re: 2016 Fall Camp Updates

Who's the fullback?
Matt Jones

That's always the question I want answered at the start of the camp. It's often overlooked, but obviously an important part of the offense. Kiero Small and Patrick Arinze were always a little unheralded in the success of Alex Collins and Jonathan Williams.

I think Arkansas has several options there this year - probably more than any other preseason in Bielema's tenure.

- Hayden Johnson was recruited to play fullback. You wonder if he's going to be ready to do that as a freshman, both from a physical standpoint and knowledge of the offense. He also didn't play the position in high school.

- Damani Carter and Chris Jones are both fullbacks on the roster. Neither played a lot last year. I'm a little surprised Jones hasn't been in more games.

- Bielema said Josh Williams may get a look at fullback this season. He looks the part physically, but there may be an adjustment period there like there was with Kendrick Jackson last season.

- I think Austin Cantrell is an interesting candidate to try there. He is up to 272 pounds now, so you wonder if he has lost some quickness. I remember coaches saying last season that he needed to be better in blocking. Fullback blocks a little different than tight end, especially tight ends that are lined up on the line of scrimmage. Regardless of how they classify him, I think he'll be in some lead block situations this year in 2 or 3 tight end sets.

- Kendrick Jackson played fullback last year, but he's at linebacker now and will probably stick there.


Maybe just looking for #2 FB with Josh

I wouldn't be surprised to see alot of 3 receiver sets this year with the depth we have at that position.

If the younger TEs don't step up and Hayden struggles that is probably our best option.

(no message)

Also probably doesn't hurt for a LB to get a look at the other side of the ball.

I'd think Cantrell or one of the walk-ons could give Hayden a rest. Bert didn't use a scholly on fullback on purpose for 2 seasons after inheriting Kiero Small.

I don't know why Chris Jones isn't getting more looks. Maybe he doesn't block well or is too slow and impedes the TB.


Josh Williams likely lost too much mobility with the broken leg if there was a good chance that he might not play again. Then again maybe he's got a vendetta and wants to cut block some sumbitches.

quote:

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josh Williams is now a fullback

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either

a. coaches feel confident in our lb depth
b. coaches don't feel confident with our fullback depth
c. trying to light a fire under someone
d. one or more of the above

Or coaches no longer feel confident with Williams at linebacker. Williams was ok at linebacker, but he wasn't lighting the world on fire before his injury.

What do the redshirt LBs look like? (To lazy to look)

quote:

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We just gave a scholarship to Hayden Johnson to be a true fullback.

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That's the one he was talking about playing with all three teams.

Reading good things about Raulerson.

Wouldn't that be something if he ends up being the missing piece to having a solid line again this year.