that doesn’t happen again. In fact, Wilson called out some of Arkansas’ fans as well, saying “There have been a lot of people jump off the bandwagon, and it is my job to keep everyone in this organization and this team in that locker room together.”

The Razorbacks’ fall from grace and into purgatory has been very ugly to watch. Glaringly obvious are the failings of the coaching staff. Arkansas’ lack of depth and talent on defense is obvious, too. What must be done for the Hogs to recover, and make some kind of run to at least become bowl-eligible?

Quite frankly, I have no idea. I’m not sure anyone does. John L. Smith sure doesn’t.

I know Tyler Wilson must get healthy, so he can be on the field to lead this offense. Without him, this offense is average at best. Defensively, I am not sure where they turn. The Hogs are probably going to have to outscore opponents to win any more games, because this defense has more holes than a Swiss cheese factory.

Football purgatory can be good or bad. It depends on the team. The Razorbacks can decide to give up, and slip into the depths of college football hell. Or, they can decide to fight, and claw their way out of the darkness and into the light of a bowl bid.

Whichever it is for Arkansas in 2012, this team will have a long way to go before they are relevant again. It’s bad for Arkansas and their fans, but it’s also bad for the SEC.

The debate really picked up steam in the late 1980′s, when former ASU head coach Larry Lacewell led the Indians (ASU changed to the Red Wolves a couple of years ago) to a national runner-up finish, when ASU was in the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs.

Arkansas’ athletic director at that time was the legendary Frank Broyles. Uncle Frank was vehemently opposed to his Hogs playing any team from the state of Arkansas. His reasoning was that the Razorbacks had nothing to gain and everything to lose. Broyles wanted to bring in non-Arkansas based teams for the Hogs to beat up on, and maintain Arkansas’ aurora of invincibility within the state’s borders.

Basically, Uncle Frank didn’t play well with others.

ASU fans have long dreamed of watching their team upset the Hogs, and really rub the Razorback fans’ noses in it. Now that Broyles has retired, Jeff Long is running things in Fayetteville, and his vision is a little more wide-open. Throw in the fact that Gus Malzahn is the new head coach in Jonesboro, and that Gus has repeatedly petitioned Long to schedule the Red Wolves. It seems it is only a matter of time before the UA and ASU meet.

ASU proponents have made such a big deal out of this non-existent rivalry, that when these two teams finally meet, the Red Wolves won’t be sneaking up on anybody. The Hogs will be ready, and they will be looking to finally silence ASU’s howling fans.

ASU wants to start a rivalry with Arkansas. Arkansas isn’t really interested. Besides, in a rivalry, each team must win their fair share of games. Arkansas State would do well to win one, maybe two, out of every ten contests with the Hogs. That is not a rivalry. That is one team completely dominating the other. It would be a lopsided rivalry, if you want to call it that.

I think it would be great to see these two teams play every year at rotating locations. One year in Jonesboro, the next in Little Rock, the next in Fayetteville before heading back to Jonesboro.

Until it actually happens, I guess Arkansas State can continue to take big payouts to be hammered by the likes of Oregon and Nebraska, while the Razorbacks can continue to play FCS and Sun Belt teams not called Arkansas State.

Tyler Wilson is a rock star. Everyone in the state of Arkansas knew about him before he ever stepped onto the field at Auburn in 2010, after Ryan Mallett was injured. Any kid that could lead his high school team to three consecutive state championships before signing with the Hogs would be fairly well known, at least in his home state. After the loss at Auburn in ‘10, most of the SEC knew how good Mallett’s backup looked, but could it do it the entire year? But after the 2011 season was over, the rest of the college football nation now knew, too.

As for RB Knile Davis, 2011 was a complete bust – literally and figuratively. He busted his ankle, which in-turn busted his season. No one was more disappointed than Davis. He was looking to have a huge impact for Arkansas, and then move on to the NFL. Instead, he was forced to go through yet another surgery, more rehab and stand on the sidelines giving high-fives.

Now he’s back, 100 percent healthy, and if he can stay that way, he could be on the verge of having a historic season for the Razorbacks. Davis wants to improve on his 2010 season that saw him rush for over 1,300 yards and claim a spot on the All-SEC team for that year. That impressed SEC Coaches and the Associated Press enough that they named him to the pre-season 1st Team All-SEC squad for ‘12. Davis doesn’t want to let them down.

