LITTLE ROCK — Even while taking a few days vacation, e-mails are checked on a regular basis, and there seemed to be a few questions asked several times by several readers. So to clean out the e-mail basket, here are some of those questions and answers.
Why hasn’t Matt Jones been signed by an NFL team?
Jones has had tryouts with at least two pro teams since August, and both decided to pass on the speedy 6-7 receiver with great hands. There is no indication that Jones has any continued off-the-field problems.
It seems Jones’ practice habits are still not what would be regarded as the right way.
Jones, one of the most exciting quarterbacks in Arkansas Razorbacks history, has been the type of player who performs better when the scoreboard is on, but when you are part of an NFL team, you must practice as hard as you play. His practice desire was a concern at Arkansas for both football and the year he played basketball.
Personally, it is probable Jacksonville Jaguars head Coach Jack Del Rio isn’t helping.
Will John Pelphrey be fired before the season ends?
No, and maybe not at the end of the season either. But it seems like more than a fair question for the fans to ask. Since when did Stephen F. Austin or Missouri State become formidable opponents? But the truth is simple: The Razorbacks basketball program is not what it was 10 years ago.
The additions of freshman Marshawn Powell and junior college transfer Jemal Farmer appear to have improved the Razorbacks from a year ago. Suspensions and injuries have not helped.
Still, the Razorbacks have 20 games left before the SEC Tournament, and that’s plenty of time for them to come together and go on a run.
Athletic Director Jeff Long is the unknown in all of this, because he hasn’t been at Arkansas long enough to establish hiring and firing habits.
Personally, it isn’t helping future recruiting that fans are staying away. Just last season, football recruits attending a basketball game in front of a capacity crowd at Walton Arena commented on how impressed they were.
Will Ryan Mallett leave after this season for the NFL?
At this point, who knows. It is doubtful Mallett, his family or the Arkansas coaching staffknow anything for sure. The only definite is that Mallett, a redshirt sophomore, has fulfilled the NFL’s time requirement to enter the draft.
It is possible that Mallett’s parents will register him with the NFL’s evaluation program to see where he would potentially be drafted. That option is available for underclassmen, and they are not penalized by the NCAA for making the inquiry as long as they don’t sign with an agent.
On a personal note, if the Malletts test the waters and the results come back he would be drafted by St. Louis or Oakland, forget the round, he should return to the Razorbacks for safety reasons.
Which leads to the final question.
What has happened to Darren McFadden?
The Oakland Raiders are what has happened to Mc-Fadden. Granted, it would behoove the two-time runnerup for the Heisman Trophy candidate to cut away from linebackers instead of challenging them, but he had a decent game against Denver on Sunday, gaining 74 yards on 12 carries.
However, with the Raiders, McFadden would be better served, as would the team, if he were moved to the slot or as a wide receiver.
On a personal note, if Mc-Fadden can survive this contract (6 years, $60 million), his best years might come with a different team.
Sports, Pages 17 on 12/22/2009