Coaches coach, players play. That’s how it’s always been.

Sure, there are coaches whose approach exceeds their counterpart, but most of the time it comes down to the athlete. Arkansas does not have superior recruits compared to other SEC schools. That leaves them at a disadvantage.

So, the Razorbacks will be reliant on key players and ask the others to follow in their footsteps. Injuries have hurt Arkansas the past few seasons. Any injury to a player on this list could be detrimental to the Razorbacks’ 2018 campaign.

Here are the five most important players Arkansas needs to surpass expectations this season.

5. Dre Greenlaw

Some guys just have a nose for the football. Dre Greenlaw garnering 95 tackles his freshman season is a perfect example. Despite being undersized and suffering a gruesome injury as a sophomore, the senior has high expectations for 2018.

Along with teammate De’Jon Harris, Greenlaw was named to the Butkus Award Watch List in July. In order to be worthy of the award, Greenlaw must help anchor the defense under new defensive coordinator John Chavis. The senior will be asked to cover a lot more ground in the 4-3 system, giving him more opportunites to make plays.

The pressure element Chavis wants to bring should help the defense as a whole. Greenlaw should surpass 300 career tackles relatively easy this season.

Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

4. Santos Ramirez

Along with Ryan Pulley, Santos Ramirez will assume the role as leader of the Arkansas secondary. Two years ago, you wouldn’t have asked him to because of constant blunders. Now, the senior is a solid backbone for the last line of defense.

Many times, Ramirez will be asked to cover one-on-one with Chavis dialing up the pressure. It is essential for him to make crucial tackles in these situations. If not, the big plays will gash the Arkansas defense time and time again this season.

Ramirez couldn’t ask for a better teacher to excel at the position. Armani Watts, Eric Berry, Tyrann Mathieu, and Patrick Peterson are just a few studs Chavis has tutored. Not a bad list.

3. McTelvin Agim

One of the few 5-star recruits from Arkansas is quite a burden to carry as a football player. McTelvin Agim has modest stats after two seasons, accumulating 5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss. Considering Arkansas was last in the SEC in sacks, those numbers need to skyrocket in 2018.

Agim has mentioned in fall camp that he has been running with the 2s some because of trouble picking up Chavis’ system. This can’t continue if Arkansas wants to have a defense worth a lick. The junior must learn on the fly because the raw talent is there — now it’s just about implementing the new information he’s receiving.

2. Hjalte Froholdt

He might be one of the most improved players in college football. Most fans remember Hjalte Forholdt getting blown of the line of scrimmage early in his career. That narrative has changed.

Now the Danish-born Razorback is expected to take over the most important role on the line — center. Similar to Frank Ragnow, Froholdt is being asked to take over a position he does not have much experience at. Regardless, Morris is trusting him to figure it out quickly and expects the talent takes over.

1. QB 1

So, why is there no specific player mentioned? Simple explanation — no one knows who it’s going to be.

Chad Morris coached prolific college quarterbacks like Tajh Boyd and Deshaun Watson at Clemson. The arsenal at his disposal is close to bare compared to his previous stops.

Cole Kelley has the tools and the look but has not seemed to grasp the playbook. Ty Storey is held back by physical limitations and lack of experience. Neither has stood out since Austin Allen graduated.

Morris’ offense needs the QB to be a gunslinger in order for the pieces to fall into place. If neither takes control, Arkansas is in trouble. If Kelley truly is the real 1-5, he’ll step up.