When can we expect decisions from Daryl Macon and Jaylen Barford; if they do go, what is the contingency plan for Mike Anderson? - David
I think it might be a few weeks before we know one way or the other. The NBA Draft Combine invitations usually aren't handed out until early May. The weeks leading up to that are when the scouts are evaluating and giving grades, so while I don't think either will be invited to the combine, I do think both are going to be receiving plenty of feedback up until the time the invitations are sent out. The deadline for Macon and Barford to decide to return is May 24.
I would be surprised if Barford left, so I'll focus on the contingency plan for Macon, who appears to be more prone to leave early. In terms of who is on campus now, it would seem like C.J. Jones would stand the best chance to fill that guard position. Jones can score, but didn't see a lot of playing time as a freshman because he has to improve his defense. In terms of recruiting, I would anticipate Arkansas would try to fill any vacancy with a junior college transfer.
Are Bret Bielema AND Jeff Long on the "Hot Seat?" - Kenneth
I don't think so, especially not Long, who has significantly increased the value, visibility and academics of the athletic department - all factors as important to his bosses as wins. I see him being at Arkansas for as long as he wants to be.
As for Bielema, I don't see him being in danger of losing his job barring a repeat of his first season.
Who will be the next former walk-on who becomes a starter? Johnny Gibson is the first of the CBB era. Who will be the next one? - Hogmodo
There have been several in the Bielema era. In addition to Gibson, walk-ons to start at their position include Kevin Richardson, Alan D'Appollonio, Mitchell Loewen and Patrick Arinze. I'm probably missing someone.
The former walk-on who looks like he will break through this season is Karl Roesler, who technically started once last season. Roesler is a hybrid player who can play at defensive end or at one of the standup linebacker positions.
I have heard a lot about the “strain” and “finishing” as the answer last year especially in the last few games. However, I haven’t heard anything about the coaches making adjustments during the second half. Was that a part of the problem? If so, what are they doing about it? - Doug
I think any time there are collapses like the final two games, just about everything could be improved, whether it be technique, coaching or effort. Correcting technique and self-evaluation by the coaches are part of each off-season. There are also was a move from early-morning to late-afternoon workouts to emphasize finishing the day right.
What happened to the baseball team's throwback jerseys? Those were the best ones we had, but I haven't seen them this year! - A.J.
I'm told those cream-colored jerseys are still available, but several players complained about how hot they were last year, so they probably aren't going to be worn in 2017. By comparison, the white, red and grey jerseys were made since the cream ones, and are of a different material.
Arkansas expects to have a new shipment of jerseys in for next baseball season, so I suspect we'll see the throwbacks back in the rotation in 2018.
Yes, Sir, do you think that teams would be better off using their timeouts on defense with the spread you out and hurry you up football offenses of today since you can stop the clock with a first down on offense? After one big play - at the most two - a timeout could stop a touchdown or at least hold them to a field goal. - Michael
I don't think you can have a blanket philosophy for timeouts. It's nice to have them in the bag for a last-minute drive, regardless of whether or not you have the ball. I do think there is more of a hesitance to use them on offense for the reasons you state, but if a timeout gets the offense out of a bad play or a looming penalty, then it was probably worth it to spend.
Can you list the top 2 recruits for the open basketball scholarship in 2017? - Rzbackangler
I'll yield to Dudley Dawson for recruiting questions. His response: Probably one of the two who have been on campus in the past week - Shakwon Barrett and Amauri Hardy. Arkansas also is making a push for Kenny Wooten, who recently de-committed from Arizona State.
Why doesn't Luke Bonfield take pre game infield/outfield with the rest of the team? - Southpaw
He does most games. There have been some times when he hasn't, but that's not all that uncommon. Sometimes you want to get players off their feet, especially during a stretch of several games in a short amount of time.
Bonfield is the reigning SEC player of the week and has a perfect fielding percentage, so whatever he's doing is working.
Have a question for next week's mailbag? Email Matt Jones at mojones@nwadg.com.