Breakdown of Arkansas Razorbacks 2016 Fall Depth Chart

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

For the casual Arkansas Razorbacks fan returning to the team this fall after last seeing the Hogs upend Kansas State 45-23 in the Liberty Bowl – a world of change awaits you. The team previously loaded with All-SEC players in running back Alex Collins, All-American guard Sebastian Tretola, Mackey Award winning tight end Hunter Henry, and quarterback Brandon Allen has dramatically changed. The Hogs have flipped the field from nine returning starters on offense in 2015 to just four in 2016. Now the defense carries the brunt of the load going into the new season with nine starters back.

The off-season not only brought change in player personnel but also in the coaching staff ranks. Arkansas welcomed new offensive line coach Kurt Anderson and brought in former Iowa State head coach Paul Rhodes to tighten a leaky secondary.

Offense

Between Anderson and Rhoads, Anderson had a lot of work cut out for himself with the line from spring ball through fall camp. Tackle Dan Skipper and center Frank Ragnow were the only returning starters leaving three open positions to fill. Skipper has been moved from right tackle back to left tackle, where he started during the 2014 season. Ragnow remains at center but now has Hjalte Froholdt on his left side at guard and Jake Raulerson on his right. Froholdt, a sophomore, came to Arkansas as a defensive tackle but has shinned at guard since swapping positions in the spring.

Raulerson is a new addition to the Hogs roster after joining the Longhorns squad as part of the 2013 class. The 6-4, 301 pound, lineman played in 23 games for Texas over the past two seasons getting starts at center and right tackle. The other new addition to the line is Colton Jackson at right tackle. Jackson, a redshirt freshman was rated as a four-star recruit out of Conway High School. If Jackson stumbles out of the gate against tough collegiate competition, both Jalen Merrick and Brian Wallace have been battling for playing time this fall at tackle.

One surprise of sorts on the offensive depth chart is seeing Arkansas leading returning receiver Drew Morgan as an “or” with Keon Hatcher. Morgan had a breakout year last season with 63 receptions covering 843 yards with 10 touchdowns. Hatcher missed his senior season due to injury but led the squad with 558 yards receiving along with 43 receptions in 2014. The logjam at the other wide out position speaks volumes to the growing talent on the roster. Cody Hollister, Jared Cornelius, Dominique Reed, and Deon Stewart are all deemed capable of getting starting time this season. Reed is Arkansas’ best deep threat averaging 19 yards a reception a year ago.

The Hogs may see at least two true freshman start in the backfield this season, certainly one in fullback Hayden Johnson. Johnson and Kendrick Jackson have been impressive this spring opening up holes for their running backs. Another pileup of talent is at tailback. Kody Walker, Rawleigh Williams, Devwah Whaley, and Damon Mitchell are poised for time carrying the rock. A third true freshman, TJ Hammonds, could line up in the backfield or in the slot upon return from a knee injury.

Tough to not think there will be a drop off in play at tight end with Hunter Henry gone to the NFL, but Jeremy Sprinkle is the real deal. The 6-6, 256 pound, talent can block and catch ending his junior season fourth on the team in receptions (27) and yards (389) but tied for second most receiving touchdowns (6). Backing Sprinkle is another loaded spot with Austin Cantrell and Jack Kraus. True freshman Grayson Gunter has outplayed highly regarded 2015 recruits Cheyenne O’Grady and Will Gragg with those two former four-stars on the scout team.

Austin Allen takes over for big brother Brandon Allen under center with big shoes to fill. Austin got snaps in three games last season completing 1 of 3 attempts with the one being a 35-yard touchdown pass. Behind Allen is Ty Storey. Storey did not receive any game action last season. If the injury bug goes down the line, the Hogs have true freshman Cole Kelley and USC transfer Ricky Towns to turn to if needed.

Defense

The only real surprise along the front seven on defense is the rise of redshirt junior Karl Roesler. The 6-1, 256 pound, end does not fit the description defensive coordinator Robb Smith has used with guys like Deatrich Wise Jr., JaMichael Winston, Tevin Beanum; all 6-4 to 6-5 and around 260-plus. Roesler had 15 tackles last season playing in 13 games with one sack and three tackles for a loss.

A surprise up front for the casual fan, former five-star Hope High School end McTelvin Agim is not on the two-deep on the outside but at defensive tackle. Agim will back up Jeremiah Ledbetter this season.

A trouble spot for the Hogs last year was at the Sam linebacker position. Arkansas switched to a nickel for much of the season. If the strong-side linebacker can make plays, Khalia Hackett and Josh Williams are the guys. Brooks Ellis and Dre Greenlaw return at middle and weak-side respectively. De’Jon Harris, a true freshman from John Ehret High School, has made his presence known earning a spot on the two-deep behind Ellis in the middle.

The secondary pretty much remains the same from a year ago. Safety Rohan Gaines graduated with Santos Ramirez taking his spot. DJ Dean has been a two-year starter at corner but has been battling an injury this spring. Henre’ Toliver takes over at Dean’s spot backed by Ryan Pulley. On the other side, Jared Collins and Kevin Richards finish out the corner spots. At free safety, Josh Liddell is a returning starter backed by Reid Miller.

Reports from fall camp has Rhoades making a difference with the secondary. Any improvement is needed for the Hogs to up their eight-game win total from last season. Arkansas’ pass defense finished ranked No. 117 in the nation in 2015 allowing an average of 275 yards per game.

Special Teams

Cole Hedlund returns as the Razorbacks’ field goal kicker with Toby Baker back as the team’s punter. Hedlund struggled a year ago beyond 30 yards hitting 1 of 5 attempts. He had four kicks blocked last year. Baker had a solid season averaging 41.2 yards per punt forcing 16 fair catches while downing 23 inside the 20 yard line.

Dominque Reed and Drew Morgan are back deep returning kicks with Morgan serving as the backup punt returner behind Jared Cornelius. The battle throughout fall camp at kickoff return included Deon Stewart, Jordan Jones, Henre’ Toliver, Devwah Wahley, TJ Hammonds, and Jared Cornelius.

Kody Walker, Dan Skipper, Brooks Ellis, and Deatrich Wise are the Razorbacks team captains for the 2016 season.

Arkansas opens the season on Sept. 3 at home against Louisiana Tech.

Photo credit: razorbackers.com; No. 8 Austin Allen takes over in the pocket for Brandon Allen in 2016.

Photo credit: arkansasrazorbacks.com; 2016 preseason fall depth chart.