FAYETTEVILLE — This is the fourth in a series of 10 questions facing Arkansas football headed into fall camp, which begins July 27.
Dan Skipper and Frank Ragnow were the only returning starters on the offensive front last year and the result was the worst line in Bret Bielema’s tenure at Arkansas.
The Razorbacks managed just 3.1 yards per carry against ranked foes and allowed 35 sacks over the course of the season, tied for 13th in the SEC, both the worst marks in his 4 seasons in Fayetteville.
10 Big Questions
Looking at some of the key storylines as Arkansas prepares to kick off fall camp July 27.
http://www.wholehog…">Who is the backup QB?
http://www.wholehog…">Is there enough depth at LB?
http://www.wholehog…">Will another DL playmaker emerge to join Sosa Agim?
The Hogs were often overmatched up front, struggling against SEC counterparts boasting experience and ability. Arkansas was green in the trenches, no doubt. How much of its issues were the result of inexperience? Or was it a talent issue?
That should be answered this fall. Skipper is a Dallas Cowboy now, but odds are the Razorbacks open the season with 5 offensive linemen who were starters at some point last year. They’ve been through the SEC wars and will have gone through 2 offseasons with offensive line coach Kurt Anderson. The onus will be on them to be much better, something Ragnow acknowledged at SEC Media Days.
He’s back for his senior season and regarded as arguably the best center in college football. He will play in the NFL and provides a savvy veteran presence on the line.
All the young pups have experience now, too, which means higher expectations.
Colton Jackson started the first 3 games last year at right tackle as a redshirt freshman, but struggled and was replaced by Brian Wallace, who held onto the spot for the rest of the year. Wallace appears entrenched at the position, while Jackson is the odds-on favorite to start at the left tackle spot vacated by Skipper.
Coaches lauded Jackson's athleticism and growth this spring. Protecting Austin Allen’s blindside is a big responsibility and it will be interesting to see how Jackson performs.
Hjalte Froholdt had his share of struggles throughout last season in his first year as an offensive lineman, but started all 13 games at left guard. He, his teammates and coaches spent the spring vouching for his improved knowledge of the playbook. He will be counted on to take a big step forward as a junior as his technique and knowledge of assignments catch up to his strength.
Johnny Gibson is a former walk-on who earned a scholarship in December and started the final 5 games of the season at right guard. His 6-4, 340-pound frame makes him an intriguing physical talent. He was in Bielema’s dog house at the start of spring practice, but back running with the ones by the time April drew to a close.
Those 5 appear fairly locked in as starters. Senior Paul Ramirez has made strides, senior Jake Raulerson has starting experience, junior Zach Rogers provides valuable versatility and there are 3 promising freshmen early enrollees, but Jackson, Froholdt, Ragnow, Gibson and Wallace appear to have separated from the pack entering fall camp.
Inexperience was a valid excuse a year ago. It isn’t anymore. Arkansas is counting on a much-improved line from the quintet.