FAYETTEVILLE — Redshirt senior Jake Raulerson has stood out in Arkansas' off-season conditioning program and could challenge for a stating spot at right tackle this spring, Razorbacks coach Bret Bielema said Wednesday.
Raulerson, who transferred from Texas last summer, will compete for the right tackle position with Brian Wallace. Raulerson started games at guard and center last season, but also played tackle during his time with the Longhorns.
"This is his first out of season with us and his body looks different," Bielema said of Raulerson. "I mean he's a different player. Plus he's had another year in our system and knows our expectations, and how we do things here has really helped him. He's grown a lot."
Updated heights and weights have not been made available to the media.
Bielema said the rest of the starting five along the offensive line entering spring ball would likely be Colton Jackson at left tackle, Hjalte Froholdt at left guard, Frank Ragnow at center and Johnny Gibson at right guard. All started games last season.
"I think the guy who has jumped out the most is Colton Jackson," Bielema said. "He has taken a step forward in competitive nature and I'm excited to see him play.
"Gibson has had a pretty good winter as far as transforming his body and Wallace has been good, too. The six guys who have started games have been impressive in the way they've handled it since then."
Bielema said he has also seen a jump in tackle Deion Malone, who transferred from a junior college prior to last season.