De'Jon Harris and Dre Greenlaw were the lone teammates in the SEC to record 100-plus tackles each in 2017. If both are healthy, do you see them doing it again?
Tom Murphy: The Razorbacks would like to hope that these two linebackers won't have to be on the field as much as they were last season, both in terms of back-up help and more possession time from the offense. There's no guarantee on either of those fronts, so the best bet is both of these guys take 85 percent or more of the overall defensive snaps for the year. I'll say both top 90 tackles but neither gets to 100.
Bob Holt: don’t believe both will get 100-plus tackles again, and that doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing for Arkansas. I don’t think both Harris and Greenlaw will get triple-digits in tackles because other players on defense will make more plays in this scheme.
Scottie Bordelon: I think they'll both stay healthy, but I see other players developing and assuming a few of those tackles. Randy Ramsey is a prime candidate for more tackles, tackles for loss and sacks, McTelvin Agim is another, Gabe Richardson and even Grant Morgan. I think one of the two will, but not both.
Behind Harris and Greenlaw, how do you view the depth at linebacker?
Tom Murphy: I view it as improving. Seems to me, players like Grant Morgan, Hayden Henry, Dee Walker and Deon Edwards should be able to provide a series or two per game. Could this be the season things come together for Alexy Jean-Baptiste and Giovanni LaFrance and Kyrei Fisher, who all LOOK like SEC football players. Anything from Andrew Parker and Bumper Pool this year is gravy, and there might be a little of that. I didn't mention Derrick Munson and D'Vone McClure, who are listed as linebackers but playing the hybrid nickel slot.
Bob Holt: I think it’s still questionable if Arkansas has adequate depth at linebacker to be a good SEC defense. There looks to be a pretty big drop-off behind Greenlaw and Harris. Grant Morgan and Hayden Henry need to keep coming on and Dee Walker, Giovanni LaFrance, Kyrei Fisher and Alexy Jean-Baptist need to start contributing as backups or at least on special teams. True freshmen Bumper Pool may get snaps as a backup and he could help on special teams as well.
Scottie Bordelon: Arkansas has two great linebackers and another good one in Grant Morgan. After that, there's a dropoff. Dee Walker is a player Chad Morris has mentioned in the past as a guy who will have to step in and make some stops. He also said it's Alexy-Jean Baptiste's time, too. Also, I think Andrew Parker is a guy we're not really talking about now who will make an immediate impact.
Which second-team linebacker do you see having the most productive season? Is it Grant Morgan, Dee Walker or someone else?
Tom Murphy: Morgan has already played, so even though Walker probably has more physical tools, I'll go with the known commodity.
Bob Holt: I’d have to go with Morgan because he was by far the most productive linebacker behind Harris and Greenlaw last season, and the coaches always raved about his football IQ. I also believe Pool could work his way into the rotation.
Scottie Bordelon: It's Grant Morgan for me. But like I said, I believe Andrew Parker will take advantage and get some valuable time and produce. That's just a gut feeling. Dee Walker and Bumper Pool, who we didn't see a lot of in spring because of an illness, are guys who may be required to spell Harris and Greenlaw at times.
You have one linebacker spot to fill on your hypothetical football team. Greenlaw and Harris are available. Which player are you taking?
Tom Murphy: Great question. Greenlaw is faster, Harris more instinctive and physical. Greenlaw had to build up to move down from safety, the coaches wanted Harris to trim up to be more mobile in the new scheme. Tough call, but I'll go with Scoota.
Bob Holt: That’s a tough one. I believe they both could be All-SEC players this season. If I have to choose I’ll go with Harris.
Scottie Bordelon: I came up with this question and I still don't have a great answer. I think I'll go with Harris, but you can't really go wrong either way. I just love the fact that Scoota's first significant playing time came in a huge situation in 2016 at home against Alabama. He came up with a couple really big plays and showed a lot. Then he carried that into 2017 and became one of the league's best at the position.
All things considered, Grant Morgan had a solid season in 2017, finishing with 38 tackles – 3.5 for loss – and forced a fumble. What kind of season do you envision him having this year?
Tom Murphy: Much the same. There should be increased competition for back-up time and theoretically one fewer linebacker on the field based on the scheme switch. He's a gamer though, who deserves at least a handful of snaps per game.
Bob Holt: I believe Morgan will continue to improve and be a good backup if he needs to play because of injuries or to give the starters a rest.
Scottie Bordelon: I think he'll add to what he did last season and be able to create a little more havoc with John Chavis leading things. I guess it's just something about the Morgan name that makes me believe there's a strong season coming at some point. Grant has a true nose for the ball and he's very physical. Those kind of players typically come up with big tackles and timely turnovers.