The SEC is Big Boy football and in terms of pure mass it just hasn't seemed like Arkansas has fit that stereotype in the trenches the last few years. Now though it definitely feels like that mindset has changed. Bringing in a new coaching staff with ties all around the conference is playing a major part in that change as well. The DL in particular is an area I want to focus in on as they've been the most upgraded position in comparison to the conference standard in my opinion. Here are the numbers in regard to that, analyzing last years Arkansas team vs this years Arkansas + the rest of the normal opponents (SEC West + Mizzou):
Last years starting DL at Arkansas: Soli, Sosa, T.J. Smith, Gabe Richardson. Average 6'3.25" 269.25 lbs.
This years starting DL at Arkansas: Coates, Marshall, Kelly, DG. Average 6'4.25" 295.5 lbs.
This years starting DL at LSU: Andre Anthony, Tyler Shelvin, Glen Logan, Travez Moore. Average 6'3.25" 295.75 lbs.
This years starting DL at Alabama (3-4 + Buck): Christian Barmore, D.J. Dale, LeBryan Ray, Chris Allen(B). Average: 6'4.25" 290.5 lbs.
This years starting DL at Ole Miss: Tariq Tisdale, Ryder Anderson, K.D. Hill, Brandon Mack. Average: 6'4" 282.5 lbs.
This years starting DL at MSU (3-3-5): Kobe Jones, Marquiss Spencer, Nathan Pickering. Average: 6'4" 290 lbs.
This years starting DL at Texas A&M: Demarvin Leal, Bobby Brown, Jayden Peevy, Tyree Johnson. Average: 6'4.5" 287.5 lbs.
This years starting DL at Auburn (3-4 + Buck): Big Kat Bryant, Tyrone Truesdell, Coynis Miller, Derick Hall(B). Average: 6'3" 282 lbs.
This years starting DL at Missouri: Tre Williams, Akial Byers, Markell Utsey, Chris Turner. Average: 6'4.25" 282.5 lbs.
It's safe to say this years team fits in with who they play a bit more from a physical standpoint in comparison to last years first unit being by FAR the smallest in the division. In comparison last years 6'3.25" 269.25 is more than half and inch shorter and 18 pounds lighter than this years opponents average of 6'3.9" 287.25 lbs. where this years Arkansas team is taller on average and heavier by more than a quarter of an inch and 8 pounds. We're finally bringing men to the dinner table.
Last years starting DL at Arkansas: Soli, Sosa, T.J. Smith, Gabe Richardson. Average 6'3.25" 269.25 lbs.
This years starting DL at Arkansas: Coates, Marshall, Kelly, DG. Average 6'4.25" 295.5 lbs.
This years starting DL at LSU: Andre Anthony, Tyler Shelvin, Glen Logan, Travez Moore. Average 6'3.25" 295.75 lbs.
This years starting DL at Alabama (3-4 + Buck): Christian Barmore, D.J. Dale, LeBryan Ray, Chris Allen(B). Average: 6'4.25" 290.5 lbs.
This years starting DL at Ole Miss: Tariq Tisdale, Ryder Anderson, K.D. Hill, Brandon Mack. Average: 6'4" 282.5 lbs.
This years starting DL at MSU (3-3-5): Kobe Jones, Marquiss Spencer, Nathan Pickering. Average: 6'4" 290 lbs.
This years starting DL at Texas A&M: Demarvin Leal, Bobby Brown, Jayden Peevy, Tyree Johnson. Average: 6'4.5" 287.5 lbs.
This years starting DL at Auburn (3-4 + Buck): Big Kat Bryant, Tyrone Truesdell, Coynis Miller, Derick Hall(B). Average: 6'3" 282 lbs.
This years starting DL at Missouri: Tre Williams, Akial Byers, Markell Utsey, Chris Turner. Average: 6'4.25" 282.5 lbs.
It's safe to say this years team fits in with who they play a bit more from a physical standpoint in comparison to last years first unit being by FAR the smallest in the division. In comparison last years 6'3.25" 269.25 is more than half and inch shorter and 18 pounds lighter than this years opponents average of 6'3.9" 287.25 lbs. where this years Arkansas team is taller on average and heavier by more than a quarter of an inch and 8 pounds. We're finally bringing men to the dinner table.
