Arkansas Football: 2015 Projected Defensive Starters

• DE – JaMichael Winston  JR/#6
• DT – Taiwan Johnson  JR/#96
• NT – Bijhon Jackson  SO/#78
• DE – Deatrich Wise  JR/#48
• SLB – Khalia Hackett  SO/#27
• MLB – Josh Williams  JR/#21
• WLB – Brooks Ellis  JR/#51
• CB – Jared Collins  JR/#29
• SS – Rohan Gaines  SR/#26
• FS – Josh Liddell  SO/#28
• CB – Henre’ Toliver  SO/#5

Defensive Ends:

Getting some solid play from the defensive ends could make or break how successful the Arkansas football team is this season. Juniors JaMichael Winston and Deatrich Wise have stepped so far this Spring after the departure of Trey Flowers. Bret Bielema is excited about the young corp of defensive lineman, but analysts believe this could be their weakest link.

Senior Mitchel Loewen and sophomore Tevin Beanum will also see extensive playing time on the edges in what will certainly be more of a platoon position.

Defensive Tackles:

Junior Taiwan Johnson and sophomore Bijhon Jackson were impressive in last season’s top 15 defense. Star defensive tackle Darius Philon has moved onto the NFL, leaving the Hogs young and somewhat inexperienced at the position. Senior DeMarcus Hodge, junior transfer Jeremiah Ledbetter and freshman Hjalte Froholdt could also see significant playing time as the season progresses.

Linebackers:

The group of linebackers that will start for the Razorbacks in 2015 is the least experienced on the team. Only junior Brooks Ellis returns from the 2014 starting lineup. Josh Williams and Khalia Hackett are slated to start the season, but redshirt freshman Josh Harris and sophomore Dwayne Eugene turned some heads in Arkansas’ Spring game.

The new starters will have to make up for the absence of Martrell Spaight, who led the SEC in tackles a season ago. Randy Ramsey has left the team, leaving the Hogs even more depleted and inexperienced at the position.

Cornerbacks:

For the first time in a few years, the Arkansas secondary looks solid. They return starters Jared Collins and Henre’ Toliver, who really surprised in 2014. Nickle back Tevin Mitchel has taken his talents to the NFL, opening up the door for junior D.J. Dean.

Dean, Cornelius Floyd, Matt Dodson and Davyon McKinney will provide depth in the secondary when needed.

Safeties:

Rohan Gaines and Josh Liddell solidify the rest of the defense as returning starters. Gaines is a hard hitting, tackling machine and sophomore Liddell could be the future of the Arkansas defense.

Sophomore DeAndre Coley will also see significant playing time at either position.