Both Wilson and Davis want to start their 2012 season off very fast. Wilson wants a continuation of last year, but better. Davis just wants to get back onto the gridiron and show that he’s still the same old player everyone knew and cheered for in 2010. Considering the lack of defensive prowess Jacksonville State possesses, one would be surprised to see either of these high-profile players in the game after halftime.

But will we?

Considering how the University of Arkansas is promoting both of these players in a Heisman campaign, head coach John L. Smith might be faced with a slight dilemma. On one hand, it would be the smart-play to pull Wilson and Davis out early once the game is in hand, and let some of the back-ups get some action. It would also eliminate the possibility of either player getting hurt on a meaningless play in a meaningless game.

But on the other hand, pulling them early would reduce their statistics, and might prevent them from getting a leg up on the competition. These types of games are many-times used to pad stats, and by pulling Wilson and Davis earlier, their Heisman buzz might not be as high as the university would like.

So, there could be a slight dilemma, depending on how the game plays out.

We see it week in and week out when coaches leave in their star players in order to pad stats and increase buzz. Assuming this is a blowout, which way will Coach Smith go?

Either way, for Arkansas to have a repeat of 2011, or improve upon that season, Wilson and Davis must stay healthy, and they must lead with their actions on the field. These two don’t want to be given anything, and they wouldn’t have it any other way.

Arkansas’ special teams units have been pretty special over the last couple of seasons. As a unit, they’ve had a few lows; namely, giving up a punt return for a touchdown to the Tide’s Marquis Maze in 2011. But for the most part, the Hogs have out-played their opponents in the third (and often forgotten) part of any given football game: special teams.

Joe Adams provided one of the most spectacular plays in all of college football last year, with his miraculous punt return versus Tennessee. It was one of four punts he took to the house in 2011. But Smokin Joe is now playing for the Carolina Panthers, so a new punt return man must be found.

One of the biggest things that will be missed about Adams was his ability to flip the field on any given punt return. In a league where field position is oh-so key, Adams had that ability.

With former Hog Marquel Wade now kicked off the team, John L. Smith will probably look to Keante Minor to take over as the new punt returner. Minor never actually returned any punts, but he did provide some key blocks for Adams and Wade last season.

Keante has good size (6’0″ 205 lbs.) and speed (4.4), and has shown plenty of shiftiness, along with some soft hands. Incoming freshman Eric Hawkins might also be given a look at punt returner, especially considering he has consistently run a 4.28 40-yard dash.

Senior Dennis Johnson, Arkansas’ all-time leader in kick return yards, has also had a few exciting plays for the Hogs, too. DJ brought back a kickoff 98 yards against South Carolina, to help the Hogs win that game last season, and he’s back to add to his 2,475 career return yards and 3 TD. Look for sophomore Keante Minor or freshman Jonathon Williams to lend a hand in the return game.

Zach Hocker (6’0″ 180 lbs.) and Dylan Breeding (6’1″ 211 lbs.) return to give Arkansas an outstanding duo in their kicking game.

Hocker, a junior from Russellville, has been the Hogs’ best placekicker in nearly twenty years. Zach connected on 21 of 27 (78 percent for you math majors) field goal attempts last year and hit 55 of 57 PAT’s. His 40 touchbacks led the SEC and was second in the country.

Dylan Breeding is a senior from Hoover, Alabama. He is coming off a 2011 season where he averaged 45.3 yards per punt with a long of 70, and he was named 2nd Team SEC by the coaches and the press. Breedings’ yards per punt was league’s best.

Sophomore longsnapper Alan D’Appollonio (6’0″ 201 lbs.) returns after a solid 2011, as does sophomore holder Brian Buehner (5’11″ 195 lbs.). Breeding has done some holding in the past as well.

If Arkansas can find a suitble replacement at the punt return job, and can keep containment on their kickoff and punt teams like they did most of the season in 2011, the Razorbacks should field a solid special teams’ unit again this fall. Of course, it won’t hurt that the special teams guru over the last three years is back as Arkansas’ head coach.

