Notable Returners: Ryan Pulley, Henre' Toliver, Santos Ramirez, Josh Liddell, De'Andre Coley, Kevin Richardson
Who's Gone: Jared Cornelius, DJ Dean
Who's New: Korey Hernandez
Overview
Arkansas has several upperclassmen with starting experience back in the secondary, making it the team's strongest position group on the defensive side. Who will start in the fall is almost a given, so the spring will be about developing a stronger two-deep roster, in particular at cornerback. The secondary already is well-versed in new coordinator Paul Rhoads' philosophies, having had him as position coach a year ago.
Position Leader: Ryan Pulley, Jr.
There might be better vocal leaders in the back end, but no one leads on the field like Pulley, who was a breakout player last season. Pulley shut down TCU's top receiver Taj Williams in his first start against a Power 5 opponent, with three pass break-ups against the receiver who was 4 inches taller. That game set the tone for a season in which he had two interceptions - including one that was returned for a touchdown - and a team-high 13 pass breakups. He also was fifth on the team with 47 tackles, which were the most by a player in the secondary.
One to Watch: Kevin Richardson, R-Sr.
Richardson's season-ending arm injury suffered in the season opener against Louisiana Tech might have been the Razorbacks' most costly injury a year ago. Richardson is a utility player in the secondary, with adequate ability to play cornerback, nickel back and either safety position. Expect him to train at multiple positions this spring, but he might be best-suited to play the nickel position, flanked by Pulley and Henre' Toliver at the outside corner spots.
Noteworthy
Cornerback Britto Tutt is expected to practice while he continues to rehab from an ACL surgery last August. It's unlikely that Tutt will be able to go through contact drills.
It's unclear whether Kevin Richardson is going through his final spring with the Razorbacks. Richardson redshirted in 2013, but has applied for a sixth year of eligibility after his injury in the season opener last season.
Safety Montaric Brown and cornerback Chevin Calloway were four-star prospects who signed with Arkansas in February. Both players are expected to arrive in June.
Cornerback Korey Hernandez is an early enrollee who played high school football last fall.
Safeties Micahh Smith and Deon Edwards redshirted last season.