The All-Time Razorbacks’ Offensive Team
By Chase Foster
QB – Ryan Mallett (2008-2010) – Although I wanted to choose Matt Jones because of his pure excitement when he handled the ball, I undoubtedly went with Mallett. His pure passing ability led the Razorbacks to their first BCS bowl berth in 2010. He is 2nd all-time in passing yards with 7,493 in only two seasons under center. He holds the Razorback single season passing record with 3,869 yards and 32 touchdowns. Mallett finished his college career early with 62 touchdowns and only 19 interceptions. Oh, and did I mention he played for only two seasons?
September 14, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden (20) during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at O.co Coliseum. The Texans defeated the Raiders 30-14. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
RB – Darren McFadden (2005-2007) – Probably the best player to ever wear the red and white jersey. Run DMC holds the Arkansas record for rushing yards with 4,590. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in all three seasons at Arkansas. He was a two-time All-American and two-time Heisman trophy runner-up. McFadden was the 4th overall pick in 2008 to the Oakland Raiders.
FB – Peyton Hillis (2004-2007) – Peyton became more of a fullback in his last three seasons at Arkansas. Hillis punished defenders while leading the way for running backs Darren McFadden and Felix Jones. He also ran for 959 yards and caught 118 passes for 1,195 yards in his career. Hillis later became a 1,000 yard rusher in the NFL for the Cleveland Browns.
WR – Anthony Lucas (1995-1999) – Lucas became one of my favorite players of all-time. His incredible leaping ability and smooth speed reminds me a lot of the current Calvin Johnson. Lucas is 2nd all-time in receiving yards at Arkansas with 2,879. Quarterback Clint Stoerner could literally lob the ball to this guy and expect a big play to happen.
WR – Chuck Dicus (1968-1970) – In three seasons, Dicus caught 118 balls for 1,854 yards, which is remarkable in this run happy period of football. Dicus was a two-time All-American and the MVP of the 1969 Sugar Bowl where he caught 12 passes for 169 yards and a touchdown.
TE – DJ Williams (2007-2010) – Became the Hogs most prolific receiving tight end before he started his senior season. Williams was known for his speed and ability to stretch the defense as he hauled in 152 passes for 1,855 yards. That is 5th all-time in receptions at Arkansas and 1st in the tight end category with almost twice the amount of catches.
OT – Shawn Andrews (2001-2003) – The most touted offensive lineman to ever join the Hogs. Andrews was a two-time All-American at Arkansas and allowed only 2 sacks in his 35 game college career. He became a 1st round draft pick in 2004 for the Philadelphia Eagles.
OT – Greg Kolenda (1976-1979) – This beast was a wrecking ball in the run game as he mowed over opponents. Kolenda led the Hogs to a 35-10-2 record in his 47 game career and was honored as a consensus All-American in 1979. He was also named to the All-Southwest Conference team twice.
OG – Brandon Burlsworth (1995-1998) – This kid was the best story in Hog football history. From walk-on to one of the most outstanding blockers of the decade, Burlsworth was one of the best at the run and pass. With his Drew Carey like glasses and military haircut, the Indianapolis Colts selected him in the 3rd round of the NFL draft in 1999. Devastatingly, Burlsworth was killed in a car accident just eleven days after he was drafted.
OG – Leotis Harris (1974-1977) – Harris became the first black All-American at Arkansas as he led one of the best rushing attacks in football history. As a premiere run blocking guard, Harris helped the 1975 team run for a school record 320.3 yards per game. In his senior season, the Hogs finished 11-1 and earned a trip to the Orange Bowl with a #3 ranking. The Hogs outscored their opponents 389-101 in the 1977 season.
C – Jonathan Luigs (2005-2008) – Luigs is unanimously the best center in Arkansas history as he won the Rimington trophy for most outstanding collegiate center in 2007. He was also a two-time All-American who paved the way for McFadden, Jones and Hillis. Luigs was a dual threat blocker much like Burlsworth. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 4h round of the 2009 NFL Draft.
Next week we’ll take a look at the Arkansas Razorbacks’ All-Time Defensive and Special Teams squad.