Previous Breakdowns:

• Defensive Backs
• Linebackers
• Offensive Line
• Wide Receivers & Tight Ends
• Quarterbacks & Running Backs
• Defensive Line

Wade, Humphrey, and Peterson each face four felony counts of burglary following a string of on campus break-ins, with a trial date on August 27th. Gilbert faces an aggrevated burglary charge for a seperate incident with a trial date on July 26th. None were in Arkansas’ media guide.

Wade, a sophomore, was thought to be the next slot receiver for the Hogs, taking over for a departed Joe Adams. He was also going to be counted on to handle punt return duties. The punt return job will now, most likely, fall to sophomore Keante Minor.

Humphrey, also a sophomore, was really a non-factor in 2011, and he was considered a third string wideout on a team loaded with receiving talent. His father, Bobby Humphrey, a star at Alabama and with the Denver Broncos, must be truly disappointed.

Peterson, a freshman, was a 4-star TE coming out of high school, and had a bright future at Arkansas. He was going to be counted upon to provide depth and a second receiving threat at that position behind senior Chris Gragg.

Tyler Gilbert, a sophomore, was buried on Arkansas’ depth chart at MLB, but looked to have adequate talent and size to eventually grow into an SEC linebacker.

Now, because of their immaturity and stupid decision-making, we will never know what they could have accomplished at Arkansas.

Arkansas’ secondary must get better in 2012.

That’s pretty much the consensus around the Natural State when conversations turn to Razorback football. Most fans know the Hogs will have a potent offense, plenty of size and depth on the D-Line, and the linebackers will be better.

But the secondary hasn’t been able to bust a grape since 2006. That’s when former Hog(s) Chris Houston and Matterral Richardson roamed the back half of the defense.

Corners

The surprise of 2011 was true freshman Tevin Mitchel (6’0″ 185 lbs.) out of Mansfield, TX. The sophomore-to-be came on to provide solid play for Arkansas, and he ended up starting nine games. His pass coverage was solid for a freshman, and he wasn’t afraid to lay a lick on the ballcarrier in a one-on-one situation.

Opposite Mitchel will be former 5-star recruit Darius Winston (6’0″ 191 lbs.) out of West Helena, AR. Winston has not lived up to his recruiting ranking, but nonetheless he gets his senior season to make up for it. His blazing speed (4.33) helps him make up for any mistakes. Darius will need to become the lock-down corner he was suppose to be coming out of high school.

Behind Mitchell and Winston, look for the following players to get plenty of playing time: redshirt freshman Kelvin Fisher, Jr (5’11″ 190 lbs.) from Queen Creek, AZ., former walk-on Kaelon Kelleybrew (5’11″ 180 lbs.) a senior out of Little Rock who transferred from Mississippi Valley State, and redshirt freshman Davyon McKinney (6’3″ 190 lbs.), a converted receiver from Forrest City.

In keeping with good recruiting practices, the Hogs did sign three corners in their 2012 class who should be able to come in and provide more depth and speed for the secondary. Will Hines (6’1″ 180 lbs.), who flipped from Missouri to Arkansas just a couple of weeks before signing day, is from Waco, TX. Jared Collins (6’0″ 175 lbs.) is a speedster out of Tulsa, OK. The Razorback coaching staff also dipped into Georgia to sign Ray Buchanon, Jr (5’11″ 180 lbs.) out of Suwanee. Ray’s father played in the NFL.

Safeties

Both starting safeties are interchangable at either position (SS or FS). Junior Eric Bennett (6’0″ 206 lbs.) from Tulsa made loads of plays for the Hogs in 2011, and he will be the starter at free safety. Opposite Bennett, senior Ross Rasner (6’0″ 212 lbs.) will finally get his chance to shine. The last three years he has backed up departed defender Jerico Nelson. Rasner will split his time between strong safety and linebacker in nickel coverages.

When Rasner moves up to linebacker, senior Jerry Mitchell (6’1″ 219 lbs.) from Mandeville, LA. will step in. Behind Mitchell is Alan Turner (6’0″ 212 lbs.) a sophomore from Junction City, AR., and redshirt freshman Rohan Gaines (5’11″ 190 lbs.) out of Bainbridge, GA.

Backing up Bennett at free safety will be Turner and sophomore Houston Pruitt (5’11″ 192 lbs.) from Springdale. I would not be shocked if incoming true freshman Defonta Lowe (6’3″ 190 lbs.) from Bearden, AR. was called upon to provide some quality depth. Also, look for Davyon McKinney to get some playing time at safety as well.

