Legendary - The Career of Porter Davis (NCAA14->CFB27)

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This guy is really going in on the thoroughness (excellent idea regardless)

been doing the team previews for a while now, find it to be important when we are past the real players

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team previews complete

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2019 Arkansas Football Roster Overview
Razorbacks likely to lean on running game in 2019
By DeAndrew Davis


RB MARQUES LONG IS EXPECTED TO BE A KEY COMPONENT FOR THE ARKANSAS OFFENSE IN 2019

Arkansas overachieved and surprised the SEC, and the nation. In 2019 they'll have a target on their back and will not be overlooked by any opponent. Let's have an early look at the offensive side of the roster.

Offense

Quarterbacks
Ryan Anderson, Cornelius Rivas III, D’Eriq Robinette, Jaylon Spencer
Robinette took the starting job early and held it through the season. He led the team with 1,172 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. He will need to improve as a passer to give the Razorbacks a more well-rounded attack in 2019. Rivas III played well when needed, leading Arkansas to a win over Georgia in the SEC Championship game. Spencer has show solid accuracy and could likely manage a game if needed.
Expected Depth: Robinette, Rivas III, Spencer, Anderson

Runningbacks
Marques Long, Justin Palmer, Jaquez Powell, Edwin Scott, Austyn Shaw, Josh Turner*, Kelvin Williams Jr
Not many changes at the position. Edwin Scott is newly eligible after a transfer and Josh Turner is a highly touted recruit who projects as a defensive back or runningback. We expect he will ultimately land here. Expect Long to get the bulk of the work with Scott as a third down type back and Powell mixed in.
Expected Depth: Long, Scott, Powell, Williams Jr

Fullbacks
Chuckie Youngblood
Arkansas did not use a fullback much last season and that's unlikely to change this year. Youngblood has shown a bit of ability as a runner and receiver but shines as a lead blocker. There was brief talk of a move to guard. We will have to see if that materializes in the spring.
Expected Depth: Youngblood

Wide Receivers
James Anderson Jr, Bryan Brant, Joe Campbell, Jeremy Collins, Kentrell Davis, Jeremy Dodds, Joey Dowdell*, Javon Garcia, Matt Martell, Manuel Weber
The WR group was thin last season, so much so that Brian Browne (primarily a defensive back) led the team. With Browne departed the Arkansas staff hit the recruiting trail hard at the position, signing four players. Javon Garcia should be the team's WR1 while it looks like a battle between Anderson Jr, Brant and Weber for the other starting positions. Expect all the freshmen to get plenty of looks in camp as well. Dowdell (6'4” 222) was recruited as an athlete and could end up at a number of positions depeing on how his spring goes. We've projected him here as it is the biggest position of need.
Expected Depth: Garcia, Brant, Anderson Jr, Weber

Tight Ends
Chuck Harris, Jonathan Ford, Rannell Ryan, Darrell Schroeder
Harris' 12 receptions in 2018 led the way for the tight end position. The coaching staff is hoping to see Ryan develop into a prototypical tight end while Ford, who moved over from runningback last season, has a year under his belt and is expected to contribute as well. Schroeder will not likely suit up much this season.
Expected Depth: Harris, Ford, Ryan

Offensive Tackles
Anthony Freedman, Mark Smith
Arkansas will have to replace their best linesman from last season as Leon Paulsen is off to the NFL. Mark Smith provides stability at RT while Freedman likely has the upper hand on the left side. As of right now they are the only two players listed at tackle on the roster so expect to see some movement this spring.
Expected Depth: LT Freedman, RT Smith

Interior OL
Amir Brown, Matthew Henderson, Jacob Holden, Tyler Jones, Antoine Montgomery, Jeff Overstreet, Jamal Smith
Center Marvin Hodge was a starter for three seasons. He was named 1st team All SEC in 2018. He leaves a 300 pound hole in the middle of the Arkansas offensive line, a unit that was paramount to the team's success in 2018. While Jacob Holden likely returns as the starter at LG the other two positions are subject to the outcome of some spring battles. Many feel that Arkansas under recruited the offensive line and some predict this may be a trouble spot for them in 2019.
Expected Depth: LG Holden, C Henderson/Brown, RG Montgomery/Brown/Smith

