Big Things We Learned at Bret Bielema’s Spring Preview
Bret Bielema took to the stand on Monday to preview the first week of spring practice for the 2016 Arkansas Razorback football squad. His answers gave us insight as to what we can expect for this coming spring and fall.
There are a lot of “ifs”, “ands” or “buts” heading into the 2016 football season. Thanks to spring practices and scrimmages, we don’t have to wait until opening day to get an idea of what our Arkansas football team will look like.
Think of the spring as a trailer for that movie you’ve been waiting for, or the sequel for a movie made all the way back in 1964. Eh, you know what I mean.
Head Coach Bret Bielema took to the podium on Monday to discuss the start of spring practice. Here are some big things that we learned more about.
1. The QB Battle
The main concern with Hog fans this season is who will be under center. After veteran QB Brandon Allen’s departure, the battle in Fayetteville has taken off. With consistent talent across the boards for our position, it was (and really still is) difficult to tell who will land the starting job.
But Bielema announced who will be the No. 1 quarterback this spring: Austin Allen.
It comes as no surprise that he was given the honorable title. Although the sophomore and younger brother to Brandon will be the head honcho coming into spring, that doesn’t mean it will last. Backups Rafe Peavey, Ricky Town and Ty Storey will all be trying their best to be the starter come fall. Allen landing the starting job is most likely due to being the only quarterback on the roster with actual collegiate game experience.
Will Austin Allen be the starter on opening day?
Bielema: I think Austin Allen has some true leadership skills.
— Bo Mattingly (@SportandStoryBo) March 28, 2016
Bielema: Says Austin Allen is No. 1 QB, then Rafe Peavey, Ty Storey, Ricky Town "all kind of equal"
— Thomas Murphy (@TomMurphyADG) March 28, 2016
2. Injuries
Several Razorbacks are recovering from injury that occurred during the 2015 season, and Coach B addressed their current situation.
Sophomore running back Rawleigh Williams III, who underwent surgery for a broken bone in his neck early last season, will practice with limited contact. Junior DB D.J. Dean will not be competing this spring due to an unhealed foot. Stud WR Drew Morgan will be limited due to an injury, but Bielema says “it’s nothing serious”. 2015’s kick returner Eric Hawkins had complications in a recent surgery, but will be back on the field in time for practice.
Finally, returning WR Keon Hatcher will return to the field this spring after breaking his foot in the (sigh) Toledo matchup last season.
Bielema on Keon Hatcher: He's really developed as a leader. He's itching to get out there. He looks great.
— Arkansas Razorback Football (@RazorbackFB) March 28, 2016
On Drew Morgan: He's a very confident young man. He's a man of faith. He stepped up under pressure last year. He cherishes those moments.
— Arkansas Razorback Football (@RazorbackFB) March 28, 2016
WR Eric Hawkins will have a green jersey on in recovery from a surgery but should improve rapidly
— Thomas Murphy (@TomMurphyADG) March 28, 2016
3. Players Removed and Punished
Backup Tight Ends C.J. O’Grady and Austin Cantrell will receive punishments for not attending a meeting on Sunday night. O’Grady already received punishments from Bielema in 2015.
For academic and personal reasons, both OG Josh Allen and DB Cornelius Floyd have been removed from the team indefinitely.
Bielema: Cornelius Floyd, by university standards has been removed from school. Maybe get back in May-June if he responds
— Thomas Murphy (@TomMurphyADG) March 28, 2016
Bielema: Josh Allen is no longer with us right now. Another miscue before spring break. Out indefinitely
— Thomas Murphy (@TomMurphyADG) March 28, 2016
Bielema: Only things that limit young TEs are themselves. O’Grady & Cantrell only guys to miss meeting last night. Will miss practice.
— Bo Mattingly (@SportandStoryBo) March 28, 2016
4. New Roles
Much like the quarterback position, the Razorback squad has other holes to fill. Behind the QB battle, Hog fans are wondering who will lead the running game.
Bielema said that RB Kody Walker is working hard to be a down-to-down player. Unless Devwah Whaley or Rawleigh Williams can make big strides by this fall, it looks like Walker will be our starting running back.
With Hunter Henry gone, we look to Jeremy Sprinkle to take the TE position. Sprinkle had a successful 2015 season, recording 389 yards with six touchdowns. So it’s not too big of a worry to Razorback fans that he will contribute next fall.
Other new roles and position battles are taking place at the O-Line and FB positions.
Bielema: Hjalte Froholdt has made a huge impression on the offensive line. Have repped him at center, as well.
— Bo Mattingly (@SportandStoryBo) March 28, 2016
Bielema: Jeremy Sprinkle has had a really solid offseason. He looks better than ever, and I really like the game he's building up.
— Arkansas Razorback Football (@RazorbackFB) March 28, 2016
Bielema: Kody Walker down to 243 pounds, trying to get him to less than 240 pounds
— Thomas Murphy (@TomMurphyADG) March 28, 2016
Johnny Gibson and Deion Malone battling for RG. Dan Skipper is at RT.
— Andrew Hutchinson (@NWAHutch) March 28, 2016
5. Number Changes
Arkansas football jersey number changes... pic.twitter.com/1XxEcMyjH5
— Andrew Hutchinson (@NWAHutch) March 28, 2016
Although this isn’t exactly big news, the public does need to know that when they see #3 striking across the field, it’s still our very own Dominique Reed.
More razorbacks: Benintendi Impressing at Spring Training
We still are a long ways away from our opening game vs Louisiana Tech, but the excitement is already building. As usual, it looks as though we will have an interesting football season. Bielema gave us some good information pertaining to the football team and how they will operate going forward. Even though there are still lots of ifs ands or buts, one thing is for sure…
The Hogs will be playing some football in September.
Woo Pig.