The Good

• In what was the most amazing return we have ever witnessed, Joe Adams’ 60-yard punt return was one for the ages.  Admit it…it’s the first time you’ve ever seen a player take his video game to the field.  And it had to be spectacular to beat out Jarius Wright’s amazing ‘fight through pass interference to make a hot potato catch‘ play and earn the #1 spot on SportsCenter’s Top 10 Plays.
• No better way to send out 17 seniors than a 42-point blowout win.  Adams and Wright are now first and second in career receptions.  Senior safety Tramain Thomas snagged his 11th career interception and moved into a tie for sixth place all-time.  And it was great to see senior running backs Brodrick Green (54 total yards, TD) and DeAnthony Curtis (59 yards, TD) finish their Fayetteville careers with a bang.
• After an ill-advised fourth down attempt by Tennessee failed, we loved seeing Bobby Petrino go for the jugular on the very next play.  Tyler Wilson’s 40-yard bomb to Joe Adams made the score 35-7 and left only the final margin in question.
• Honorable Mention:  Very good to have Tenarius Wright back out there returning from injury.  ….  The sellout crowd on Saturday — and really the Fayetteville crowds for all the conference games — have really been fantastic this season.  And the in-game atmosphere (students, band, music, passing out pom-poms, etc.) has improved each game, as well.  Kudos all around.  Now finish up strong this week, Little Rock.

The Bad

• Even in the blowout loss, the Volunteers surpassed their SEC season high in total offense by almost 100 yards.  Looking every bit like a “bend but don’t break” defense, the Hogs held Tennessee to just one touchdown while allowing three plays of 45 yards or longer.  And while we listed Thomas’ interception under “The Good,” it happened at the end of a very long 14 play, 72-yard drive by the Vols that took nearly seven minutes off the clock right before halftime.
• Tyler Wilson’s overthrow miss of a wide open Joe Adams on what would have been a 71-yard second quarter TD technically qualifies as “bad.”  Wilson may have, as Garrick McGee says, a “gift” to make good throws while on the run.  Still…accurately throwing the ball 30 yards down the field without setting your feet is tough.  But hey…no problem…Dennis Johnson scampered the 71 yards on the next play so all is forgiven.
• Honorable Mention:  Javontee Herndon’s block in the back penalty on what was going to be an easy touchdown run by Ronnie Wingo Jr..  ….  Both defenses dropping easy interceptions that would’ve likely gone for touchdowns (Alonzo Highsmith for the Hogs and Eric Gordon for the Vols).

The Ugly

• While the in-game atmosphere has been improving, Razorback Stadium could really use some food vendors right outside the stadium doing some typical game day street food.  There are a lot of people milling around that aren’t tailgating — like me (HogBlogger) looking for tickets — that are hungry.  And everyone can’t fit into the food court inside the stadium.  (Plus…the prices are crazy stupid.)
• Overturning the ruling on the field of a fumble by Da’Rick Rogers of Tennessee in the first quarter was just wrong.  In the grand scheme of things, of course, it didn’t change the outcome of the game.  But once again, we’re not sure why there’s instant replay if they’re going to overturn a call without clear visual evidence that it was the wrong call.  And hey…SEC refs…look at this photo and tell us again exactly how the call on the field should’ve been overturned?

Of course, we can’t possibly mention everything that was “Good, Bad and Ugly.”  What did we leave out?

Walking on Sunshine and HogBlogger also contributed to this post.

The Good

• When things looked bleak Saturday, Tyler Wilson and Jarius Wright kept the Hogs in the game with record-setting, career performances.  Wilson gutted the middle of the A&M secondary for 510 passing yards and three touchdowns.  Wright’s 13 receptions for 281 yards were both single game school records.
• Wright especially just would not be denied Saturday.  The captain’s 281 yard performance was the second most in SEC history, and moves him all the way up to third in the Arkansas record books with 2,295 career receiving yards.
• Great to see Broderick Green return from injury and help lift the Hogs down the stretch.  Green’s two touchdowns, along with Dennis Johnson’s 123 total yards (54 rush, 69 receiving) gave the Hogs some much needed punch out of the backfield.
• True freshman Tevin Mitchel played solid in relief of injured cornerback Darius Winston.  Mitchel led the team in tackles with 13 and recorded a third quarter fumble recovery to aid the comeback.
• Honorable Mention:  When they had to rise up and stop the Aggies late, the Razorback defense stuffed Christine Michael for no gain on fourth-and-2 with 1:20 remaining in the game.  D.D. Jones, Byran Jones and Zach Stadther all got great penetration, as linebacker Alonzo Highsmith cleaned it up.  However, that leads us to…

