FAYETTEVILLE — This is the sixth in a series of 10 questions facing Arkansas football headed into fall camp, which begins July 27.
There were plenty of well-documented issues with Arkansas’ defense in 2016, but the poor angles and missed tackles from the safeties were arguably the most visible to fans.
Arkansas hasn’t had an All-SEC safety since Tramain Thomas earned second-team honors from the Associated Press in 2010. The last few years, safety play has been an issue.
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?
http://www.wholehog…">How much better will the OL be?
http://www.wholehog…">Who will step up at WR behind Jared Cornelius?
Last year’s cast, the 3-man rotation of junior Santos Ramirez and seniors De’Andre Coley and Josh Liddell, is back. For Arkansas to make significant progress as a defense, the trio needs to have made sizable strides.
They’ve each had their moments.
Ramirez had a big breakup late and the game-clinching strip of Ole Miss quarterback Chad Kelley last October. Liddell ended the 4-overtime marathon win against Auburn with a pass breakup the year before. Coley is arguably the biggest hitter on the team and has a nose for the football.
But none of them have been able to put it together on a consistent basis. Mental busts were commonplace and there were other issues.
Ramirez has good size at 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, but has had issues with wrapping up. Coach Bret Bielema references the strip of Kelley in this respect often, because Ramirez didn’t wrap up on that play and Kelley was still on his feet after the hit, he just didn't have the ball anymore.
Liddell has been an inconsistent tackler, struggling at times to bring down SEC backs in the open field. Coley is a head hunter, but his big hits resulted in ejections from 2 games last year. None of the trio possess elite speed, which makes it tough to chase down fast backs and can leave the defense susceptible against receivers with the ability to stretch the field.
Highly rated freshman Montaric Brown might be an upgrade in that department in time, but he missed summer school while trying to qualify and chances are he will be behind the veterans while adding strength and learning the system. Senior Kevin Richardson can play anywhere, but the staff likes him at nickel back.
Odds are, Ramirez, Coley and Liddell will be the 3-man safety coalition once again. Arkansas is counting on improvement from each.