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2019 Arkansas Football Roster Overview
Plenty of questions for defense as Arkansas preps for 2019
By DeAndrew Davis


SAFETY JOEY CABRAL WILL BE LEANED ON HEAVILY AS THE RAZORBACKS LOOK TO REPLACE SEVERAL STARTERS ON DEFENSE

Arkansas overachieved and surprised the SEC, and the nation. In 2019 they'll have a target on their back and will not be overlooked by any opponent. Let's have an early look at the defense and special teams.

Defense/Specialists

Defensive Ends
Trey Bates, Kenyon Brunner Cornelius Davies, Anthony Graham, Ryan Hargrove, Brandon Jones, Mark Kelly, Samuel Owens, Micah Spurlock, Jamie Woodward
Bart Wilson tallied 8 sacks and 18 tackles for loss in 2018, earning an All SEC nod. He will be missed greatly. Expect Davies to be the leader of the group with Jones, Graham and Woodard as contributors. The coaching staff is high on JUCO transfer Ryan Hargrove and he should be given a chance to crack the rotation this spring.
Expected Depth: Davies, Jones, Graham, Woodard

Defensive Tackles
William Callahan IV, Lorenzo McMahan, Alberto Rose

Caesar Whitaker is headed for the NFL Draft while Randall Hayes graduated and Justin Concepcion has transferred out. That leaves the cupboard a bit bare at defensive tackle purely from a numbers standpoint. The defense end position is deeper and Porter Davis is known for unique personnel groupings so it's likely that we just won't see as many formations with multiple traditional tackles in them. Despite the lack of depth all three are good enough to see the field.
Expected Depth: All three will likely rotate.

Linebackers
DeMetrius Baker, Derrelle Bowser, Jeffrey Christensen, Jeffery Ewing, Warren Lucas, Antwuan Little, Ryan McCutcheon, Terrence Merritt, Justin Smith, Julian Tyler, Grant White
Derek Jones and Roger Smith were the team's top two tacklers last season and both have used up their college eligibility. Arkansas brought in four recruits at the position, looking to push the returning players. Jones and Smith really ate up the snap count last season so this is a position where there is a lot of unknown. Based on past performance we expect Lucas and Little to be the leaders of the group with Bowser, Merrit and McCutcheon pushing for playing time.
Expected Depth: Lucas, Little, Bowser/Merritt/McCutcheon

Cornerbacks
Cam Anderson, Calvin Brown, Henry Billips, Kyle Mack, Bob Meeks, J.J. Nixon, Lance Parker, Justin Sims
Bryon Davis locked down opponents top receiver in 2019 and now he is off to the NFL. Arkansas brought in four new recruits to bolster a position that was thin when Porter Davis and his staff arrived. Pending any surprises in spring ball it looks like Parker and Anderson are the clubhouse leaders to start while the nickel position will be left to a battle between everyone else.
Expected Depth: Anderson, Parker

Safeties
Joey Cabral, Dirk Harrington, Darren Jackson, Percy Jamison, Jimmy Johnson, Reggie Parrish, Cory Ross
Pernell Young was the unquestioned leader of the defense in 2018 and he is expected to hear his name called early on in the upcoming draft. Graduate Brian Browne did a little bit of everything for the Razorbacks last season, including playing a lot of safety. Fellow grad Kendall Everson was in the rotation as well. Joey Cabral returns as the only safety with significant playing time under his belt and he will be leaned on heavily to lead the group. Percy Jamison looks like the other primary starter but JUCO transfer Reggie Parrish is expected to push for playing time if he has a good spring. Behind those three the depth is ok but the experience is lacking.
Expected Depth: Cabral, Jamison, Parrish

Special Teams
Joey Christodoulou, Uche Okocha, Charlie Payne
Christodoulou had a stellar 2018 and won the Groza award as the nation's best kicker. He will look to build on that performance in 2019 and should give Arkansas the edge in most games that come down to a kick. Charlie Payne averaged 43.1 yards per punt and put four inside the 20 yard line, giving Arkansas the ability to flip the field when drives stall. Okocha continues to show a booming leg but still lacks the accuracy to be counted on at this level.

