Boil off the hype, forget the speculation: when you really get down to it, the players that Razorback football coach Bobby Petrino ended up with on National Signing Day are what counts. And wow, what a job by the new Boss Hawg on the talent trail.
Way behind the proverbial eight ball after being hired in mid-December, Petrino clearly did all he could to convince the best high school football talents within the state of Arkansas to stay in the state of Arkansas. Easier said than done, especially considering that most of these guys were Houston Nutt's recruits. But Petrino fared well, very much so if you look at Arkansas's recruiting class ranking according to ESPN (#18 in the nation) or Scouts.com (23rd best in the country).
Big name blue chippers like WR Joe Adams (Central Arkansas Christian) and RB DeAnthony Curtis (Camden Fairview) should be foundation pieces for Petrino during the next four years. Transfer QB Ryan Mallett only elevates the passing game's potential even higher.
Surely, the Hogs came out a little light on the offensive line and at linebacker, but you've got to have the playmakers to build around first, and Petrino got his share of those.
Some more thoughts:
-16 of UA's 26 recruits are from the state of Arkansas
-8 of those signees are from Warren and Camden Fairview high schools, at 4 per school respectively
-12 of 13 offensive recruits for Hogs are from Arkansas
-Only 4 of 13 defensive recruits are from the Natural State
-Of the 10 recruits not from Arkansas, 3 are from Georgia, 2 apiece from Texas and Louisiana, 1 from Florida, 1 from Tennessee and 1 from Indiana
-With Matt Hall at 6'10 and Anthony Oden (Greg's not-so-little brother) at 6'8, the Hogs' frontcourt-like offensive line should be massive for years to come
And there ya go. Defensive Coordinator Willy Robinson being introduced at the end of the signing day press conference was literally an afterthought. He hasn't even coached a single down for the Razorbacks yet, but Bobby Petrino is clearly off and flying with his team already.
-JAB
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2 comments:
WITH WHAT PETRINO HAD TO WORK WITH? ALL THE CARDS STACKED AGAINST HIM,MEDIA-NUTT,ECT.WE FEEL LIKE HE GETS AN A! HE DID A GREAT JOB KEEPING ARK. PLAYERS AT HOME!THAT BUILDS GREAT TRADITION WITH THESE PLAYERS FROM THIER HOME STATE!WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO SPRING TRAINING CAMP TO SEE WHAT IS REALLY GOINZ' ONNN!!!
THANKS GUYS!
RACE & ROBIN
Can't wait until football starts again! Man, look at me, I'm a football junkie already!
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