re: Just blabbing about football

I think Herndon and Wilson will be the top 2 guys. I just don't see Horton holding on to his spot in the rotation. McKay, Hatcher and Cowan all have so much more potential. I just see one of those three bypassing him for a starting spot sooner than later.

Besides the obvious lack of depth in the backfield. I think we actually have the personnel to be a power run team more so than we do to run Petrino's pro spread.

We don't have an elite QB on the roster that I can tell, the WR have given little production, the TE's are relying on walk ons.

We have an All American Candidate at C in Swanson, Cook and Smothers are both top 100 recruits at G in their class and seem to be better suited at straight up road grading than back peddling pass protection. We don't have any prototype OT that aren't incoming frosh.

We have the studliest FB in the nation and if Dyer is allowed on board our search for an up the middle runner is answered.

I can see us having an offense that takes what the D gives us this year. Laying back in zone coverage? We go off guard for 8 yards. Stacking the box here's something deep in the corner or a wheel or screen.

I have a lot of faith in the smarts of our coaches. I feel coaching might get us 2 wins we aren't expecting.

I don't know what we'll do this year, but I just have a feeling we're going to throw the ball a lot more than people think we will. I also expect to see more of a zone blocking scheme in the first year, but if the boys in the middle allow us to compete against the big boys in the middle I will be very happy.

Bielema up in a one-on-one interview. i missed the first few minutes. think he's going to have the group interview soon.

not a five year plan, looking to win immediately. seniors want to make this a special year, lot of people don't think that's possible but we'll see

not necessarily power running. play on strengths.

re:recruiting, points to recent Wisky success in pros (wilson, Watts), wants to bring that to Arkansas.

Big goal is to win the SEC and win a natty, that's why he came to UA.

recruiting philosophy has changed, needs more people in this league. middle of SEC on number of recruiting staff, some teams have double or triple the number. thinks NCAA will get involved on those numbers.

recruiting is non-stop. steps away from dinner with the wife to DM 15 prospects, has become ordinary.

learned from Alvarez how to answer Q's, wants to have fun with i t (was entertained by spurrier)

pffffttt that's it?

oh wait, nm. bielema up at the podium soon.

up now.

thanks jeff long, thanks players - all unyielding in accepting everything he's asked. none of the 3 are from AR, but all 3 are great reps

stayed injury free, highest GPA in a number of years, very few off field issues. Herbert has been a great asset.

Q: from Big 10 - physical play, which ark has lacked.
A: players knew he was focused on the line before he was even there. excited bc one of the best players is Swanson, can build from inside out; best center in college as good or better than his two previous drafted centers. FB is great. got everyone else on the same page. senior DL members. up front play will dictate, and we will be okay.

Q: hurry-up offenses.
A: will stick to same formula as before. if need 5 wideouts to win, will, but that won't be necessary. will be balanced, want 200 yds running/passing each game

Q: difference bt B1G and SEC:
A: national exposure in recruiting. players want to play in SEC, had a QB he tried to recruit at Wisc who looked elsewhere, but called him once he was hired at AR. until we win a title, have to rely on the appeal of SEC to get players.
has to watch words he says bc when he praises SEC, other divisions get pissed.

Holy shite I think there's smoke coming out of his ears

Q: Malzahn said comment that hurry-up is dangerous, thought it was a joke, your response.
A: wasn't joking. have to look out for well being of ppl's kids. there are times when O and D are on the field w/out break. 15 plays in a row exposes to injury, but rules don't allow him to sub players on O or D. safety of the kids is paramount. (discussed this point a lot, seems a bit agitated)

Q: Malzahn said he's concerned with players faking injury. you agree with that?
A: i don't know how to coach a player to pretend to fake injury. rules have addressed this already, runs clock off.

Q: turning around turnover margin, how to do it?
A: lax in ball security, tackling, etc. come to our practice, a player gives a ball away, he starts running before we say anything. also, pay attention to pre-snap penalties and good things will happen.

Q: some players have had 3 coaches in 3 years. how to sell it and have them buy in
A: told players not going to look at the past, only talking about future. embrace it and move on. scars are a reminder of things you persevered over. kids have been awesome. (makes a joke about letting hte players wear something else other than sweater vests on gameday - guess this was a requirement by the old coaches)