If Arkansas’ defense is going to do their part in helping the Hogs march on to Atlanta for a date in the SEC Championship, this group must step up, provide some big plays and show some marked improvement. Speed abounds, but quality depth and experience are scarce.

This secondary can get some help from the defensive line and linebackers if Arkansas is better at defending the run and can get consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. We’ll find out if defensive coordinator Paul Haynes’ schemes are an improvement once the Razorbacks take the field on September 1st.

Next, in the final Arkansas Breakdown, we’ll take a look at the special teams.

Previous Breakdowns:

• Linebackers
• Offensive Line
• Wide Receivers & Tight Ends
• Quarterbacks & Running Backs
• Defensive Line

It’s been eleven years since Arkansas has had a 1st Team All-SEC linebacker. The last one was Jermaine Petty in 2001. Petty was even named to at least one All-American team that year. He was also credited with making the game-winning tackle on a Rebel two-point try, versus an Eli Manning-led Ole Miss squad in that seven-overtime epic in Oxford, securing a 58-56 victory for the Hogs.

But Arkansas hasn’t been without some very good linebackers over the past decade. However, none of them have played at a 1st Team SEC level. Former Hog Jerry Franklin led Arkansas in tackles each of the previous four seasons, and he will be noticeably missed. But even Franklin never had the type of year that was able to propel him into the upper echelon of SEC playmakers at LB. That may change in 2012.

Tenarius “Tank” Wright (6’2″ 252 lbs) has played defensive end for the past three years at Arkansas, after spending most of his high school career at LB. Tank will get the chance to shine at the position he has pined for over the last three seasons.

Defensive Coordinator Paul Haynes thinks the senior from Memphis has what it takes to be a difference maker at middle linebacker for the Razorbacks. With Tank’s size and lateral movement, he should be a true runner-stuffer in 2012.

Behind Wright, look for junior Robert Atiga (6’3″ 240 lbs) of West Valley, UT. or sophomore Tyler Gilbert (6’3″ 244 lbs) of Sorrento, LA.

At weak-side linebacker, the returning starter (and playmaker) will be senior Alonzo Highsmith (6’1″ 233 lbs) of Missouri City, TX. The WLB position is considered another inside spot, but Highsmith and his back-ups have the speed to cover plenty of ground in a hurry and arrive at the ball with a bad attitude.

Providing depth at WLB, look for senior Terrell Williams (6’3″ 232 lbs) of Tulsa, and sophomore Braylon Mitchell (6’3″ 232 lbs) of Heber Springs, AR. Mitchell is probably the most talented of these LBs, but he just doesn’t have enough experience yet. But that will come.

Moving over to the strong-side linebacker position (also called Rover), DC Haynes wants a hybrid-type player in the mold of former Ohio State starter Ross Homan.

As of the end of spring drills, it looks like senior Matt Marshall (6’1″ 230 lbs) of Camden, NJ. will be the starter. But this position is absolutely up for grabs. With three-year starter Jerico Nelson gone, Marshall is trying to fight off surges from junior Jarrett Lake (6’3″ 223 lbs) of Jenks, OK. and sophomore Daunte Carr (6’3″ 224 lbs) of Gainsville, GA.

Another player to look for at SLB, is senior Ross Rasner (6’0″ 212 lbs. 4.4) of Waco, TX. Rasner will move up to SLB from his strong safety spot, when Arkansas goes to a nickel defense

None of these projections are taking into consideration the three incoming freshmen LB’s, all of whom could find playing time this fall.

The headliner of Arkansas 2012 recruiting class is Otha Peters (6’1 1/2″ 225 lbs) of Covington, LA. This guy was a long-time commit to Tennessee, before flipping to the Hogs just a few days before the official Signing Day arrived. Peters looks game-ready right now, and he brings a load of talent to Arkansas’ linebacking corps. I’m still trying to figure out why LSU didn’t try to sign this former 4-star guy, especially since he was right in their backyard.

