Razorbacks at a glance

2001 schedule Aug. 30 vs. UNLV Sept. 8 vs. Tennessee Sept. 15 vs. North Texas Sept. 22 at Alabama Sept. 29 at Georgia Oct. 13 vs. South Carolina Oct. 27 vs. Auburn Nov. 3 at Mississippi Nov. 10 vs. Central Florida Nov. 17 vs. Mississippi St. Nov. 24 at LSU 2000 results (6-6, 3-5 SEC) SW Missouri St. W 38-0 Boise State W 38-31 Alabama W 28-21 Georgia L 38-7 Louisiana Monroe W 52-6 at South Carolina L 27-7 at Auburn L 21-19 Mississippi L 38-24 at Tennessee L 63-20 at Mississippi St. W 17-10 LSU W 14-3 ) vs. UNLV L 31-14

OFFENSE
The key for Houston Nutt's Razorbacks this season will be keeping super-talented RB Cedric Cobbs at full strength the entire way. A separated shoulder early in the season against Alabama forced Cobbs to miss the rest of the 2000 campaign. The 6-0, 222-pounder was able to taken some hits and absorb some contact during the latter stages of spring practice. This certainly adds to his confidence level heading into the fall. Even though Fred Talley sat out the spring while working his way back from a knee injury, the Razorbacks don't have a problem with depth at this spot. Sophomore Brandon Holmes showed last season that he can produce solid results with his rugged north-south style. The 6-2, 218-pounder rushed for almost 500 yards and scored seven TDs. While Holmes can operate at either spot in the backfield, the FB will be senior Sacha Lancaster, who made the switch from DT in the spring.

With Robby Hampton sidelined in the spring after undergoing offseason shoulder surgery, sophomore Zak Clark took all the reps and as of this writing figures to be the Razorbacks' starting QB when the season begins.

Mainly a drop-back passer who can move around within the pocket, Clark will be throwing to a couple of tall wideouts in juniors Sam Breeden (6-4, 221) and Sparky Hamilton (6-4, 211). Breeden, who played sparingly last year, reportedly enjoyed an outstanding spring as the Razorbacks look to make up for the graduation loss of Boo Williams. Also returning is sophomore Richard Smith, who set an Arkansas freshman record last season with 33 catches. Smith ran track in the spring.

At TE, Nathan Ball tops the depth chart, but sophomore J. Strain shows potential. Look for Ball, Strain and junior Marcellus Poydras to all see significant action.

The offensive line should be fairly solid. The Razorbacks' top player up front should be senior LT Shannon Money, while junior center Josh Melton, senior LG La'Zerius White and senior RG Kenny Sandlin have all played a great deal of football at Arkansas. If a youngster is to emerge on the O-line, word is that highly regarded freshman Shawn Andrews could be a factor.

DEFENSE
The strength of the Razorbacks' defense figures to be the front four. Senior Carlos Hall and junior Raymond House possess big-play ability off the edge, while senior Curt Davis is a quality SEC nose tackle. Junior Jermaine Brooks will work inside at DT.

With standout Quinton Caver moving on to the Philadelphia Eagles and J.J. Jones also a key graduation loss, the Razorbacks must replace three of their top four linebackers from a year ago. With three sophomores, highlighted by hard-nosed Caleb Miller, moving into starting roles, the Razorbacks will be severely lacking in experience at this spot.

Led by blue-chip sophomore FS Ken Hamlin and highly regarded sophomore CB Lawrence Richardson, the Razorbacks should field an athletically gifted secondary that could create some turnovers if the pass rush from Hall, House and company is as expected. Last season, Hamlin became the first freshman ever to lead Arkansas in tackles (104). With former starter Orlando Green dismissed from the team, Richardson will have an opportunity to make his mark as one of the bright young cover men in the SEC. While Eddie Jackson is penciled in as the starter opposite Richardson, keep a close eye on freshman Ahmad Carroll. The 5-11, 190-pounder with sub 4.35 speed was generally regarded as one of the top CBs coming out of the high school ranks.

SPECIAL TEAMS
Besides QB and LB, the biggest question for the Razorbacks heading into fall practice is the kicking game. Brennan O'Donohoe took over as the PK midway through last season but only hit one FG outside of 30 yards. To say the job is wide open is an understatement. Junior punter Richie Butler has proven to be effective at dropping the ball inside the opposition's 20-yard line.