Started By
Message
Early Football, what to watch for, 247 article...
Posted on 2/17/17 at 11:07 am
Posted on 2/17/17 at 11:07 am
LINK
What's happening with the Arkansas Razorbacks? Make sure you're in the loop --- take five seconds to Sign up for our FREE Razorbacks newsletter now!)
Arkansas' defensive staff was overhauled during the offseason and rightfully so.
The Razorbacks had one of the worst defenses in the SEC and even ranked last in the country in some statistical categories. They were gashed on the ground and picked apart through the air, so change was inevitable.
Former defensive coordinator Robb Smith was encouraged to find work elsewhere and Paul Rhoads filled his role after being promoted from defensive backs coach. Former defensive line coach Rory Segrest was let go and replaced by John Scott Jr. Instead of finding another secondary coach to take Rhoads' old post, Arkansas split up the inside and outside linebacker duties between Vernon Hargreaves and recent hire Chad Walker, respectively.
It's way too early to know if these moves will benefit the Razorbacks or not, but we do know that a switch to the 3-4 (three defensive linemen, four linebackers) is in the works.
One of the reasons head coach Bret Bielema hired Scott - opposed to someone like Charlie Partridge, his friend and former assistant - is because of his experience in a 3-4 scheme with the New York Jets.
Although the Razorbacks tinkered with the 3-4 during bowl practices in December, the media has yet to see how they'll align certain players in the system, so here's how Hawgs247 expects it to play out.
Assuming he is healthy, Dre Greenlaw will almost assuredly be one of the starting inside linebackers, flanked by either De'Jon Harris or Dwayne Eugene, who split reps when Greenlaw was out with an injury in 2016. Incoming freshman and early enrollee Kyrei Fisher could also compete for a spot in the rotation.
Outside linebacker is an interesting position in the 3-4. One of them is kind of like a stand-up rush defensive end, perfect for someone like Randy Ramsey, who was used as a third-down pass-rushing defensive end last season but was originally a linebacker. Michael Taylor II, a JUCO transfer who sat out last season, and Karl Roesler, a smaller defensive end, also fit that mold.
The other outside linebacker has to be more versatile. He must be able to rush the quarterback, stop the run and drop back in pass coverage, like a traditional linebacker. Dee Walker and Alexy Jean-Baptiste were praised by the coaches during their redshirt season and could compete for the starting spot here.
Defensive line will be even more interesting because of all the new pieces. Gone are players like Deatrich Wise Jr., Jeremiah Ledbetter, JaMichael Winston and Taiwan Johnson. Arkansas fans will finally get a better look at some of the highly touted defensive linemen the Razorbacks have signed in recent years.
Five-star recruit McTelvin Agim played defensive tackle in 2016, but he figures to move back out to defensive end in the 3-4, where he can make much more noise.
The middle will likely be manned by one of two former four-star recruits: Bijhon Jackson or Austin Capps. Both are large, strong humans and fit the stereotype of a nose tackle.
If Briston Guidry, who redshirted last year, finds his way into the starting lineup opposite Agim, the Razorbacks would have a defensive line comprised completely of four- or five-star recruits. However, he'll have to fend off the likes of Jonathan Marshall (who the coaches have been high on), T.J. Smith, Armon Watts, Daytrieon Dean and newcomer Melvin Johnson.
When it comes down to it, this is arguably the biggest storyline to watch during spring practice and one Hawgs247 will follow closely at the practices open to the media.
***
Will all these changes result in different results on the field? Weigh in with our poll question below:
What's happening with the Arkansas Razorbacks? Make sure you're in the loop --- take five seconds to Sign up for our FREE Razorbacks newsletter now!)
Arkansas' defensive staff was overhauled during the offseason and rightfully so.
The Razorbacks had one of the worst defenses in the SEC and even ranked last in the country in some statistical categories. They were gashed on the ground and picked apart through the air, so change was inevitable.
Former defensive coordinator Robb Smith was encouraged to find work elsewhere and Paul Rhoads filled his role after being promoted from defensive backs coach. Former defensive line coach Rory Segrest was let go and replaced by John Scott Jr. Instead of finding another secondary coach to take Rhoads' old post, Arkansas split up the inside and outside linebacker duties between Vernon Hargreaves and recent hire Chad Walker, respectively.
It's way too early to know if these moves will benefit the Razorbacks or not, but we do know that a switch to the 3-4 (three defensive linemen, four linebackers) is in the works.
One of the reasons head coach Bret Bielema hired Scott - opposed to someone like Charlie Partridge, his friend and former assistant - is because of his experience in a 3-4 scheme with the New York Jets.
Although the Razorbacks tinkered with the 3-4 during bowl practices in December, the media has yet to see how they'll align certain players in the system, so here's how Hawgs247 expects it to play out.
