After a couple season hiatus, the Arkansas RazorTalk has returned. We apologizes for the departure without warning but we hope to be back in full force this season with all latest news and notes about your Arkansas Razorbacks. With being said here is what we have so far:
Arkansas heads into off-season looking for two new coaches.
Quarterbacks Coach -
Julius Russell decided to call it a career at the age of 54. He has served as the QB coach here at Arkansas for the last 3 seasons. He's been instrumental in the development of
Jay Jones.
Roberto Loring - The Razorbacks have agree to terms with Loring to be the team's new Quarterbacks coach. Loring previous served as the Tennessee Volunteers QB coach. He was not resigned. He's only 43 and should be a solid replacement to Russell.
Receivers Coach -
Francisco Collins also decided to end his coaching career. He's going to be a big lost for the Razorbacks.
Grad Transfers
CB-Lawrence Alston - The Razorbacks will only get one year out of Alston. Lawrence to to Fayetteville from the University of California. He lacks speed but is solid in coverage. He will add depth to the secondary. Don't be shocked if you see him spend some time at safety. He has 185 tackles in the last 3 seasons. he has a 46% catch allowed rating. He has appeared in 44 games making 30 starts in those 3 seasons.
Arkansas coaches were in talks with a few other players however they chose to sign elsewhere.
The Focus now will shift to the NCAA Draft. There are some holes to fill so we will just have to wait and see what the staff can do.
Signing Day MovesTyler Bartlett | WR | 6'1" | 198lbs | Oxford, MS | VOL:8
- Not a sexy pick here but a safe one. Arkansas needed some depth at WR. They get Tyler Bartlett out of Ole Miss's backyard. He has above average hands a little slower than wanted but is a big bodied receiver. Looks to be slotted in at the #2 spot.
Michael Raymer | RG | 6'5" | 316bs | Los Angles, CA | VOL:12
- Many teams pasted on Raymer but Arkansas really wanted him. He's an excellent Run Blocker already, needs a little work on his Pass Blocking. Is strength is a little low but useable. Should slot in as the #2 RT or/and RT for now.
Joseph Long | FS | 6'1" | 206lbs | Madison, WI | VOL:14
- Another safe pick but Long has elite speed. Coverage skills are a little concerning but should take over as the #1 FS.
Nicholas Ortiz | LE | 6'3" | 276lbs | Jackson, TN | VOL:70
- A good camp could elevate Ortiz. He has great strength lacks speed however.
Archie Headley | WR | 5'10" | 222lbs | Anthony, KS | VOL:92
- Camp fodder, won't make team unless he has an amazing camp. His speed is a concern.
Harold Colson | MLB | 6'0" | 230lbs | Indianapolis, IN| VOL:38
- Auto Picked, won't make team.
Lee Cuevas | TE | 6'3" | 269lbs | Salt Lake City, UT| VOL:92
- Another Auto Pick. Won't Make team unless he boom in camp.
The class isn't great. Signing day Expert Garrok had this to say:
University of Arkansas:"Arkansas made it a priority to add some tools to QB Jay Jones' tool box as they welcome 3 new receivers to take the pressure off Mario Monk. If may be enough to get them over the hump in the very competitive SEC West, where 1 more win would have had the hogs in the Bowl season. Grade: D+ Commish's Grade: D"
Last edited at 2/21/2018 10:04 am