Hog Calls

Roesler running with opportunity

Arkansas defensive end Karl Roesler had two sacks in the Razorbacks' scrimmage on Saturday, April 9, 2016, at Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville.

FAYETTEVILLE -- Every decent human being who achieved stardom after serving as an understudy did so with some measure of regret.

The understudy's opportunity usually comes at the misfortune of the leading character supplanted.

Nevertheless, it's the understudy's duty to perform like he is the star because circumstances dictate he is the star.

So while regretting his teammate and friend, incumbent starting Arkansas Razorbacks junior defensive end Tevin Beanum, has been compelled most of these spring football practices to return to his Forrest City home tending to private matters, Karl Roesler has seized his first-team opportunity.

It has been a considerable opportunity to seize, according to the fourth-year junior from Louisville, Ky.

"Since Tevin's been gone, I've gotten a lot more reps," Roesler said. "I got about 50 reps in the [April 9] scrimmage. It's been really helpful to get those reps."

Roesler achieved two quarterback sacks in that April 9 scrimmage, the last long, full-scale scrimmage the Razorbacks conducted going into Saturday's noon Red-White intrasquad game at Reynolds Razorback Stadium, which will complete spring drills.

He has impressed despite appearing physically unimpressive. At 6-1, 260, up from his listed 252, Roesler is small by D-line standards. But Roesler is quick and crafty and sufficiently versatile to have played some strongside linebacker while playing every game last year in reserve and on special teams. He made 15 tackles, three behind the line.

"Karl's a technician," Arkansas Coach Bret Bielema said. "He's obviously a little bit undersized for SEC play. You've got to overcome that with something, and he uses technique."

It's a necessity, Roesler asserts.

"For me, that's the most important thing," Roesler said. "If you listen to the coaches and do the technique exactly how you're supposed to do it, then you're going to be in the right place, and you're going to be able to make plays. You just need to do what the coaches say."

Coaches appreciate players who listen.

"He's a very intelligent, high-motor guy," Bielema said.

Roesler knew to have his motor running while the lead car was idle.

"He got those reps really because Tevin was gone," Bielema said.

Now it's Roesler's task this week to continue performing at a high level with Beanum gone, even as all yearn for Beanum's summer return.

CHANGING THE WORLD

If Bielema's offense succeeds in the fall, one of his best weapons will be used least.

Senior punter Toby Baker, coming into his own in 2015 as Arkansas' punter, has punted even better this spring than he did in the fall.

"You don't like to brag on your punter a lot, but if you need him, you need him," Bielema said. "He is doing a nice job. That is a pretty special testimonial to getting your mind right. Two years ago at this time I didn't know if he could do it. He's changed the world."

Sports on 04/20/2016