There are a few local and national media members who believe Arkansas has a shot at 8 wins this season.

That seems overly optimistic, even for August. The roster is filled with many holes, an unproven starting quarterback, a new coach and other obstacles. Becoming bowl eligible will be a challenge.

This rebuild will take time under Chad Morris. While Arkansas’ recruiting has shot through the roof since he arrived, the win totals will not in Year 1.

Here’s the confidence meter you should have would each position group.

QB

Confidence meter: 5/10

Why: Are you really psyched about Cole Kelley as the starting quarterback? He wears No. 15 and tries to emulate former Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett, but he does not measure up on the field.

Ty Storey had a chance this offseason, but could not make it happen. He’s known as a gym rat, but that work has not translated to success in practice. Even though Kelley was named the starter for Week 1, Storey still has a chance to win the job.

John Stephen Jones will be featured in run packages this season. Connor Noland might be the most talented quarterback on the roster. It will be interesting to see his role in 2018.

Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

RB

Confidence meter: 9/10

Why: This is the Hogs’ best position group. A player might transfer just because how loaded this backfield is, which could cause lack of playing time. Between Devwah Whaley, Chase Hayden, T.J. Hammonds, Rakeem Boyd, and Maleek Williams, Morris should not have trouble finding a solid guy to hand the ball off to.

Even though the team is loaded, the talent might not matter. If the offensive line does not come around, these guys won’t have anywhere to run. Bo Jackson would not be able to help this team if the line does not shore up.

WR

Confidence meter: 6/10

Why: Jared Cornelius gives this unit some much needed experience. His problem has not been production. It has been staying on the field.

Jonathan Nance showed flashes against Texas A&M and South Carolina last season. Other than those two appearances, he was a no-show during conference games.

Morris has talked about play makers needing to step up at this position. La’Michael Pettway, De’Vion Warren, and others will be asked to fill those roles. Not a lot of quality depth here.

TE

Confidence meter: 7/10

Why: Austin Cantrell earned the No. 1 spot on the depth chart after Jeremy Patton was hobbled by an injury. Cantrell is solid, but Patton should supplant him later in the year. Cheyenne O’Grady should contribute too.

These guys should be a feature in Morris’ offense. Lanky tight ends with speed are a hard matchup for any defense. Arkansas has a couple of them and should be able to take advantage.

Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

OL

Confidence meter:  3/10

Why: Every team is only as good as its weakest link. The line is the undisputed champion of that category. Hjalte Froholdt is a standout, but he also is learning a new position at center.

Seniors Brian Wallace and Johnny Gibson should anchor the right side. The left side remains a giant problem. Morris has decided to trust his backside with redshirt freshman — yikes.

Colton Jackson should return soon. Jalen Merrick’s status is still up in the air. This unit keeps gasping for air but injuries keep dunking them under.

DL

Confidence meter:  5/10

Why: McTelvin Agim has not lived up to expectations as a 5-star recruit. His junior year yields a perfect opportunity to change that narrative. Dorian Gerald hasn’t secured a starting spot after transferring as a highly touted JUCO player.

Randy Ramsey has to take more advantage of his speed and should be able to in a 4-3 scheme. Added pressure from the linebackers and the secondary should help this group by default. Unfortunately, it will still be the weakest unit on the defense.

LB

Confidence meter: 8/10

Why: Dre Greenlaw and De’Jon Harris could become one of the best LB tandems in the SEC. They won’t reel in the accolades like Georgia or Alabama, but expect consistency if health does not remain an issue. Staying on the field has been a problem for Greenlaw.

Hayden Henry and Grant Morgan are undersized, but ball hawks. Bumper Pool is a fan favorite with one of the greatest names in college football. Dee Walker will aid at linebacker too.

It’s not the most imposing group in the SEC. Sometime smarts and speed make up for that. Former Razorback Martrell Spaight is a perfect example.

DB

Confidence meter: 7/10

Why: Santos Ramirez was the only Arkansas secondary player selected by conference coaches to be on one of the All-SEC teams. Though not selected, Ryan Pulley is generally recognized as one of the better corners in the SEC. He yearns for a full season after suffering a torn pectoral last season.

Along with Chevin Calloway and Kamren Curl, John Chavis will put them on islands at times. Unlike Robb Smith and Paul Rhoads, Chavis will expect them to hold their own in many one-on-one situations. Can they prevent big plays? That remains to be seen.

Special teams

Confidence meter: 7/10

Why: Blake Johnson was on the ballot at SEC Media Days for All-SEC punter. He was not awarded a selection, but at least he was given consideration. Arkansas will have an inconsistent offense this season and will rely on switching the field.

Connor Limpert was put on scholarship recently, and for good reason. As a sophomore, he relieved Cole Hedlund of his duties, making 7-8 field goals in 2017. He showed moxie, nailing a decisive game-winner against Ole Miss on the road after missing one earlier in the game.

Cornelius should be solid returning punts. Warren showed explosiveness after returning a kick versus Auburn for a touchdown last season. They’ll be relied on to make plays.

Arkansas fans long for the days when Dennis Johnson was returning kicks and Zach Hocker was kicking field goals. It’s hard to believe Arkansas has not had a solid special teams unit since John L. Smith. Smile, because you know it’s true.