To recap after watching the film of the game, Bielema said the 2-defense defended the run really well even though they gave up a few big plays and those particularly happened in the secondary.
Bielema said it's the cleanest depth chart they've had since he's been here in terms of this morning's release. Brian Wallace would be the No. 1 tackle on the right and left. The next-best guard would be Josh Allen or Marcus Danenhauer, who had a knee bruise without ligament damage.
Bielema said he wishes his guys the best heading into the draft and has fielded a lot of calls from general managers and coaches, etc. He has also been invited to be an analyst on the NFL Network. This is his third time to be able to do that.
They have decided that Kody Walker will be more of a tailback with some fullback responsibilities, and they feel Walker can challenge Alex Collins for that No. 2 spot.
Bielema said Trey Flowers…The GM of the Cardinals reached out to him. He said if Trey Flowers was on the stock market he'd buy as much stock as he can buy. He can play multiple positions, he never redshirted and his best days are ahead of him. He's relentless and is a high motor guy. Bielema feels Martrell Spaight and A.J. Derby will be next off the board. He's been in contact with people who have drafted his tight ends before wanting to know where Derby fits. Spaight will be with Bielema tonight in Fort Smith to receive an award. Bielema said there are some who have them on their boards and others who love him. He said Spaight is great in space and a great interviewer. He thinks Brey Cook has a chance to get drafted in the later rounds. He said he's fielded two calls on Cameron Jefferson in the last couple of days, too. Tevin Mitchel may also get picked.
Bielema said his offensive scheme lends better to getting players into the NFL. They've had to do recruiting battles with spread offenses versus his offense. Defensively, it goes more to how they train and how they practice. When NFL representatives come watch their team, they always comment what a pleasure it is to watch and evaluate their type of team.
Randy Ramsey dropped below 12 hours, so he was ineligible to participate in spring ball. They'll see how he finishes out the semester, but they'll have to see how he does. If he's eligible to return, then he'll make a decision. The same applies to Kendrick Edwards and Anthony Brown.
Alex Collins gained nine pounds over spring break, which was the highest percentage gain in terms of his size. He'll be fine with his ankle. He's lost seven pounds.
Bielema said his top three corners are all really good and he said he's never had three corners who he feels could all be starting corners. They've got guys they want to get healthy, and he's got four safeties who are ready to play. And he's ready to welcome the freshmen.
They'll have 12 join him the first summer school semester and the rest will join second semester.
Regarding Dan Skipper's weight (307), they'd like him 320 to 330. Bielema told Ben Herbert he wants him to sit down with Skipper and get a plan together when he gets his cast off because he wants a little more lead in his rear.
If a player is in the second year in their program and they don't project them to play, they tell the player 'hey, if you want to play you may need to look elsewhere,' but they don't force that on anyone, they suggest it to the players and make it their choice.
Bielema said he gives Michael Smith a lot of credit because he feels the wide receiver spot was the most improved. They're very excited about Dominique Reed coming in. Regarding JoJo Robinson, if they could lock him in to be 'good JoJo,' he'd be in the two-deep. They want to see how he finishes out the semester, and when he's on the field he has to execute lining up and prove to the coaches that he's 'all in.'
Josh Allen is a little older and a little more mature as a 19-year old freshman. He's been through a lot in terms of the North Carolina situation, and sometimes when players go through something like that, they want it more.
Tyler Colquitt is a little more athletic and can get on guys and stay on guys a little better than Chris Jones. Jones will be in the 120 likely, but he probably won't be in the 105 that go through fall camp.
Taiwan Johnson is up to 280 pounds. Bielema said this is the deepest defensive line he's had since he has been a head coach.
Hjalte Froholdt has As and Bs in all of his courses except for his government class, which is understandable since he is from Denmark.
Bielema said the coaches will go to some NFL mini camps. They went to New England last year. They know a lot of coaches in the league, so they want to go see teams that do things that are very similar and some teams that are total opposites.