The Bad

• Pathetic and embarrassing don’t fully describe the defensive performance in the first half.  The Hogs only stop was an interception by Greg Gatson, as the Aggies rolled up 404 total yards, including a staggering 225 yards on the ground (8.7 yards per carry).
• Why Texas A&M even attempted a pass is beyond us.  We surmise Coach Mike Sherman must have gotten bored after ripping off 8, 10, 12 yards a play.  To average 7.1 yards per carry (54 carries)…and LOSE???  Oh my.  “The stats don’t matter,” said Aggie quarterback Ryan Tannehill.  Guess he’s right.
• Honorable Mention:  The disturbing trend of injuries continued on Saturday.  Joe Adams (ribs), Darius Winston (knee), and Robert Thomas (leg) all left during the game.  Normal starters Jake Bequette and Isaac Madison dressed, but couldn’t go.

The Ugly

• You can talk about the missed tackles all you want, but we lost the line of scrimmage badly the entire game.  Tremendously disappointing given that the defensive line was supposed to be the strength of this year’s defense.  Many of the missed tackles were 8-10 yards down the field, after the Aggies had rolled us back.
• 14 penalties for 112 yards should get you beat most of the time.  Especially disturbing were the four personal foul penalties called on the Hogs for some really stupid plays — all dead ball situations.  The 14 penalties are the fourth most in school history for a single game.  Can’t have this.

Of course, we can’t possibly mention everything that was “Good, Bad and Ugly.”  What did we leave out?

ESPN.com: Arkansas prevails after Texas A&M wastes another big lead

Tyler Wilson and Jarius Wright shattered school records for passing and receiving, and Broderick Green ran 3 yards for the go-ahead touchdown with 1:41 left as No. 18 Arkansas gave No. 14 Texas A&M a rude preview of what it can expect from the SEC next season in a 42-38 victory Saturday.

Also:

• ArkansasRazorbacks.com: UA completes comeback, defeats Texas A&M, Game Stats (PDF), Post-game Notes (PDF), Post-game Quotes (PDF)
• ArkansasRazorbacks.com (Video): Bobby Petrino Post-game Press Conference
• ESPN.com (Video): Arkansas Rallies Past Texas A&M, Aggies Waste Double-Digit Lead Again
• WholeHogSports.com (Video): Game Recap, Garrick McGee, Tyler Wilson
• Razorback Nation (Video): Jarius Wright / Broderick Green, Willy Robinson
• Chris Bahn: Wilson, Wright Deliver Strong Performances After Week Of Strong Talk, Two-Minute Drill
• Jim Harris: Arkansas Finds Toughness From Green, Johnson To Match Greatness Of Wright, Wilson In Epic Comeback
• Matt Jones: Hogs grow up in comeback, Green returns in a big way
• Robbie Neiswanger: Rallying Razorbacks Ruin Texas A&M’s SEC Party, Notes: Green Returns; Adams Streak Ends; Peacock Starts
• Scott Faldon: Wilson, Wright Enjoy Record-Setting Performances
• Harry King: Surrender Never Part Of Plan
• CBSSports.com: Fischer: Resilient Green embodies Hogs’ comeback over rattled Aggies

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Petrino: “I’m not afraid of high expectations. I’m excited with the fact that two years in a row now we have very high expectations.  Number one, our players have high expectations.  Certainly our coaching staff does.  Our fans in the state of Arkansas do.  Our administration does.

“It’s fun to approach the year that way, that, hey, we’re going to go out and be a contender, be a good football team, see what we can do to win ourselves a championship.  I think it motivates you throughout the off-season, throughout spring ball, throughout the summertime.”

