5 best Arkansas players of 2014
Arkansas got to six wins this season, but head coach Bret Bielema isn’t ready to call the 2014 campaign a giant success.
Bielema: I don’t consider 6-6 a giant success, but we got better. … As we progress through our program, we’ll see 10-, 11-, 12-win seasons.
— Bo Mattingly (@SportsTalkwBo) December 15, 2014
The Razorbacks have a wealth of youthful talent, and are on pace for another strong recruiting class. A bowl win would carry a lot of momentum into 2015 for the Hogs.
Let’s take a moment and look back at 2014, and rank the five best players for the Hogs this season.
5. Sam Irwin-Hill: Irwin-Hill did a fantastic job on special teams for Arkansas. The Australian native averaged 40.1 yards per punt, recording two touchbacks and 23 fair catches. The senior landed 23 punts inside the 20-yard line. Good teams have weapons on special teams, and Irwin-Hill provided a step in the right direction for a developing special teams unit.
4. Alex Collins: Collins and his battery mate Jonathan Williams had stellar sophomore and junior seasons, respectively. The Fort Lauderdale, Fla., native rushed for 1,024 yards and 12 touchdowns on 187 touches. Collins provided the punch to Williams speed, making up as good a one-two punch as there is in the SEC.
3. Jonathan Williams: Collins’ counterpart, Williams had nearly an identical season amassing 1,085 yards and 11 touchdowns on 188 carries. Williams anchored a backfield that was the focus of the Razorbacks offense this season. The junior likely will return for his senior season, giving the Razorbacks a needed cornerstone piece heading into a crucial year three under Bielema.
2. Martrell Spaight: The senior JUCO transfer had a breakout season leading Arkansas in tackles with 123. Spaight quarterbacked the defense from his middle linebacker position, showing a versatile athleticism to rush the passer and drop into coverage. Spaight added 8.5 tackles for loss and one sack, in addition to an interception, three pass breakups and four quarterback hurries. His departure will be a key hole for defensive coordinator Robb Smith to fill.
1. Trey Flowers: Flowers, the unquestioned leader of the team, was the critical piece to the Razorbacks getting over the hump this season in conference play. The Huntsville, Ala., native spent much of his 2014 season in opposing backfields, recording 13.5 tackles for loss and five sacks. Flowers’ loss will be tough to replace for the Hogs in 2015.