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QB needs to QB more if y'all gonna win

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QB needs to QB more if y'all gonna win

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Cabral Emerging as Defensive Leader as Arkansas Opens Spring Practice
Robinette showing more touch, Scott and Turner adding versatility to backfield
By DeAndrew Davis


RB EDWIN SCOTT SECURES A PASS AND TURNS UPFIELD DURING A LIVE PORTION OF PRACTICE

The first few days of spring practice have provided an early glimpse into what Arkansas hopes will be a more experienced and explosive football team in 2019, and several players have already begun separating themselves from the pack.

The most notable development on the defensive side of the ball has been the emergence of senior safety Joey Cabral as the unquestioned leader of the Razorback defense.

Cabral, who recorded 48 tackles a season ago, has been entrusted with wearing the prestigious No. 1 jersey and has spent the opening practices directing traffic for the defense. Coaches have consistently relied on the veteran safety to make checks and communicate defensive calls before the snap, a role that highlights just how much confidence the staff has in him entering the season.

"He's taken ownership of the defense," one observer noted following practice. "Everything seems to run through him right now."

The Razorbacks will need that leadership as they look to build on a 2018 season that saw significant improvement under head coach Porter Davis.

Offensively, much of the attention remains focused on quarterback D'Eriq Robinette. The dual-threat quarterback became one of the SEC's most dangerous playmakers last season, accounting for more than 2,800 total yards and 21 touchdowns. While Robinette's athleticism was never in question, one area the coaching staff wanted to see improvement was touch and accuracy on intermediate throws.

Through the first few practices, there have been encouraging signs.

Robinette appears more comfortable throwing with anticipation and has shown noticeably better touch on passes over linebackers and underneath safeties, an area that occasionally gave him trouble during the 2018 campaign. If that progress continues into the fall, Arkansas could become significantly more dangerous through the air.

The Razorbacks may also have found a new weapon to help Robinette.

Transfer running back Edwin Scott, who sat out last season after arriving in Fayetteville, has impressed coaches with his versatility. While Scott possesses the athletic ability to contribute as a runner, his work in the passing game has stood out most during spring drills.

Scott has displayed crisp route-running, reliable hands, and an ability to create yards after the catch, giving Arkansas a skill set that was largely absent from the backfield last season. His ability to force linebackers and safeties into coverage situations could create favorable matchups and open up opportunities for Robinette to attack defenses downfield.

Another player drawing attention is freshman athlete Josh Turner.

One of the most intriguing signees in Arkansas' latest recruiting class, Turner has worked exclusively with the running backs through the opening practices and is wearing No. 8. Coaches have yet to reveal whether the long-term plan is to keep him in the backfield, but the early indications suggest they want to see what the freshman can do with the ball in his hands.

With months still remaining before the season opener, plenty can change, but the early storylines are beginning to emerge in Fayetteville. Cabral is establishing himself as the voice of the defense, Robinette looks more polished as a passer, and Arkansas may have discovered a pair of versatile offensive weapons in Scott and Turner.

For a program looking to take another step forward in the SEC, that's exactly the kind of start Porter Davis was hoping to see this spring.