Also:

• SECSports.com: Arkansas Player Quotes (PDF)
• ArkansasRazorbacks.com: Razorbacks at SEC Media Days
• ArkansasRazorbacks.com (Video): Bobby Petrino Press Conference, Tenarius Wright, Jarius Wright, Knile Davis
• AP: Arkansas QB has luxury of skillful players
• RBN: 2011 Razorbacks Football Media Guide Released Online
• Chris Bahn: Razorbacks Say Summer Should Alleviate Petrino’s Concerns About Leadership
• Jim Harris: Ten Minutes With Arkansas Running Back Knile Davis
• ArkansasSports360.com: League Releases Start Times For Hogs’ First 3 Games
• Robbie Neiswanger: Petrino, Razorbacks ‘Not Afraid’ Of Expectations, Receiver Says Recognition Rewarding
• Razorback Nation (Video): Bobby Petrino, Jarius Wright
• Memphis Commercial-Appeal: Arkansas Razorbacks set to let quarterback Tyler Wilson take over
• al.com: Razorbacks already looking ahead to Alabama game
• Louisville Courier-Journal: Arkansas’ Bobby Petrino high on the Hogs for SEC, national titles

The 2011 University of Arkansas Razorback football media guide has rolled off the presses. Totaling 208 pages, the book is the foremost source on all things pertaining to Razorback football for the upcoming season.

Also:

• ArkansasRazorbacks.com: Full Media Guide (PDF), Interactive Media Guide
• Robbie Neiswanger: A Closer Look at Arkansas’ 2011 Media Guide

Despite having the reputation as a “smash mouth, run-first league,” the SEC has managed to put several high profile receivers into the NFL over the last few seasons.  2011 draftees A.J. Green (Cincinnati) and Julio Jones (Atlanta) joined Percy Harvin (Minnesota) as the latest playmakers to take their talents to “The League.”

The SEC is stocked again this season, with some believing that Alshon Jeffery might be the top receiver in the nation.

As you might expect, the Hogs’ prolific passing attack lands four receivers in this space.  The fact that they steal catches from each other doesn’t diminish their talent to be on the list.  Any of the four would be the #1 receiver on almost every SEC team.

1. Alshon Jeffery, Junior, South Carolina (88 Rec, 1,517 RecYds, 9 TDs in 2010) — Jeffery is a freak of nature.  His size (6-4, 233) and speed (4.4) gives him an incredible advantage against most corners.  Great hands, and can ‘go get it’ in traffic.  If there’s one thing quarterback Stephen Garcia did right in 2010, it was throw it up to Jeffery.  Almost certainly a top 5 pick in the 2012 NFL draft.

2. Greg Childs, Senior, Arkansas (46 Rec, 659 RecYds, 6 TDs in 2010) — Childs was on his way to a 1,000-yard season before injuring his patella tendon in game 8.  Of all the Razorback receivers, Childs has the NFL body (6-3, 217) that the scouts crave to go along with the penchant for making the big play.  Provided his knee has sufficiently healed, Greg should be in for a stellar 2011 season.

3. Rueben Randall, Junior, LSU (33 Rec, 544, 3 TDs in 2010) — Randall’s stat line shows just how bad LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson has been.  When you can only get one of your best playmakers the ball 33 times in a season (2.5 touches per game), you can see why LSU offensive coordinator Gary Crowton was shown the door.  Randall (6-4, 207) has all the skills and would flourish anywhere else.

4. Joe Adams, Senior, Arkansas (50 Rec, 813 RecYds, 6 TDs in 2010) — Maybe the toughest player in the SEC, Adams is electric in the open field and a perfect slot receiver in Bobby Petrino’s power spread attack.  Always fighting for the extra yard, Adams doubles as a dangerous punt return man.  Blazing speed.

5. Jarius Wright, Senior, Arkansas (42 Rec, 788 RecYds, 5 TDs in 2010) — While Wright has made a living making tough catches in traffic, last season he garnered his share of big plays, as well.  He was second on the Razorbacks in yards per catch (18.8), and seemed to step up his game after Childs went down.  Best downfield blocker on this list.  Poised for a big senior year.

6. Cobi Hamilton, Junior, Arkansas (32 Rec, 630 RecYds, 6 TDs in 2010) — Along with Childs, Hamilton proved to be a home run threat throughout the 2010 season.  His long touchdown catches vs. LSU, especially the one right before the half, will go down in Razorback lore.  At 6-3, 209, Hamilton has the NFL-type body and is a burner.  Good hands, good route runner.  Might he be gone after this season?