Assuming he is healthy, Dre Greenlaw will almost assuredly be one of the starting inside linebackers, flanked by either De'Jon Harris or Dwayne Eugene, who split reps when Greenlaw was out with an injury in 2016. Incoming freshman and early enrollee Kyrei Fisher could also compete for a spot in the rotation.
Outside linebacker is an interesting position in the 3-4. One of them is kind of like a stand-up rush defensive end, perfect for someone like Randy Ramsey, who was used as a third-down pass-rushing defensive end last season but was originally a linebacker. Michael Taylor II, a JUCO transfer who sat out last season, and Karl Roesler, a smaller defensive end, also fit that mold.
The other outside linebacker has to be more versatile. He must be able to rush the quarterback, stop the run and drop back in pass coverage, like a traditional linebacker. Dee Walker and Alexy Jean-Baptiste were praised by the coaches during their redshirt season and could compete for the starting spot here.
Defensive line will be even more interesting because of all the new pieces. Gone are players like Deatrich Wise Jr., Jeremiah Ledbetter, JaMichael Winston and Taiwan Johnson. Arkansas fans will finally get a better look at some of the highly touted defensive linemen the Razorbacks have signed in recent years.
Five-star recruit McTelvin Agim played defensive tackle in 2016, but he figures to move back out to defensive end in the 3-4, where he can make much more noise.
The middle will likely be manned by one of two former four-star recruits: Bijhon Jackson or Austin Capps. Both are large, strong humans and fit the stereotype of a nose tackle.
If Briston Guidry, who redshirted last year, finds his way into the starting lineup opposite Agim, the Razorbacks would have a defensive line comprised completely of four- or five-star recruits. However, he'll have to fend off the likes of Jonathan Marshall (who the coaches have been high on), T.J. Smith, Armon Watts, Daytrieon Dean and newcomer Melvin Johnson.
When it comes down to it, this is arguably the biggest storyline to watch during spring practice and one Hawgs247 will follow closely at the practices open to the media.
***
Will all these changes result in different results on the field? Weigh in with our poll question below:
Posted on 2/17/17 at 11:27 am to Razorback Reverend
All of this leading to a 6-6 record
Posted on 2/17/17 at 5:38 pm to Razorback Reverend
I don't like the idea that Rhodes is dc and all all defensive backs coach.
Posted on 2/17/17 at 6:09 pm to Razorback Reverend
I forgot about tj Smith. They were high on him during the spring. The 3-4 DE slot would suit him well. He played DE in high school but like our other DE'S bulked up and played inside in our 4-3. I also think briston guidry has more speed than a traditional DT so he might fit in at DE well.
This post was edited on 2/17/17 at 6:12 pm
Posted on 2/17/17 at 7:02 pm to Razorback Reverend
So you are saying we have a chance at the Texas bowl or the Liberty bowl?
Posted on 2/17/17 at 7:53 pm to Pygthagorean Theorem
quote:
All of this leading to a 6-6 record
Most people come to message boards to discuss things (sports in this instance) with strangers they'd otherwise never talk to and enjoy themselves outside of their daily routine. Sports are also a way for us to let loose, act a fool for our teams, and enjoy the camaraderie of your fellow fan.
If you're this miserable on a sports message board why don't you just give it up, at least for a little while?
Posted on 2/17/17 at 10:20 pm to RazorBroncs
No thanks. I just have no faith in Bert.
Posted on 2/18/17 at 6:49 am to Pygthagorean Theorem
That's fine, but he's right.
Posted on 2/18/17 at 10:47 am to sugatowng
Glad I'm not the only one feeling this way. If they were loaded at LB talent wise I might be more optimistic.
However our LB talent outside of Spaight the last few years has been mediocre at best. So, let's put more of them on the field?
Who is going to play the nose spot? They have to demand and beat double teams for this style to work.
The NFL uses the 3-4 because they can draft elite players for these positions. We are going to need some mens.
However our LB talent outside of Spaight the last few years has been mediocre at best. So, let's put more of them on the field?
Who is going to play the nose spot? They have to demand and beat double teams for this style to work.
The NFL uses the 3-4 because they can draft elite players for these positions. We are going to need some mens.
Posted on 2/18/17 at 12:33 pm to Hog Zealot
quote:
However our LB talent outside of Spaight the last few years has been mediocre at best. So, let's put more of them on the field?
I was at first worried about this. But it's a different kind of lb. It concentrates our current linebackers to two slots instead of 3. Adds 2 spots in base package for those pass rush defensive ends. Really it gives us less current linebackers and more defensive ends.
Latest Arkansas News
Popular
Back to top
Follow SECRant for SEC Football News