'Standards not starter' mantra influencing offensive line, Eric Mateos

Arkansas's offensive line is one of the biggest questions left unanswered on this season's team. The performance last season was embarrassing. It was embarrassing for the fans, the players, and especially Coach Sam Pittman.

But so much has changed since November of 2023. Two starters ran out of eligibility, another transferred, and Patrick Kutas has switched positions. In their places, three transfers have all but solidified their starting spots. In addition to the players, Pittman hired a new offensive line coach, Eric Mateos. Unfortunately, fans won't know if the changes are positive until the Hogs strap up for their first real test on September 7 when they face Oklahoma State in Stillwater.

But there might be some promising signs the OL is heading in the right direction. When defensive coordinator coach Travis Williams rapped in front of the players a week or so ago, one bar stood out. "Standards, not starter, 'cause that's what got us here". It means there aren't starters, per se, but standards that are met before players can step onto the field. That mindset seems to have shifted over to the offensive side of the ball as well.

Yesterday, the media spoke with Coach Mateos about the status of the OL. He talked about San Jose transfer Fernando Carmona, whose name has been shouted from the rooftops since arriving in Fayetteville. However, when Mateos addressed the fun-loving tackle, he had some criticism.

"He just kind of showed you can be a great player and a good leader but also a normal fun guy to hang out with," said Mateos. ". I love talking him up, but he also needs to freaking block Landon better, too." He didn't mince words when calling out the leader of his position group.

Expecting perfection when upholding standards is the perfect marriage between Coach Williams and offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino's philosophies. But what exactly is the Arkansas standard? Mateos gave his group homework to figure that out.

"We had homework where we researched different offensive linemen that wore the same number as us," said guard Joshua Braun. "That just showed us that in the past, the offensive lines at Arkansas have been some of the best in the country. And that is the standard. And every day, we go into practice trying to uphold that standard."

Braun is the lone returner at his position from last year's team. He's seen the ugly up close and personal. "We’ve got to perform on Saturdays... Whatever happened last year, we didn’t live up to the Arkansas standard. That is the goal this year.” But as someone who's played with multiple collegiate OLs, he feels optimistic about the trajectory of this year's squad. "From my own personal experience, this is definitely the tightest and closest team I’ve ever been a part of."

Their mindset is an enormous shift in culture from teams past. If their talent can hold up to SEC competition and stay healthy, the OL should be much improved.