7. Marquis Maze, Senior, Alabama (38 Rec, 557 RecYds, 3 TDs in 2010) — Maze took a back seat to Julio Jones for the last two seasons, so 2011 is his time to shine.  Difficult to bring down in the open field, Maze has flourished in the slot.  His size (5-10, 180) keeps him from being in the top tier of this list.  Breaking in a new quarterback in the fall may also put a cap on his stat line.  Stay tuned.

8. Deonte Thompson, Senior, Florida (38 Rec, 570 RecYds, TD in 2010) — Few were hurt more than Thompson by the “John Brantley Experiment” in 2010.  Thompson’s touchdowns fell from four to one.  Tremendous speed.  Definitely has NFL potential.

9. Trovon Reed, Redshirt Freshman, Auburn (No Stats in 2010) — Reed spent his 2010 year redshirting after nagging injuries kept him out of some early fall practices.  A former Louisiana high school star quarterback, Reed probably needed a year to learn how to play wide receiver.  Explosive speed that can thrive in a Gus Malzahn offense.  Keep an eye on this future star.

10. DeAngelo Smith, Sophomore, South Carolina (1 Rec, 1 RecYd in 2010) — Playing a reserve role in 2010 behind departed wideout Tori Gurley, Smith exploded on the scene this spring for the Gamecocks.  The talented sophomore caught four passes for 118 yards and 3 TDs in the USC spring game, and looks to have locked up the #2 receiver spot opposite Jeffery.  “He has really developed into an outstanding receiver,” said Gamecock head coach Steve Spurrier.

Also considered: Tavarres King (Georgia), Chad Bumphis (Mississippi St.), Darius Hanks (Alabama), Dustin Hunter (Tennessee), Russell Shepard (LSU), Da’Rick Rogers (Tennessee), Emory Blake (Auburn).

The Good

• Easily the best of “The Good” of this game — and really all week — were the Razorback fans.  The students set the tone early, camping out all week and building “Woo Pig City” down Stadium Drive.  For most of the game, the noise level was the loudest we’ve ever been a part of at ANY stadium.  And several of the national writers in attendance, who go to venues around the country each weekend, made a point to mention how impressed they were with the crowd noise and game atmosphere.
• Lost in the disappointment of the fourth quarter was the performance of the “Good” Ryan Mallett.  With 306 yards passing in the first three quarters, Mallett had an impressive 75% completion percentage, a rushing touchdown and a passing touchdown to open the game.
• And speaking of that opening touchdown, we’re not sure the Hogs could have started any better.  The 2-play, 74-yard touchdown drive — which took all of 50 seconds — set the crowd on fire and absolutely stunned the Alabama defense.
• It was great to see unsung receiver Jarius Wright have a big game on the national stage.  With Alabama looking to contain Joe Adams and Greg Childs, Wright’s 131 receiving yards was the second highest total of his career.
• Against what will likely by the best offensive line the Hogs will face all year, defensive end Tenarius “Tank” Wright came up big.  His bone-crushing fourth quarter sack (one of his two sacks on the day) forced the Tide to settle for a field goal and preserved the slim Razorback lead.  Unfortunately, that’s when a lot of “The Bad” started happening…

The Bad

• After handling the pressure nearly all game — and really all week — Ryan Mallett finally appeared to let it get to him in the fourth quarter.  While the Hogs still had a chance to win the game with three minutes left, you could see from Mallett’s body language that he hadn’t yet recovered from the interception thrown earlier in the fourth quarter.  The cool demeanor that he showed during the game-winning drive at Georgia wasn’t there this time.  And a panicked attempt to avoid a sack resulted in a turnover that basically ended the game.
• For those that think offensive balance is important, look no further than Saturday’s game for proof.  The Hogs inability to establish a running threat (64 yards on 20 attempts) let the Alabama defense ‘pin their ears back’ and pressure Mallett at will in the second half.
• While Mallett will likely receive much of the criticism, the Razorback defense continued their season-long struggle to get off the field.  The 16-play, 66-yard drive by Alabama that ate up over half of the fourth quarter was particularly excruciating.  While the defense did finally stiffen, holding the Tide to only a field goal, there were three successful third down conversions that kept the drive going and allowed Alabama to set the fourth quarter tempo.
• Last year’s Achilles’ heel — third down efficiency — reared it’s ugly head again on Saturday.  The 2 for 10 conversion rate was a direct result of the anemic rushing attack that put the Hogs in third-and-long situations all day.  By contrast, Alabama was 8 for 14 on third down.

