Message Received
February 8, 2008 at 9:00am by HogBlogger
Filed under Arkansas Razorbacks, Football, Recruiting
Now that national signing day has come and gone, it’s pretty clear to me that the Razorback football program has stepped it up a few notches.
A few things that are different:
- Professionalism from the coaching staff instead of emotional ‘rah-rah.’ There is a real ‘buckle down’ and ‘get ‘er done’ mentality — letting their actions and results do most of the talking.
- There will be no backing down or ’settling.’ These coaches are confident recruiting against anyone. They set out to take Joe Adams back from USC and they did it.
- Campus visits were well run, and they really sold the school, the fans, and the facilities. It was obvious that the ‘100-yard weight room’ was a talking point, as it was repeated by several recruits. Watching film with recruits, simulating game day, calling the Hogs at the basketball game — these guys know how to sell.
- The reputation of the coaching staff and the expected style of play has athletes interested in coming here. That hasn’t been the case for the last few years.
While signing day is just part of a start and not anywhere near a finish, the tone has been set. It’s apparent that Bobby Petrino’s expectations match up well with Arkansas fans.
He wants to win and win big.
Thank goodness Houston is no longer the coach at the University of Arkansas.
Professionalism is the key word here. Your right on target with that one HogBlogger. Petrino, letting his actions take the place of (rah rah) by you know who, has been more noticable to me than anything, while at the same time, Petrino’s been able to show a little humor along the way, and in general, be a very likable guy. Some folks may think he’s a bit too serious at times, but believe me, this guy is 100% football coach. I like the fact it was noted by Wally, in the DEMO-ZETT, that Petrino elevated the Louisville program with mainly 2 and 3 star rated recruits. If your going to coach football in a basketball state, you have to start somewhere. I think that speak’s voluums for this guy as a football coach, because you would definately have to be top notch to have that kind of sucsess at a school with almost no football tradition like LU. That team didn’t look like it was full of 2 and 3 star recruits to me when I watched them play. Forget about the Atlanta Falcons. Their less than a joke as an organization, mainly because of their owner. ESPN was just taking care of their boy. In the long run, it’ll just be a bunch of blabbering by a bunch of blabbering idiots. Petrino is on a mission. Wait and see what happen’s over the next couple of years. GO HOGS GO!!!!!
I must say I really appreciate and admire the professionalism shown by Petrino and his whole staff throughout this transition/recruiting period. With all the negativity from the media (and, I would imagine, much more negative recruiting by our competition than Petrino is acknowledging), it would have been easy for Petrino to pull a Rich Rod/Houston Nutt and blame others. However, this staff has thus far represented the program and the state with nothing but class. Continue this attitude and determination for success on the field next fall and Arkansas will once again have the national respect it desires and deserves.
What’s up with Rivals?! I realize that evaluating recruits is nothing if not a subjective endeavor but how can they be so far off the mark compared to everyone else? I mean even ESPN rated us 18th (which I think may be a bit too high; Scout’s 23rd seems more like it)!
Anyone know what sort of defense we’re likely to run next year? I’m not familiar with our new DC at all (although he looks to be an excellent hire, all things considered. Once again, kudos Bobby!). I took a peek at what was supposed to be Petrino’s playbook (see link in the articles over on 360–214 pages!) and I saw a lot of 4-3. This would seem to fit our talent and style but I’m far from an expert. Thoughts anyone?
It looks as though Mallett isn’t counted in this class which technically he is apart of. When you throw him in you have to figure our ranking goes up considerably. I am sort of hoping he doesn’t win his appeal. I hate to burn a year of his elgibility on this next team. There’s a good channce they could over achieve but with an extra year to learn and then 3 yrs. of playing with the kind of recruits we seem to be in the runnning for now could put us in a position to really compete at the highest level 3 seasons from now.
I wouldn’t sweat it too much. I don’t see the ‘Omnipotent Ones’ at the NCAA granting Mallet’s appeal. It’s going to be interesting to see who lines up under center next year.
Above all else I like the professionalism and the balanced offensive attack. I would have to say this is a good class. Now if some or all of these recruits can contribute on the field we will have to wait and see but things are chaning folks. Hawgfan Casey Dick might be the favorite today, but who knows who will end up behind center between now and first game of the year.
It will be fascinating to see how Casey takes coaching. He may be a completely new player in no time or tranfer this summer after being passed up in Spring ball. He didn’t show enough last year to keep his job if he had had any competition.
I honestly don’t think Mallett will win his appeal, but at the same time, maybe it’ll give Casey the space to absorb a little more coaching and not have to look over his shoulder quite as much. With his brother Nathan, along with our new Freshmen, Tyler Wilson and Jim Youngblood, he’s going to have a ton of competition to deal with as it is. I honestly hope he’s able to pull it off. I’ve alway’s liked Casey and thought his talent was wasted at times. He’s been learning to stare down 1 reciever now for 3 years. I hope this new system doesn’t throw him into a culture shock. He has a lot of exsperience in the SEC now, so that should help him. It’s possible Petrino could combine the talents of Casey and another one of our young QBs, in a 2 QB system, depending on which one of them step’s up. I remember Spurrier doing that at Florida for a couple of years. Which ever one was hot was the guy he went with. I honestly doubt Casey won’t be in the mix at QB. Reguardless of the talent they have coming in, thier still Freshmen, and it’s still the SEC. Wilson may be the best passer out of any of the 4, but physically, he’s in need of strength and size more than any of them. Youngblood could be the one to step up, but I think Nathan Dick has enough talent that he could pick up things well in this system and really take off. He didn’t do too bad getting noticed last year. I still think Casey and Nathan will be the 1st and 2nd string QBs next year, but if I’m wrong, then so be it. We have a great future here in Razorback land. GO HOGS GO!!!!!
I can’t believe I forgot Alex Mortenson. This kid was a pretty darn good QB in his own right, before Mustain came to town and blew his chances of one day being the starter. He’s a SR. now, after sitting out last year, working with the scout team. I believe his talents are probably more suited for Petrino’s offense too. I would love to see this kid step up and be able to compete. Wouldn’t it be cool to have 2 SRs calling the shots?
Lots of supposition going on – that’s o-k, but sometimes bothers the participants.
I think it’s best just to let Petrino and staff sort it out and let us know when the time is right – they’ve done wonderfully so far.
We’re going to be better and better – kind of nice to let it unravel as the kinks get worked out and be proud of the results.
Go HOGS Go!!!
Too much fun speculating, RazorbackinTexas. ;^) Alex Mortenson could be more than in the mix; I heard that Petrino recruited him while at Louisville.
So what’s up with Matt Hall?