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QB needs to QB more if y'all gonna win

Tebow still threw for 3,200 and 31 TD and then 2,800 and 30 TD his first two full years starting

gonna put the HB in the slot

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Young Playmakers Emerging as Arkansas Continues Spring Work
Davies adjusting inside, Cabral turning heads, Garcia grabs highlight of the week
By DeAndrew Davis


JAVON GARCIA MAKES AN ELECTRIC CATCH DURING THURSDAY'S SEVEN ON SEVEN WORK

As Arkansas moves deeper into spring practice, several younger players are beginning to carve out roles while a number of veterans continue to show noticeable development under head coach Porter Davis.

One of the biggest questions entering spring surrounded the position of freshman athlete Joey Dowdell. The highly regarded newcomer arrived in Fayetteville with the versatility to play multiple positions, but after the first week of practices, it appears the Razorbacks may have found his home.

Dowdell has spent the overwhelming majority of his time working with the wide receivers and looks increasingly comfortable at the position. Coaches have praised his combination of size, athleticism and ability to create separation, and while there is still plenty of development ahead, early signs suggest Arkansas could have landed another weapon for its passing attack.

Another freshman generating buzz is cornerback Bob Meeks.

Meeks has spent most of spring practice working with the secondary and has looked surprisingly comfortable despite the jump to SEC competition. His combination of athleticism and confidence has allowed him to hold his own during one-on-one and seven-on-seven drills, and there is growing belief he could challenge for the third cornerback spot by the time fall camp arrives.

On the defensive front, Cornelius Davies may be one of the most improved players on the roster.

The former defensive end appears noticeably bigger and stronger than he was a season ago and has spent much of spring working inside at defensive tackle. Davies has consistently shown the ability to shed blocks in both run and pass situations, creating disruption in the backfield and drawing praise from coaches throughout the week.

While the defense continues to develop, Arkansas has also seen encouraging progress from several offensive veterans.

Running back Marques Long appears more explosive than he did a year ago, displaying improved agility and quickness through holes during team drills. Long has always possessed excellent speed, but coaches believe the added shiftiness could help him become a more complete runner this fall.

The offensive line has also received a boost from the development of right tackle Mark Smith.

Smith has looked improved in nearly every phase of the game, from pass protection to run blocking, and has consistently handled some of Arkansas' top pass rushers during practice sessions. His growth has given the coaching staff confidence that the right tackle position could be one of the least concerning areas on the roster heading into the season.

At tight end, Rannell Ryan is making a strong case for a larger role in the offense.

Already one of the bigger targets on the roster, Ryan has shown noticeably improved hands throughout spring drills. He has been more consistent catching the football in traffic and has done a better job finishing plays after the catch. Combined with his size, that improvement could make him a valuable red-zone target for quarterback D'Eriq Robinette this season.

Meanwhile, veteran safety Joey Cabral continues to strengthen his reputation as the leader of the Razorback defense.

After being awarded the No. 1 jersey earlier this spring, Cabral has maintained complete command of the defensive unit while also showing improvement in coverage. Whether working in man-to-man situations or dropping into zone responsibilities, the senior has been consistently around the football and has looked more comfortable defending the pass than at any point last season.

Special teams has also produced an encouraging storyline.

Junior kicker Joey Christodoulou, already one of the SEC's most reliable specialists, appears to have added range to his kicking game. Several field-goal attempts during practice sessions have comfortably cleared distances that would have been challenging for him a season ago, giving Arkansas hope that points could come from even farther out this fall.

The highlight of the week, however, belonged to wide receiver Javon Garcia.

Already widely considered to have the best hands on the team, Garcia somehow managed to raise expectations even higher during Thursday's seven-on-seven period. Robinette floated a pass that appeared destined to fall incomplete, but Garcia dove fully extended and secured the football with one hand before crashing to the turf.

The catch immediately drew reactions from both sidelines and served as another reminder of why Garcia remains one of Robinette's most trusted targets.

With several veterans taking important steps forward and a talented freshman class beginning to find its footing, Arkansas continues to build momentum as spring practice progresses. The Razorbacks still have plenty of work ahead, but the competition throughout the roster has been one of the biggest early positives of the spring.

