LIKE IT IS : Hogs fans should be grateful for 3 superb years

WALLY HALL

Posted on Tuesday, January 15, 2008

URL: http://www.wholehogsports.com/adg/213790/

When word came that it would be a joint news conference between Darren McFadden and Felix Jones, it was fitting that they would, for perhaps the final time, be side by side on the Arkansas Razorbacks stage.

They will skip their senior seasons of college football and enter the NFL Draft, where both will be much-desired running backs.

McFadden and Jones (as well as Peyton Hillis ) will be valuable because they can do more than one thing.

McFadden can play running back, receiver out of the backfield and return kickoffs or punts. He’s a fierce blocker and tackler, too.

Jones is a sensational kickoff returner and very good running back.

It has been widely believed since last year that the only reason McFadden was back for his junior season was the NFL requirement about waiting three years after high school to enter the draft.

During the Cotton Bowl, some thought Jones might return for his final season because new Coach Bobby Petrino was going to feature him in the Spread offense and make a hard Heisman push for him.

Jones said he would be a Razorback in 2008, but the truth is for most guys, once a Razorback always a Razorback.

The thing now is fans should say thank you.

Thank you for the three years of blood, sweat and tears.

Thank you for committing to the Razorbacks and helping them to a 10-victory season a year ago and the Cotton Bowl to cap this season.

Thank you for being a Hog.

What will stand the test of time is what they did as a duo.

Consider that after three seasons McFadden smashed the school record for career rushing yards with 4, 590, but Jones ranks fourth on the all-time list with 2, 956.

They own so many personal records they need their own media guide.

McFadden finishes his career with 5, 881 all-purpose yards, Jones with 4, 413 yards.

When combined, that’s almost 6 miles of thrills and spills.

McFadden leaves a myriad of memories on and off the field.

His 321 rushing yards against South Carolina tied the SEC record for one game.

In 2006, he surprised the campus by showing up on Halloween in a clown costume, and he demonstrated his wit at the SEC media days. When asked what kind of clown he was, he said immediately, “A big one.”

Of course, he’s had a couple of brushes outside of bars, too.

McFadden started 35 games for the Razorbacks, and lined up at tailback, quarterback, slotback and would have played safety if given the chance.

Jones was a threat to score every time he touched the football, either from the tailback position or returning a kickoff.

Jones started 11 games, and his 7. 74 yards-per-carry career average tops the Arkansas record book.

For them to have accomplished what they did playing the same three years is almost mind-boggling, and to add to that, both were named first-team All-America.

McFadden finished second in the Heisman voting twice, and the truth is, Jones deserved some consideration, too.

Through it all, there has never been so much as a hint of jealousy.

McFadden and Jones have been the perfect tag team for the Razorbacks.

Yet, it is time for the one-two punch to start new, separate journeys.

Monday, a Web site projecting the 2008 draft had McFadden going to the New York Jets with the third pick.

Jones was going to be taken by the Dallas Cowboys with the 22 nd pick.

While much can and will happen between now and April 26-27 when the coaches and executives meet in Radio City Music Hall in New York to announce their selections, it does seem a foregone conclusion both are first-rounders.

Which means it was time for them pack up and head in different directions.

As they do, it should be to a standing ovation of thank-yous from the Razorbacks nation.