10 big questions: What newcomers are most likely to play?

FAYETTEVILLE — This is the sixth in a series of 10 questions facing Arkansas football headed into fall camp, which begins July 27.

Arkansas has played an average of nearly 9 true freshmen in each of Bret Bielema’s first 4 seasons.

He played a high of 11 in 2014 and a low of 7 in 2013. Here is the year-by-year rundown.

2013

RB Alex Collins

TE Hunter Henry

OL Denver Kirkland

OL Dan Skipper

LB Brooks Ellis

CB D.J. Dean

RB Korliss Marshall

2014

WR Jared Cornelius

OL Frank Ragnow

CB Henre’ Toliver

S Josh Liddell

DT Bijhon Jackson

LB Randy Ramsey

LB Dwayne Eugene

LB Khalia Hackett

CB Cornelius Floyd

WR Kendrick Edwards

DL Anthony Brown

2015

RB Rawleigh Williams

LB Dre Greenlaw

CB Ryan Pulley

DL Hjalte Froholdt

FB Kendrick Jackson

OL Zach Rogers

CB Willie Sykes

S Reid Miller

2016

RB Devwah Whaley

RB T.J. Hammonds

DL Sosa Agim

DL Austin Capps

LB Scoota Harris

FB Hayden Johnson

TE Grayson Gunter

K Connor Limpert

WR D’Vone McClure

The Razorbacks have several needs this fall, holes they could seek to fill with freshmen. Here are 6 true freshmen who should have a good chance to get on the field.

RB Maleek Williams (6-0, 218)

Williams enrolled early and was impressive enough in spring practice that he was likely headed for spot duty this year, but Rawleigh Williams’ retirement means he enters fall camp with a chance to be the backup to Devwah Whaley. A physical runner, Williams will be counted on in some fashion as a freshman.

RB Chase Hayden (5-11, 195)

While Williams is a power back, Hayden brings speed and elusiveness to the table. He doesn’t have the advantage of going through spring ball, but the Rawleigh Williams situation coupled with the staff’s preference to leave sophomore T.J. Hammonds at receiver indicates he may have a chance to play.

CB Chevin Calloway (5-11, 183)

The strength of Arkansas’ defense is probably its starting cornerbacks. Ryan Pulley, Henre’ Toliver and nickel back Kevin Richardson are experienced and were impressive in the spring. But the No. 4 corner job is up for grabs and Calloway, the Razorbac’s highest-rated high school signee in the class of 2017, will have a chance to earn it.

LB Kyrei Fisher (6-2, 235)

Another early enrollee, Fisher impressed coaches with his hitting ability and aggressiveness in the spring, even working some with the first-team defense. While Dre Greenlaw and Scoota Harris are all but locks to start at the 2 inside linebacker spots, the lack of depth behind them could open the door for Fisher to compete for snaps. At the least, he should play a special teams role.

WR Koilan Jackson (6-3, 212)

The son of former Razorback color commentator Keith Jackson, Koilan has the size and skill to contribute immediately. Beyond Jared Cornelius, Arkansas’ receivers have 3 total career catches, so his inexperience may not be as big an issue as it normally would. Down the line, he has the tools to be a difference maker.

S Montaric Brown (6-0, 175)

Brown was one of Arkansas’ highest-rated signees and plays a position of need, but there’s a good chance veterans Santos Ramirez, De’Andre Coley and Josh Liddell command most of the safety reps in the fall while Brown learns the scheme and adds weight and strength. But the Razorbacks don’t have a reliable fourth option and he can probably make an impact on special teams.

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There will undoubtedly be others who push for time. History suggests there will be more.

Cornerbacks Jarques McClellion, Kamren Curl and Korey Hernandez, the third of which was an early enrollee, will compete. Perhaps a receiver like De’Vion Warren, Maleek Barkley or Jarrod Barnes impresses in fall camp. Offensive linemen Kirby Adcock, Shane Clenin and Dalton Wagner all enrolled early and went through spring ball, but there should be enough depth to allow them to redshirt.

Of course, not all newcomers are true freshmen. Arkansas will be counting on a number of transfers and junior college prospects to help.

RB David Williams (6-1, 220)

The South Carolina transfer filled a huge need after Rawleigh Williams’ injury. David Williams didn’t live up to his recruiting rankings while at USC, but he has SEC experience. A fresh start and a need for depth in the backfield mean he will compete for carries behind Whaley.

TE Jeremy Patton (6-6, 236)

Rated the top JUCO tight end in the nation, Patton is expected to make an early impact as a pass catcher. Sophomore Austin Cantrell is a proven blocker, but Arkansas is hoping Patton has a similar ability to stretch the field as former tight ends Hunter Henry and Jeremy Sprinkle.

WR Brandon Martin (6-4, 215)

The No. 1 ranked JUCO receiver enrolled early and impressed in spring practice. He probably has the best combination of frame and ball skills among the receivers and will need to produce this fall.

OLB/DE Gabe Richardson (6-4, 240)

Arkansas’ move to the 3-4 meant it needed rangy athletes like Richardson, but there isn’t a surplus on campus. Positional nomad Jamario Bell moved from tight end to outside linebacker late in spring ball and was quickly working with the second team. Richardson will have the opportunity to provide depth when he arrives on campus.

WR Jonathan Nance (6-2, 187)

Like Martin, Nance enrolled early and went through spring ball. He doesn’t possess Martin’s physical gifts, but is a good route-runner. While Arkansas doesn’t have a lot of experience at receiver, there are plenty of options, which made Nance’s injury issues during spring ball unfortunate. He needs a good summer to get in the mix.

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Arkansas will almost assuredly rely on newcomers at receiver and running back, while highly touted defensive backs may be good enough to earn early PT.