Arkansas faces the daunting task of replacing the heart of its defense and the quick-strike portions of its offense – in the same year. The 2000 season was somewhat of a disappointment, with the Hogs finishing 6-5 in the regular season before getting ambushed by UNLV in the bowl game. Arkansas leads off the 2001 season, ironically, with UNLV, who has proven to be no pushover. With an expanded Razorback Stadium making its debut, coach Houston Nutt might feel the heat if Arkansas disappoints again.

Arkansas has always been run-first under Houston Nutt, and things certainly will not change in 2001. A good run-blocking offensive line and stable of running backs are basically all Arkansas has to rely on this year, particularly if their quarterbacks remain injured and unsettled.

QUARTERBACKS

Robby Hampton is the returning starter, but he missed the spring while recovering from shoulder surgery. This is a problem. Sophomore Zak Clark is the default quarterback if Hampton can’t make it back, but Clark was, to be kind, erratic in 2000, completing only 41 percent of his passes and throwing just one touchdown versus six interceptions. Jared McBride is still around, but signees Matt Jones or Tavaris Jackson could get the call if neither Hampton nor Clark can be effective. When healthy, Hampton is good at running this offense. Durability has always been a question mark.

RUNNING BACKS

Cedric Cobbs could be the best back in the country if he can stay healthy. Last year’s Razorback runners resembled a M*A*S*H ward after the first few games, but if they catch some luck in 2000, they will be feared. Joining Cobbs in the backfield are Fred Talley and Brandon Holmes, and both can carry the load. Arkansas would draw an "Excellent" rating if not for problems at fullback. Sacha Lancaster moved over from defensive tackle and lost weight for the role, but depth is nonexistent with the loss of Adam Daily to a career-ending neck injury. As such, Alvin Ray will back up both positions, even though he measures just 5’9", 195.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Quick, name an Arkansas receiver…time’s up, and our panel is stumped. Sparky Hamilton becomes the go-to guy, with Richard Smith and Sam Breeden next in line. George Wilson and Gerald Howard are also available, but it’s a safe bet that contributions from one or more signees will be needed. Arkansas does, however, have a solid tight end combo with Nathan Ball and Marcellus Poydras returning. Ball made himself into a capable receiver in 2000, but this duo’s first responsibility is to open holes for Cobbs and Co.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Nearly as much as a strength as is the team’s stable of running backs, the offensive line returns four starters from 2000. Shannon Money and La’Zerius White form a hefty duo on the left side, with Kenny Sandlin at right guard and Josh Melton anchoring the middle. Mark Bokermann is the new right tackle, with Jerry Reith and Bo Lacy his main competition. Depth is scarce, but the offensive line has been one of the few areas of the team that has proven able to stay healthy. Much of Arkansas’ success will be determined by their run-blocking prowess.

Arkansas must rebuild the entire linebacker corps, and they must stop the run better (9^th in the conference in 2000). They also need to be more consistent up front, particularly at the defensive end positions.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Carlos Hall is a NFL combine worker’s dream, a mountain of a man that can run like a deer and leap to the stars. But Hall has yet to maximize that potential, and Arkansas is hoping that this is the year. Curt Davis returns at nose guard, and he is the pesky sort of player no offensive linemen relishes seeing. The question marks are Jermaine Brooks at defensive tackle and Raymond House at defensive end, although House is ticketed for stardom by some. There isn’t much depth; only Keith Turner has lettered among those on the second team.

LINEBACKERS

Major rebuilding project here. Tony Bua has starting experience, but not as much as the Razorback coaches would like. What Bua does have, though, is speed – even if he does give up substantial size to many of his targets. Caleb Miller, largely untested, gets the call at the other outside linebacker spot. In the middle will be either freshman Shane Collins or senior Jermaine Petty, who is a load at 6’2", 260. Collins is much smaller (215 pounds) but boasts better quickness. This unit will be the key to Arkansas’ defensive success, as they must get to ball carriers more quickly and with more enthusiasm for the tackle than last year’s group.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

This group is deep, but somewhat hard to figure. Safeties Corey Harris and Ken Hamlin are solid, and their backups – Shelton Parker and D’Andre Berry – have experience. But the cornerbacks need improvement. Eddie Jackson had a good freshman season, but Harold Harris eventually lost his starting spot and didn’t regain it during the spring. Three-letter senior Orlando Green is set to take over opposite Jackson, but all eyes will be on the talented Lawrence Richardson, who sat out 2000 with academic troubles. If Arkansas can get a little more push from the corners, the Razorbacks will be fine.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Punter Richie Butler turned in a nice campaign and is back again in 2001, but things are far less settled at placekicker. Brennan O’Donohoe was projected to do great things in college, but so far he has yet to display enough accuracy to be counted on as a weapon. The coaching staff has invited several walk-ons to practice to compete with O’Donohoe.

This is not as good a group as the one that finished 6-6 in 2000, so the question is, can Arkansas make the postseason? The schedule is a bit more favorable, with Arkansas getting Tennessee, Auburn, South Carolina and Mississippi State at home. But the Razorbacks must travel to Alabama, Georgia and LSU, and as previously noted, UNLV is not to be taken lightly. Arkansas’ season will come down mostly to quarterback health, special teams consistency and the work of the Hogs’ new linebacker corps. Unfortunately for Houston Nutt, there appear to be a few loose screws in the machine this year.