You hear many of the national "experts" saying how physical Arkansas is. On many occasions you hear how BIG our players are. We aren't filled with track speed but we have plenty of SEC speed which is hard to come by.
Given what Herb has done with so many on the team I wonder what the players would be re-evaluated today amongst their peers. Obviously our entire OL would be 4 * plus with Kirkland a 5*. Henry a 5*, Alex and Jonathan high 4*, Hatcher a low 4 high 3, Brandon a 3* based on his actual performances.
Defense, the Secondary has made the most move forward. Virtually all 3 * coming out of HS and now would be seen as 4* level. LB sees Ellis at a 4* getting a lot of national praise but the other LBs will have to earn it and keep their 3* rating for now. Winston, Wise, & Ledbetter 4* development there. B Jackson and T Johnson are 4* level for sure.
This is of course highly subjective but when you compare our players vs our opponents not only do we stack up but we have a head to head advantage over many.
IMO the most important element of this season is the personal development of our players by Herb. They have worked themselves into position to compete as physical specimens vs those who were previously graded ahead of them. They have become the Jimmys and Joes to match Eons' & Smith's Xs and Os
Given what Herb has done with so many on the team I wonder what the players would be re-evaluated today amongst their peers. Obviously our entire OL would be 4 * plus with Kirkland a 5*. Henry a 5*, Alex and Jonathan high 4*, Hatcher a low 4 high 3, Brandon a 3* based on his actual performances.
Defense, the Secondary has made the most move forward. Virtually all 3 * coming out of HS and now would be seen as 4* level. LB sees Ellis at a 4* getting a lot of national praise but the other LBs will have to earn it and keep their 3* rating for now. Winston, Wise, & Ledbetter 4* development there. B Jackson and T Johnson are 4* level for sure.
This is of course highly subjective but when you compare our players vs our opponents not only do we stack up but we have a head to head advantage over many.
IMO the most important element of this season is the personal development of our players by Herb. They have worked themselves into position to compete as physical specimens vs those who were previously graded ahead of them. They have become the Jimmys and Joes to match Eons' & Smith's Xs and Os
