By Pat Taggart Aug 17, 2007, 17:25 GMT
OFFENSE: Put simply, Arkansas has the best group of backs in all of college football. Start the discussion with junior Darren McFadden, who was the runner up in the Heisman voting a year ago. The explosive tailback ran for 1,647 yards and 14 touchdowns on 284 carries and also proved capable of catching and throwing passes effectively. Because of McFaddens greatness, Felix Jones is sometimes overshadowed, but he is a standout performer in his own right. Jones topped the 1,000-yard mark and is often on the field with McFadden when the team runs its 'Wildcat' formation. McFadden lines up as the quarterback in that set, and the results are quite impressive. Peyton Hillis, the squads fullback, is a premier blocker. As if the talented backfield needed any added motivation, Arkansas running backs coach Danny Nutt recently resigned because of a serious health condition involving his brain. Danny Nutt, the brother of Razorbacks' head coach Houston Nutt, was influential in bringing McFadden and company to Fayetteville, so don't be surprised if the backs run with some added vigor. On the outside, Marcus Monk is coming off an impressive junior campaign that saw him catch 50 passes for 962 yards and 11 scores. Unfortunately, Monk recently underwent knee surgery and is expected to miss the first few weeks of the season. If Casey Dick can be solid at the quarterback position and make smart decisions, this offense will be unstoppable. Keep in mind that the Razorbacks were ranked 108th nationally in passing the last two seasons.
DEFENSE: There are six returning starters back in place on the defensive side of the ball for Arkansas, but the team lost its best player from all three tiers of the unit. Marcus Harrison was expected to be a run stopper up front for the Hogs, and while he still can deliver on the promise, a knee injury has tempered expectations a bit. Harrison will likely miss at least the season opener. Antwain Robinson had 8.5 sacks last season and should be able to at least maintain that total in 2007. He is the clubs best end. The one player to keep an eye on is Freddie Fairchild, an ultra talented sophomore linebacker with limitless potential. If he can be an impact player as expected, Arkansas will benefit tremendously. The Razorbacks were dominant defensively in quite a few games last season, but elite offensive units did have their way.
SPECIAL TEAMS: While Felix Jones plays second fiddle to McFadden in the backfield, Jones is tops when it comes to kick and punt returns. He is truly explosive and has shown the ability to go the distance. McFadden is also used as a return man sparingly. The hope is that freshman placekicker Alex Tejada will provide some stability for the Razorbacks, something they have lacked in the kicking game in recent years.
OUTLOOK: Arkansas has a chance to get off to a tremendous start with a favorable schedule, and the Razorbacks will not face Florida at all during the regular season. Once again, this squad will be tested in the closing weeks with game at Tennessee and LSU. McFadden is college footballs best player and will power Arkansas to a better finish than most media members are predicting. An SEC title is certainly within reach.
© 2007 The Sports Network
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