The Ugly

• Even though they were playing at home, the Razorbacks somehow had four false start penalties on Saturday.  While the noise and atmosphere was great, the crowd was (mostly) smart enough to quiet down when the Razorbacks had the ball.  But the Hogs still finished with twice as many false start penalties as Alabama.  And Mallett ended a promising first quarter drive himself by attempting to make too many pre-snap adjustments that caused back-to-back false start penalties.
• And finally — in the easiest “Ugly” so far this year — the newly fabricated ‘snout’ attached to the Broyles Center is hideous.  Instead of their usual entry into the stadium under an inflatable Razorback head, the Hogs entered the field Saturday through the ‘nostrils’ of the new snout.  Yeah…we’re going to have to…uh…turn our nose up at this change.  Another example of the UA game day people trying to ‘outthink the room’ for no good reason.

Of course, we can’t mention everything that was “Good, Bad and Ugly.”  What did we leave out?

Walking on Sunshine and HogBlogger also contributed to this post.

The Good

• The highlight from Saturday night, without a doubt, was seeing Joe Adams back where he belongs — on the field catching touchdowns.  Adams led all receivers with 109 yards and was piling up his usual ‘RAC’ yards on each of his three catches.
• Knile Davis (59 yards, TD) and Ronnie Wingo Jr. (51 yards) each had a nice night, but Broderick Green stole the show.  Green’s 99-yard touchdown romp in the second quarter set Arkansas, and tied NCAA records for longest run from scrimmage.  The run was the seventh 99-yard rush in NCAA history since 1941.
• And speaking of Green’s big run, you have to love the effort of receiver Jarius Wright making two blocks on that play — one on the 10-yard line and one on the other 35-yard line.  That’s the second time this season that Wright has thrown a block well downfield to help a teammate (Greg Childs in the Florida game) score on a big play.

The Bad

• After holding Eastern Michigan to 36 first half yards, the Halloween version of the ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ Arkansas defense had a third quarter to forget.  The ‘mighty’ Eagles scored three touchdowns on their first nine snaps in the quarter, while rolling up 214 total yards.
• Having to make several ‘starter changes’ after seven games based on the amount of effort shown in practice is disappointing.  We realize the coaches are just trying to get everything out of this young team (and, in particular, the defense).  But you would think being 1-4 in the SEC would provide all the motivation needed to give maximum effort every day.

The Ugly

• Once again, the Arkansas defense allowed another career day performance.  This time Eagles quarterback Kyle McMahon was the beneficiary.  McMahon’s 231 yards, 3 touchdowns, and a gaudy 196.3 passer rating were all career marks for the junior.
• The red pants.  Need we say more?  We realize that opinions may vary, but seriously…with that wide white stripe, do they not make us look like a Mountain West team?  I guess if we only wear them on Halloween, we can claim they’re ‘part of the costume.’

Walking on Sunshine also contributed to this post.

The Good

• Let’s start with Tyler Wilson.  After spending what seemed to be every series changing the color of his jersey, Wilson took turns shredding both the Red and the White teams combining for a 23-36, 301 yards, 2 TD performance.  Razorback fans have to feel good about depth at the quarterback position heading into the fall.
• Receivers Joe Adams (118 yards, TD), Jarius Wright (125 yards) and London Crawford (85 yards, TD) all showed flashes Saturday of good things to come.  All three, even the oft injured “LC,” can be electric playmakers with the ball in their hands.
• After watching the performances of safety Tramain Thomas and cornerback Andru Stewart, one was left wondering why they weren’t wearing red jerseys full-time.  Thomas picked off a Ryan Mallett pass and returned it 20 yards in the first quarter.  Both he and Stewart showed good skills and seemed solid hitting and playing the run.  Nice job.
• Three 2-minute drill TD scores capped the end of both halves Saturday night.  Wilson, who led two of the drives, and Mallett both looked sharp in these hurry-up situations.
• The defensive front four seems improved and showed as much Saturday night.  Despite all being 20+ pounds heavier this year, Adrian Davis (Sr., 6-4, 255), Jake Bequette (So., 6-5, 271), Zack Stadther (So., 6-1, 289) and Malcolm Sheppard (Sr., 6-2, 280) seem quicker off the ball.

