Friday, June 15, 2012

College Football Preview: 7. Arkansas Razorbacks

7. Arkansas Razorbacks Returning Starters: 13 Returning Star: QB Tyler Wilson Key Loss: LB Jerry Franklin Player to Watch: QB Tyler Wilson No, their wasn't a big dropoff in the Razorbacks' success after losing Ryan Mallett and Knile Davis. Headed by Tyler Wilson and Dennis Johnson the Razorbacks kept alive and stayed right along with powers such as Alabama and LSU. Now both Wilson and Johnson are back and the Razorbacks once more have a team that compete in a tough SEC. Wilson is back for his senior year after a productive first year as starter. He has a strong accurate arm and is mobile. Senior Johnson is athletic and speedy and can help in the return game. He is a valuable return for Arkansas. If former All-SEC back Knile Davis can make a return the Razorbacks will add talent and depth to the ground game. Greg Childs and Joe Adams both are gone leaving the receiving game a lot weaker. Senior Cobi Hamilton is back and adds a big play receiver for Wilson to pass too. Other than Hamilton it appears the other top targets will be junior Julian Horton and sophomore Marquel Wade. The offensive line is definitely a weakness for the Razorbacks. Senior tackle Jason Peacock is talented and guard Alvin Bailey is one of the most talented in the SEC. But other than that the line is weak and doesn't have much depth. The defensive line is also a question mark. The talent is there but they have trouble putting it together. Tackle DeQuinta Jones is back for his senior season and is improving. Linebacker Alonzo Highsmith is a true talent that has good speed and is a good coverage linebacker. Though the loss of experienced middle linebacker Jerry Franklin will be significant. Senior Terrell Williams will likely replace him. The secondary is an improving unit headed by senior Darius Winston and junior safety Eric Bennett. Johnson is a great returner and All SEC punter Dylan Breeding returns buffing the special teams. Heisman Hopeful: Tyler Wilson SEC Rank: 4th

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