The other two signees are Vin Ascolese (6’2″ 220 lbs) of North Bergen, NJ., and A.J. Turner (6’3″ 215 lbs) of Lepanto, AR. Ascolese is a hard-hitting and overall underrated player. His game-speed is faster than his 40-time shows. Turner has led the state of Arkansas in total tackles the last two years, finishing with over 170 stops each season. He is a tackling machine and has a nose for the football.

With leadership coming from Wright and Highsmith, and speed to spare from the other linebackers (and finally some depth), look for this to be a position of major improvement for Arkansas in 2012.

In the next Arkansas Breakdown (Part 6 of 7), we will take a look at the defensive backs.

In case you missed the rest of the breakdowns, they are as follows:

• Offensive Line
• Wide Receivers & Tight Ends
• Quarterbacks & Running Backs
• Defensive Line

All football experts believe that the key to a solid defense starts in the trenches. Size, speed, strength, talent and especially depth along the defensive line can allow a good Defensive Coordinator to free up his linebackers and defensive backs to make things happen. Luckily for Arkansas, they do have those elements on their defense for the upcoming season.

The Hogs are three-deep at each position along the line, and they return plenty of experience. Defensive Coordinator Paul Haynes, who coached the defense in Arkansas’ Cotton Bowl victory after coming over from Ohio State, will run a base 4-3 defense with some variations. However, the Razorbacks must be better at stopping the run this season, and Haynes has said he is sure that will happen.

Junior Byran Jones (6’2″ 312 lbs.) from Junction City will start at noseguard, and he is a load in the middle. Byran started all 13 games last year, and he was a part-time starter as a true freshman. He has the strength and leverage to be a big factor on the inside for Arkansas. Behind Jones is senior Alfred Davis (6’1″ 320 lbs.) of Hampton, Geogria and redshirt freshman Demarcus Hodge (6’1″ 301 lbs.) of Monroe, Louisiana. Davis is a run-stuffer, and Hodge has the talent to develop into a very good NG. This is a position of strength.

At defensive tackle, junior Robert Thomas (6’3″ 308 lbs.) of Muskogee, Oklahoma is believed to be on the verge of an All-SEC season. Arkansas’ coaches love his inside play, and absolutely love the fact that he has a motor that doesn’t quit. Senior Dede Jones (6’5″ 307 lbs.) of Bastrop, Louisiana and redshirt senior Lavunce Askew (6’3″ 292 lbs.) of Camden, Arkansas, will back-up Thomas.

Also look for Dede Jones to get lots of playing time, and possibly even line up at End on occasion.

One new addition to Arkansas’ interior line, will be incoming freshman Darius Philon (6’2″ 290 lbs.) from Pritchard, Alabama. Philon has the potential to be a big-time player in the middle, and most Razorback fans are hoping he makes Alabama regret not signing him. Tide coach Nick Saban asked Darius to grey-shirt for the 2012 season.

DE Jake Bequette is gone and now playing with the New England Patriots. Arkansas’ other starting DE in 2011 was Tenarius Wright, who has since been moved to MLB. That means there will be two new starters at DE for the Hogs.

Luckily, Arkansas has the depth and talent to help compensate for the losses.

The two most likely suspects to earn starting jobs at DE are juniors Chris Smith (6’3″ 251 lbs.) of Mt. Ulla, North Carolina and JUCO transfer Austin Flynn (6’5″ 260 lbs.) from Torrance, California. But do not be surprised at all if sophomore Trey Flowers (6’4″ 245 lbs.) horns in on the starting rotation. Flowers was a pleasant surprise for the Hogs defense last season.

Other DEs that will be pushing for playing time and providing depth are senior Colton Miles-Nash redshirt freshman Darrell Kelly-Thomas and redshirt freshman Horace Arkadie.

Arkansas’ 2012 recruiting class featured five defensive ends (Austin Flynn was one of those), all with the length, speed and talent to hopefully make an impact. The four freshmen are Deatrich Wise, JaMichael Winston (Darius Philon’s teammate), Brandon Lewis and Taiwan Johnson. Two may play, while the other two redshirt. The question is, which ones?

If the Hogs can get consistent play from their DL, they should be able to stop the opponents’ running game much better than they did last year.

This is a very talented and deep group with more than enough firepower to be one of the strongest defensive lines in the SEC. The interior defensive line will help compensate for the lack of proven experience on the ends.

