Projected 2014 starters: Arkansas Razorbacks
SDS predicts the game one starters for all 14 SEC teams. Next up, the Arkansas Razorbacks.
The Arkansas Razorbacks open the season on the road against the defending SEC Champion Auburn Tigers, and here is our projected starting lineup:
Offense | Defense | ||
QB | Brandon Allen | DE | Trey Flowers |
RB | Alex Collins | DT | DeMarcus Hodge |
WR | Keon Hatcher | DT | Darius Philon |
WR | Demetrius Wilson | DE | Deatrich Wise |
WR | Jared Cornelius | OLB | Braylon Mitchell |
TE | Hunter Henry | MLB | Brooks Ellis |
LT | Dan Skipper | OLB | Martrell Spaight |
LG | Cameron Jefferson | CB | Tevin Mitchel |
C | Mitch Smothers | CB | Carrol Washington |
RG | Denver Kirkland | SS | Alan Turner |
RT | Brey Cook | FS | Rohan Gaines |
Brandon Allen will get the nod, but his brother Austin Allen is an important figure within the roster and depth chart. The younger Allen has had a strong preseason.Takeaways:
- SEC Freshman of the Year Alex Collins has had a tough off-season, and he’s been suspended a couple different times. Meanwhile, Jonathan Williams and Korliss Marshall have emerged, and my money is on Williams to start game one against Auburn. However, Collins and Marshall will see the field sooner rather than later.
- The Hogs need receivers to emerge, and one could be freshman Jojo Robinson. For now, Keon Hatcher and Demetrius Wilson are solidified as starters, with the third option up for grabs.
- The offensive line received UNLV veteran transfer Cameron Jefferson, and he could work his way into the starting lineup by game one; it could be at left guard.
- The secondary is pretty much set, and linebackers Brooks Ellis and defensive end Trey Flowers will be the leaders of the defense. The secondary was pushed around last season, and I expect more improvement in 2014 under Robb Smith.
- DT Darius Philon came on strong last season, and Deatrich Wise had a big spring.
Predicted starters for every SEC team’s first game: