Freshman class set to contribute

  University of Arkansas offensive linemen Alvin Bailey (left) and Mitch Smothers get ready to run drills during practice at the University of Arkansas.
University of Arkansas offensive linemen Alvin Bailey (left) and Mitch Smothers get ready to run drills during practice at the University of Arkansas.

— Bobby Petrino and his Arkansas assistant coaches have raved about their incoming class of newcomers throughout fall camp.

Is it weird then, that Petrino projects only about a half dozen of the true freshmen from this year’s signing class to play this season, which begins next Saturday against Missouri State?

Not really. It’s more a statement about the depth the Razorbacks have accumulated in three-plus seasons under Petrino.

“I would imagine we’ll see five or six freshmen play,”Petrino said in an interview with Arkansas’ in-house website this week. “Obviously the junior college guys will contribute this year. But I’m excited about the group.

“When you line up and watch them work together, this could be one of our best recruiting classes.”

This class of freshmen will have a long way to go to equal the incoming class of 2008, Petrino’s first season, which featured current starters Joe Adams, Greg Childs, Jarius Wright, Tyler Wilson, Chris Gragg, Jerico Nelson, Tramain Thomas and Tenarius Wright, as well as other key contributors like Dennis Johnson, Lavunce Askew, De’Anthony Curtis, Alfred Davis, Elton Ford and Zach Stadther.

Arkansas played 16 freshmen in that trying season of 2008 - the Razorbacks were 5-7, 2-6 in the SEC - but the experience was vital, and the Hogs have stocked the offense and defense since then. Now it’s difficult for freshmen to crack the two-deep roster, but apparently a handful have managed to impress enough in fall camp to earn playing time.

Leading the group is Mitch Smothers, a Springdale High School lineman who was recruited as a probable guard but has emerged as a likely starter at quick tackle with a strong showing in practice. Receiver Marquel Wade, offensive lineman Brey Cook, cornerback Tevin Mitchel, defensive endsHorace Arkadie and Trey Flowers, and running backs Kody Walker and Kelvin Fisher Jr. could also earn playing time this season.

Defensive lineman Lonnie Gosha might have been a strong candidate for playing time, but an ankle sprain set back his progress in camp. The coaches would probably like to see quarterback Brandon Allen redshirt, but it’s not a guarantee.

Smothers, a 6-4, 296-pounder, was asked if his rapid ascent is catching him by surprise.

“Doing what I do, it’s kind of what I expected,” Smothers said. “But yeah, a little bit.”

Petrino said Smothers came to campus well-coached.

“He’s probably one of our best pass protectors,” he said. “Technique-wise, he can really kick-slide and punch with his hands.”

The offensive line was the area of greatest opportunity for newcomers. Brey Cook of Springdale Har-ber, who saw time with the starters at tackle while going through spring drills, will likely open the season as a second-team guard. Junior college signees Jason Peacock and Chris Stringer, both tackles, are also in the two-deep.

Mitchel, a cornerback from Mansfield, Texas, earned playing time with the first unit in a recent scrimmage, said defensive coordinator Willy Robinson.

“He’s a guy that has great talent, natural talent, for the position,” Robinson said.

Robinson listed Arkadie and Flowers as possible true freshmen contributors.

Arkadie, who has been working with the second unit, said if the quarterbacks hadbeen fair game he might have posted a couple of sacks in a recent scrimmage. The 6-4 Arkadie, from Irving, Texas, has added nearly 40 pounds since he signed with the Hogs and is now over 270 pounds and ready to help.

Petrino said Flowers’ endof-summer testing “was off the charts for his position.”

The NCAA’s decision to allow freshmen to enter school in the summer before their first season, Petrino said, has been a huge benefit to working toward early playing time.

“It used to be where you just brought them in that first practice in August and there’d be about a two-week period where they’d be out of their element, out of their comfort zone,” Petrino said.

“But now they’re able to be around our players all summer long and after two weeks they’re like, ‘Oh, I think I can do this.’ After a month, they’re like, ‘Oh, I’m as good as these guys are,’ and they learn.”

Arkansas’ lengthy list of junior college players likely to see action includes the offensive linemen Peacock and Stringer, fullback Kiero Small, defensive lineman Robert Thomas, and linebackers Alonzo Highsmith and Robert Atiga.

Sports, Pages 21 on 08/27/2011

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