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New Faces Emerging as Arkansas Opens Second Week of Spring Practice
Depth chart starting to take shape, Parrish and Youngblood pushing for playing time
By DeAndrew Davis


REGGIE PARRISH ENDS A DRIVE WITH AN INTERCEPTION

The competition level continued to rise as Arkansas entered the second week of spring practice, with several position battles beginning to take shape and a number of players finding new roles within the Razorback program.

One of the more notable developments has come at linebacker, where former outside linebacker Demetrius Baker appears to be making a transition to the middle of the defense.

Baker has received a significant number of repetitions at middle linebacker through the first half of the week and has looked increasingly comfortable directing traffic between the tackles. His athleticism has always been apparent, but coaches believe his versatility and physical style could make him a valuable option in the middle as Arkansas searches for answers following the departure of several key contributors from last year's defense.

While much of the attention has been focused on the linebacker room, the offensive line has quietly produced one of the more encouraging storylines of spring practice.

Jeff Overstreet, who was listed as a guard a season ago, has spent much of the spring rotating between both tackle positions. The coaching staff has clearly made versatility a priority, and Overstreet's ability to work behind starters Anthony Freedman and Mark Smith could prove extremely valuable once the season begins. Arkansas feels good about its starting tackles, but developing quality depth remains a major emphasis throughout camp.

At fullback, Chuckie Youngblood continues to build momentum.

Youngblood has consistently impressed coaches with his improved blocking technique, but perhaps more importantly, he has shown growth as a receiving threat. During team drills, he has displayed soft hands and improved route awareness, giving the offense another option in short-yardage and play-action situations. His continued development could earn him a larger role in offensive packages this fall.

Another offensive player generating positive reviews is Manuel Weber.

Officially listed as a tight end and wide receiver hybrid, Weber has spent the majority of spring working with the receivers. Coaches have noticed considerable improvement in both his route running and catching ability, and he has looked more natural operating in space than he did a year ago. His combination of size and versatility could create matchup problems if his development continues through the offseason.

Defensively, much of the discussion entering spring centered around how Arkansas would replace the production lost at linebacker.

Through the first half of Week 2, however, the coaching staff has reason for optimism.

Derrelle Bowser, Antwuan Little, and Warren Lucas have all shown significant improvement compared to their performances last season. The trio has been more decisive reading plays, quicker to the football, and noticeably more comfortable within the defensive system.

While replacing veteran production is never easy, the collective progress of the linebacker group has helped ease some concerns about a potential drop-off in the middle of the defense.

The secondary has also seen an intriguing battle begin to develop.

Junior-college transfer Reggie Parrish has quickly impressed coaches with how rapidly he has absorbed the defensive playbook. The newcomer appears to have gained an edge in the competition for snaps at safety over Darren Jackson and has consistently found himself around the football during team drills.

Parrish delivered one of the biggest moments of practice during a simulated game situation earlier this week.

With the offense driving late in the period, the transfer safety jumped a route and picked off a pass in the red zone to end the possession. The play immediately drew an emotional reaction from the defense, with Joey Cabral leading a celebration that quickly turned into half the defense mobbing Parrish near the sideline.

It was a small moment in spring practice, but one that highlighted both Parrish's growing confidence and the chemistry developing within the defensive unit.

On special teams, sophomore punter Charlie Payne has quietly put together one of the stronger springs on the roster.

After showing flashes last season, Payne has demonstrated noticeable improvement in both distance and placement. Several punts throughout the week have pinned returners deep while maintaining excellent hang time, an encouraging development for a Razorback team looking to improve field position in close games.

As Arkansas moves toward the conclusion of spring practice, the Razorbacks continue to see contributions from both veterans and newcomers. Position battles remain ongoing across the roster, but the first half of Week 2 has provided further evidence that the program's depth may be stronger than many anticipated entering the spring.