The Bad

• Both quarterbacks tossed first quarter interceptions they wished they had back.  Quarterbacks coach Garrick McGee said Wilson missed a read, and Mallet was “just kind of being lazy back there” and threw one off his back foot.  Both correctable mistakes.
• Hope everyone enjoyed (and maybe even bought a piece of) the lush, green grass that is (was) Frank Broyles Field…since that’s the last time you’ll see it.  Construction on the new synthetic surface for RRS begins next week.

The Ugly

• After suffering through a freshman campaign plagued by critical fumbles, De’Anthony Curtis tempered his rushing success Saturday (10 rushes, 103 yards, 2 TDs) by throwing it on the ground twice.  If Curtis wants playing time in the fall, he’s got to work on securing the ball.

The Good

• For the second week in a row, wide receiver Jarius Wright showed an ability to make big plays.  Wright’s 70-yard touchdown grab in the second quarter was the unquestioned highlight of the afternoon for the Hogs.
• Several different players stepped up and produced on Saturday.  Senior safety Dallas Washington had six tackles and pulled in his first career interception; freshman fullback Mitchell Bailey scored his first career touchdown; redshirt freshman quarterback Nathan Dick led the Hogs on a 13 play, 80 yard touchdown drive; and junior tailback Brandon Barnett rushed 7 times for 45 yards and a touchdown.

The Bad

• Seeing the Razorback defense force a turnover should actually make fans cringe this season.  Once again on Saturday, the Hogs’ offense went three-and-out immediately after the defense had a takeaway.  We’ve lost track here at RBN of the number of times that’s happened this year…certainly in at least four of the ten games played.
• I guess there’s an “SEC Player of the Week Jinx” since Casey Dick had one of his worst outings as a Razorback in the game after receiving the recognition.  Freshman mistakes continue to plague the senior quarterback: grounding penalties, holding the ball too long, and tossing three interceptions.  As Coach Petrino said, “Anytime you throw three interceptions like that, you’re going to have a heck of a time winning the game.”

The Ugly

• There was more ugly than you could shake a stick at on Saturday as the Hogs generally had a letdown game.  (Six sacks???)  But one play that was especially ugly was the 66-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jared Cook that was allowed by the Hog defense.  And I say ‘allowed’ because it took the poor tackling effort of several Razorback defenders to ‘allow’ it to happen.

Walking on Sunshine also contributed to this post.

Usually, it’s when a ‘super prep’ says something like, “I want to make an impact my freshman year” or “I want to show that I can play on both sides of the ball in college.”

Sure buddy…okay.

But last summer, Warren high school star Jarius Wright basically said just that:

He [Wright] wants to play offense and defense — and special teams — for the Razorbacks.

“They want me as an athlete, not just as a receiver,” Wright said. “I would like to do them all.  I want to prove I can do them.  I want to play as much at each position as I can.”

And now a year later, Wright is getting ready to back those words up.

Not that he will be playing for the Hogs on defense.  (Although coaches did give him a tryout during fall camp.)  But it now appears that the freshman will start the season playing regularly on both offense (wide receiver) and special teams (first-team kickoff and punt returner).

Warren coach Bo Hembree has said Wright, who runs a 4.34 40-yard dash, is “the fastest kid I’ve ever coached.”  And Bobby Petrino singled him out after the Hogs’ first sweltering practice of fall camp:

“Jarius Wright stood out to me.  He’s very fast, very quick.  And he’s tough.  [The heat] didn’t bother him at all.”  Told of Petrino’s remark, Wright said, “It makes me feel good just knowing he has a little faith in me.  I kind of enjoy that.  It makes we want to come out and work a little harder tomorrow.”

No doubt…Wright will most certainly make his share of rookie mistakes this season.  And in the SEC, there are few who truly make an impact during their first year in the league.

But in a freshman class that appears to be stocked with ‘star power,’ Jarius Wright will be the first to have a chance to shine come Saturday night.  (Literally, in fact, if he receives the opening kickoff.)

And based on what we’ve read and seen for ourselves at practice, Wright looks to have the drive and talent to someday become a major star for the Razorbacks.

We were not disappointed.  What a pleasure it is to watch a Bobby Petrino team practice.  Organized, fast-paced, attention to detail…it was all there.

Here are a few of our casual observations made while watching the two hour practice:

– Freshman wide receiver Jarius Wright and running back De’Anthony Curtis were expected to impress…and did not disappoint.  Both look like major contributors.