All of Arkansas’ offense goes directly through the quarterback. It’s really no big secret. But one thing that seems to be a misconception is the Hogs power-spread offense relies heavily on solid production from the running game.

In 2011, Arkansas’ starting QB, Tyler Wilson (6-3 220 lbs.) of Greenwood, Arkansas, led the Hogs to a Cotton Bowl Championship, an 11-2 finish, and a No. 5 ranking in the final polls. He also became the first Razorback to be named 1st Team All-SEC at QB position. Even former Arkansas QB’s Ryan Mallett, Matt Jones and Clint Stoerner never accomplished that feat.

Wilson took over after Mallett left early for the NFL. Doubters were quick to point out that Wilson virtually only played one game during his sophomore campaign, the Auburn game in which Mallett was hurt. Wilson completed 63.5 percent of his passes in 2011, for 3,638 yards, 24 TD passes, and only six INT. Anyone take a 4-1 touchdown to interception ratio every time.

Tyler elected to skip the 2012 NFL draft, where he looked to be a surefire first rounder. As long as he stays healthy, and the offensive line is improved enough to keep him upright. Wilson has the talent, the arm strength and accuracy, and the intelligence to guide this Razorback offense to new heights.

Behind Wilson are two relatively unproven players. Brandon Mitchell (6-4 230 lbs. 4.5), a junior from Amite, Louisiana, who backed-up Wilson in 2011 and may fill that role again this season. Mitchell has been seen working out with the receivers on occasion, but his elusiveness and arm strength are undeniable. Mitchell likes to play for the Hoop Hogs in the off-season, which he did this past school year.

The third QB on Arkansas’ roster is redshirt freshman Brandon Allen (6-3 215 lbs. 4.55) of Fayetteville. Allen has been pushing Mitchell for the back-up role behind Wilson, and offensive coordinator, and QB’s coach Paul Petrino has been impressed. Allen is very accurate, and he did not throw a single interception during the regular season of his senior year of high school. Do not be surprised to see Allen get some valuable playing time early in 2012.

In 2010, Arkansas RB Knile Davis (6-0, 226 lbs. 4.3) led all SEC running backs with 1,379 yards and 13 TD. Davis did most of his damage in the final eight games of the season, where he displayed great power and rare breakaway speed for a back his size and was the second half player of the year. He was poised for a wonderful 2011 season, right up until he broke his ankle in pre-season drills.

Davis, a redshirt junior from Missouri City, Texas, healed quick enough that, if he had been permitted, could have played in Arkansas’ Cotton Bowl victory this past January. But the Hogs coaches have been cautious with Knile, not even allowing him to take any contact in the spring. As long as KD can stay healthy, he will be a true force to be reckoned with in 2012 and should provide the power in Arkansas’ offense.

Behind Davis, Arkansas will look to the 2011 leading rusher (106 att 670 yds, 3 TD) in senior Dennis Johnson (5-9, 213 lbs. 4.4) of Texarkana, Arkansas, as well as senior Ronnie Wingo (6-3, 231 lbs. 4.3) of St. Louis, Missouri, and redshirt freshman Kody Walker (6-2, 240 lbs. 4.5) of Jefferson City, Missouri.

Johnson is a bowling ball, who can outrun defenders to the edge, or run over them with his low center of gravity. Johnson is listed at 5’9″, but he’s probably closer to 5’7 1/2″. Wingo is a speedster with great hands, who caught 20 passes for 187 yards and 2 TD last year. Walker is Arkansas’ power back, and should fill the role that former Hog Broderick Green held the last three seasons. Walker is a load to stop.

Arkansas’ main RBs are a complement to one another. This could be the strongest RB position in the SEC for 2012.

Arkansas did sign three RB’s in the 2012 recruiting class. Nathan Holmes (6-1, 190 lbs. 4.4) of Port Arthur, Texas, Donovan Roberts (6-0, 205 lbs. 4.4) of Norman, Oklahoma, and Jonathon Williams (5-11, 205 lbs. 4.4) of Allen, Texas. Williams has the speed, power and quick change of direction to play some this season, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see all three redshirt.

Providing there are no health issues to Tyler Wilson, Knile Davis and the rest of the backs, this group should be the best and one of the most difficule to stop, not only in the SEC, but nationwide.

In the next Arkansas Breakdown, we will look at the defensive linemen.