This morning, Arkansas Razorbacks Head Coach Bret Bielema released the updated depth chart for the Hogs upcoming conference opener against the Texas A&M Aggies. The Razorbacks are limping (literally) into conference play with a 1-2 record, and when things aren’t working, it’s time to make changes. The new depth chart holds some interesting changes.
Kendrick Edwards is listed as a starter going into the game. Edwards, who saw time in 4 games last year, came off the bench and looked like a legitimate SEC receiver. Last season, Edwards had some off the field issues, and was reinstated to the team this past April. He’s going to need to step up now that the Hogs are down 3 of their top 4 returning receivers.
Nov 23, 2013; Little Rock, AR, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive back Kendrick Market (26) tackles Arkansas Razorbacks running back Kody Walker (24) at War Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Much to my chagrin, Denver Kirkland is still listed as a tackle. This either means that Johnny Gibson and Brian Wallace aren’t ready to play (They’re both freshmen, although Gibson is a redshirt) or that Bielema doesn’t think that Kirkland’s absence on the interior line has been an issue. Personally, I disagree.
After his strong performance on Saturday, true freshman Rawleigh Williams III has been moved to #2 on the depth chart. RW3 looked strong coming out of the backfield in the passing game, and has a high motor when carrying the ball. I’m not sure how much a true freshman can play at such a physically demanding position, but RW3 is looking like a strong future star for the Hogs.
Kody Walker is listed as the starting fullback. As much as I love Kody for the effort and dedication he’s put forward in his time at Arkansas, I just don’t think a 260 pound running back is a viable option in non-short yardage situations. In the preseason, Coach Bielema said he thought Walker was a 1000 yard back. I was skeptical, not because Walker isn’t talented, but because power backs don’t get 1000 yards. Walker will be a great fullback, and provide an extra attack option on counters and screens.
JoJo Robinson is listed as the starter in the slot. He was there during the Texas Tech game, and had a few catches, but overall has been quiet. The same goes for Dominique Reed, who has barely seen the field since the UTEP game. Reed may still need time to work with Allen on timing of routes, but he is listed as 2nd on the depth chart behind Kendrick Edwards in the #2 spot.
On defense, the big news is Brooks Ellis has been moved back to middle linebacker. The junior and team captain is a beast when it comes to run defense, but has just not been good in pass coverage. Not to pile on a player, but the linebackers in general have been, far and away, the weakest spot in our defense this year. Losing Martrell Spaight looks like it did more damage than we thought. Ellis is being replaced by true freshman Dre Greenlaw at the weakside linebacker position.
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You can view the full depth chart here.
There are so many underclassmen making their first starts in new positions in week 4. That’s a problem. A lot of that can be credited to injury, and also on the lack of depth over the last few years on defense. I’m not “blaming the last guy”, as social media has come to describe it, but when ONLY 1 LINEBACKER out of the 2011, 2012, and 2013 classes is still on the team (holy crap) maybe it’s not all Robb Smith and Bielema’s fault that the depth is still being built up. That being said, the Hogs are staring down the barrel of sub-.500 season.
Depth chart, injuries, whatever…Hog fans aren’t happy.