Big Bert's Media teleconference today

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Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema took the floor during Monday’s SEC teleconference after arguably the worst news of the offseason: the retirement of Arkansas RB Rawleigh Williams due to a neck injury suffered in the Hogs’ spring game.

His address to the media was short, but it answered a few questions and cleared things up heading into the summer.

Bielema on Rawleigh Williams – could this have been a positive, happening in a practice and not in a game?
“Well, there is no good about this aside from him staying healthy. It does give us a chance to adjust due to the timing of it.”

Does T.J. Hammonds play more RB than WR now?
“He’s had tremendous growth, he’s exciting with the ball in his hands. We will keep that going (his progression at receiver) but that doesn’t mean he won’t potentially line up in the backfield.”

On proposed redshirt rule, which would allow freshmen to play a few games without losing their redshirt:
“You may have a guy that you think is ready to play but a game or two into in you find out the game is too big for them.”

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