FAYETTEVILLE — Four questions for our panel of writers previewing Arkansas' offensive line ahead of the start of preseason practices.
How much better will the offensive line be in Brad Davis’ first season?
Tom Murphy: On a scale of 1 to 10, I’d say around a 7. Davis’ deep background, his ability to relate to the players and his status as virtually an extension of Sam Pittman should have a noticeable effect. Not to bang on former O-line coach Dustin Fry, but the experience factor at many spots on the coaching staff cannot be overstated. The fact Davis is working with four returning starters who paved the way for a 1,133-yard rusher is another plus, and the group has to be hungry after a few consecutive years of negative publicity.
Clay Henry: This is the most used phrase by an Arkansas fan in the past three seasons anytime an offensive line thought surfaces – "It can't get worse."
But your question pushes past that by asking how much better can it be this season. I think you have to crawl before you walk. So one of the first things that must be accomplished, the center snap must improve and there must be a surge on third-and-1.
If those two things improve, this offensive line will be much better.
Bob Holt: I think the offensive line definitely will be improved. A lot of players with experience return, and I think it’s a more talented group than it has shown previously. Brad Davis obviously is a coach with a lot of SEC experience at Florida and Missouri, and it’s good news for Arkansas that Texas A&M wanted him.
It’s always a plus to have coaches other SEC programs want to hire. I think Davis will maximize what this offensive line coach do. Having a veteran offensive line coach like Sam Pittman leading the staff also should help this group.
Scottie Bordelon: This group has a chance to take a step forward from last season. The good news is is there is some continuity up front and guys with some promise. Sam Pittman has commended Ricky Stromberg and Myron Cunningham for their work since he was hired. They have added some needed weight and strength. I don’t expect the group to be great in Year 1 with Davis, but I think it can be OK, provide avenues for running back Rakeem Boyd and time for Feleipe Franks to deliver balls to his talented receivers.
Seth Campbell: The offensive line will be bigger this year, and that should help them compete better in the SEC. Getting Noah Gatlin back will help with depth as well. Davis is experienced in the SEC with stops at Missouri and Florida, and with Sam Pittman as the head coach, I foresee the offensive line continually getting better throughout the season.
Matt Jones: If for no other reason, the line should be better because of experience. The team returns 77 percent of its starts from last year. From there, reasons to be optimistic are a head coach with a great track record tutoring linemen and added size from a year ago.
In Hawgs Illustrated’s projected 2020 depth chart, Myron Cunningham (LT), Shane Clenin (LG), Ty Clary (C), Ricky Stromberg (RG) and Dalton Wagner (RT) are listed as starters. Do you envision changes by Week 1?
Tom Murphy: Only if Noah Gatlin can unseat Wagner at right tackle or one of the young signees can break into a starting spot at left guard.
Clay Henry: Those players all should see action in the first game. I think you could see movement at center. Ricky Stromberg might get the nod there. But those are the guys that I expect to be in the mix the most early this season. Look for a push from Noah Gatlin, too.
Bob Holt: I think that’s a pretty good projection for the starting lineup, but it wouldn’t be a shock if there is a change. Sam Pittman has said the coaches want to put the best five together on the field, so practices should be very competitive and there could be some position moves. Noah Gatlin might be someone who can break into the lineup.
Scottie Bordelon: As of now, I don’t, but Sam Pittman and Kendal Briles feel like they will have 10 linemen they will feel good about. I will be interested in seeing if Luke Jones (backup center, per the HI depth chart) and Noah Gatlin (2nd team left tackle) can make a push for a starting spot. I’ll be keeping an eye on redshirt freshman Beaux Limmer, too.
Seth Campbell: I don’t. Getting Gatlin back from injury helps with depth, but I think those five guys established themselves as the frontrunners for the starting job currently. Some guys to keep an eye on as the season progresses are Chibueze Nwanna, Luke Jones and Beaux Limmer.
Matt Jones: The sleeper for playing time is Beaux Limmer. He might get a shot if Ricky Stromberg outplays Ty Clary at center.
Which player is most likely to make a push for All-SEC recognition?
Tom Murphy: How about Myron Cunningham, who has added weight to reach 315-plus pounds and whose athleticism is well regarded. His second year after transferring from junior college should be a good one. Of course, left tackle is stacked with outstanding talent across the SEC, so my backup pick is center Ty Clary, who will be a third-year starter and is stronger and more wily.
Clay Henry: Honestly, I don't know that any of these players in the offensive line look to be All-SEC types. Before he's done, I think Stromberg could be there, but not this year. Cunningham has the kind of overall talent to turn heads, especially since he plays on the edge. It's hard to make All-SEC at guard or center unless your team is an offensive juggernaut.
Scottie Bordelon: It would have to be Ricky Stromberg or Myron Cunningham. There is a little bit of hype around Stromberg since he contributed as a true freshman and held his own even though he was undersized relative to most SEC offensive linemen. Cunningham, who is up to 6-7 and 325 pounds, plays a key position, so if he does his job well and keeps Feleipe Franks on his feet he could garner some praise. Not sure it's likely either of them earn All-SEC honors.
Seth Campbell: I think if there is a player who will push for recognition it will be Myron Cunningham. He allowed just one sack last year, and Pittman said in a press conference recently that he gained some good weight in the offseason.
Matt Jones: I think Ricky Stromberg should be in the mix for All-SEC honors before his career is finished, but he might be a year or two away from reaching that potential.
Arkansas allowed 19 sacks last season, which ranked 5th in the SEC. Where do you see that number winding up at season’s end?
Tom Murphy: I’ll go with 12 in a 10-game season.
Clay Henry: Well, it's a little bit of a cop out to say the number goes down because there are going to be two fewer games. But in reality, it's more tough games than you would have had with the old schedule and four non-conference games. I have never seen a Sam Pittman outfit that gave up sacks. Sam isn't coaching the line, but it's still his bunch. I think dropping the sack total to 15 is a modest goal.
Bob Holt: Based on playing 10 SEC games, I think the sacks for Arkansas opponents probably will go up. It would be pretty good, I think, to play 10 conference games, especially against so many ranked teams, and allow an average of less than two per game.
Considering Arkansas could be playing from behind a lot against teams like Alabama, LSU, Auburn, Georgia, Florida, Texas A&M, etc., it wouldn’t surprise me if the Razorbacks’ opponents have 25 or more sacks.
That’s not a knock on the offensive line as much as it is an acknowledgment of the strength of Arkansas’ schedule.
Scottie Bordelon: I think this group can keep that number around 16-17 if it remains healthy. It won’t be easy, though. Teams in the SEC always have pass-rushing monsters along the defensive line, and that is all Arkansas will be facing this season.
Seth Campbell: Having Kendal Briles as the offensive coordinator could help keep sack numbers down. If receivers can get open then the quarterback shouldn’t be holding onto the ball very long, but that is a big if. I think the offensive scheme will help, but I still see the number falling in the 15-20 range.
Matt Jones: Arkansas gave up 15 sacks in eight SEC games a year ago, and is scheduled to play 10 SEC teams this season. There won't be many weeks the Razorbacks don't see a formidable pass rush. This offense should include several downfield shots, so it wouldn't surprise to see that sack number be similar, if not a little higher.