The newcomer that really surprised me, though, was freshman running back Dennis Johnson of Texarkana.  Johnson (5-7, 195) is cat quick and showed an elusive burst that is going to make him hard to bring down.  For those who have not seen him, just imagine a younger, less experienced version of Maurice Jones-Drew of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Chip Gregory also looked much improved at running back after his injury-hampered spring.  Running hard and breaking tackles with strength is not a problem.  Hanging onto the ball, however, continues to be as Gregory fumbled again during one of the Hogs tackling drills.

– As for the quarterbacks, Tyler Wilson and Jim Youngblood are good prospects.  Both have strong arms and showed flashes.  But both probably need to redshirt if the Hogs can get by without playing them.

Wilson needs to improve his strength (especially in his lower body) and Youngblood needs to improve his mechanics.  Both of those deficiencies, of course, are pretty typical for most incoming freshman quarterbacks.

Ryan Mallett is just off the charts.  He will be a superstar when his time comes.

Finally, while other units were running their drills, quarterbacks coach Garrick McGee was taking two five-minute periods to work with all the quarterbacks on making the proper pre-snap check (audible) after a defensive shift.  Very interesting and fun to watch.

– On the defensive side, I felt a little better about the linebackers after getting a closeup view of Ryan Powers, Jermaine Love, Jerry Franklin, and Freddy Burton.  These four along with senior captain Elston Forte might be okay as a group, but they are so ‘smallish’ by SEC standards that it’s still an area of concern.

Some of the tackling drills on Saturday seemed to indicate that true freshman Tenarius Wright (6-2, 230) was taking a small step back for the moment.  It’s obvious that junior Wendel Davis needs to get healthy again over the next few weeks.

Heavy rains in the Fayetteville area forced the Hogs inside for the second practice on Saturday.  Expect some shakeups (like the move of Wade Grayson to first team) after the coaches review the film of Sunday’s scrimmage.  It should be a fun week to watch the depth chart.

So how can a team rebound after losing that kind of talent?  Enter stage left…the Class of 2008.

With Razorback players officially reporting August 3rd, the buzz around Fayetteville is all about the incoming skill players in this freshman group.  And after seeing the offensive and defensive systems put in by Bobby Petrino this spring, there are three positions that will need help immediately.

Wide Receiver — It’s hard to recruit wide receivers when kids can tell you don’t really know how (or want) to throw the ball effectively.  Let’s be honest…what the former regime left us is a stable of quality possession receivers and virtually no playmakers.  There is no ‘Percy Harvin‘ in the barn.

You can tell Coach Petrino is hoping for help in this area, especially from Joe Adams (6-0, 175, 4.4, CAC) and Jarius Wright (5-11, 180, 4.4, Warren).  These guys have the speed and quickness to play right away.

Some compare Adams to former Razorback Gary Anderson.  Looking at his highlight video, I can’t argue with that comparison.

Joe Adams Highlights

Linebacker — The most glaring question mark on defense is the lack of size and experience at the linebacker position.  After some transferred and others found themselves in trouble, the lines are painfully short here.

Speed is not a problem, as returning players Elston Forte, Freddy Burton and Jerry Franklin can hit hard and run like the wind. Bringing some much needed size, though, will be Tenarius Wright (6-3, 231, 4.6, Memphis Whitehaven).

Injured almost half of his senior year, Wright was a steal and signed with the Hogs over Miami, North Carolina and Memphis.  With the reduced numbers at linebacker, Wright could help out immediately.

Running Back — In the spring, starting tailback Michael Smith showed that he’s ready.  With elusive speed and quickness, Smith will be a very important part of the offense.  But at 5-7, 173, can he ‘tote the rock’ 25 times a game and hold up?  Not a chance.

De’Anthony Curtis (5-10, 211, 4.4, Camden Fairview) will be option ’1A’ before season’s end.  The sixth-ranked high school running back in the nation (Rivals.com) has the size and speed to share the load with Smith.

Several teams in the SEC employ a running back tag team due to the physical nature of the conference.  And judging by these highlights, Curtis looks ready to move up the Hogs depth chart quickly.

De’Anthony Curtis Highlights

It’s hard for freshmen to come in and contribute right away…but the elite ones can do it.  Expect these former Friday night stars to step up and play a prominent role on Saturdays for the Razorbacks this season.