Hogs defense ready to make opening statement

Arkansas defensive coordinator Paul Haynes said he wants to see if his young defense can mature in tonight’s game against Jacksonville (Ala.) State.
Arkansas defensive coordinator Paul Haynes said he wants to see if his young defense can mature in tonight’s game against Jacksonville (Ala.) State.

— When SEC coaches announced their three-deep all-conference teams in July, Arkansas was represented by seven players on offense, led by quarterback Tyler Wilson, running back Knile Davis and receiver Cobi Hamilton.

Coaches weren’t as high on the Razorbacks’ defense, represent only by senior linebacker Alonzo Highsmith, a second-team pick.

“From a defensive standpoint, we haven’t made a statement for ourselves, we haven’t made a big name for ourselves nationally or in the SEC,” senior linebacker Tenarius Wright said. “We have to come out and take our first step to becoming a great defense.”

Defensive players hope to start changing the perception that Arkansas isn’t a big-time team on both sides of the ball when the 10th-ranked Razorbacks open the season tonight against Jacksonville State.

Sophomore end Trey Flowers said the defense has “a chip on our shoulder” to start the season.

“We know the offense is good,” Flowers said. “We think we’ve got something to prove out here. We’re really looking forward to bringing it on the field, that swagger about us that we’re a good defense.”

Wilson brought up the defense when asked about it being a relatively uneventful preseason from a breaking news standpoint.

“There weren’t any big stories to write during fall camp, other than the defense had some good scrimmages,” Wilson said. “That’s exciting.”

Defensive coordinator Paul Haynes made his Arkansas debut in the Cotton Bowl, when a month after being hired from Ohio State he helped the Razorbacks beat Kansas State 29-16. The Razorbacks held the Wildcats to 2.2 yards per rushing attempt and had 11 tackles for lost yardage, including 7 sacks.

But some of Arkansas’ big-play defenders from the Cotton Bowl are gone, notably end Jake Bequette and linebackers Jerry Franklin and Jerico Nelson, so there will be a different vibe for Haynes’ group tonight.

“We’ve got a young defense, so I want to see where we are, how mature we are,” Haynes said. “There is going to be some adversity, and we have to see where our leadership is, make sure we can adjust and move forward.”

Linebackers coach Taver Johnson followed Haynes from Ohio State to Arkansas, but he didn’t join the Razorbacks’ staff until a week after the Cotton Bowl.

Haynes and Johnson coached together for five years at Ohio State, so they know each other’s game-day style well. While Haynes will make defensive calls from the press box, Johnson’s intensity will be evident on the sideline.

“I’m used to him,” Haynes said when asked about Johnson’s fiery personality during practice. “I just kind of let him go. Hey, he’s not even close to right before the game. That will be a treat for you guys.”

Johnson said he’s “just like any fired-up coach” for a game.

“Game day is what you live for,” Johnson said. “I’ve lived for it ever since I was in the sixth grade.

“Coach Haynes, he gets a little crazy, too. Don’t let him fool you.”

Haynes has talked repeatedly about using a scheme that will allow the Razorbacks to play fast and run to the ball.

“He always says it’s simple, but simple is not easy,” junior end Chris Smith said. “People saw in the bowl game how things changed and how we looked different as a defense.

“Even in the spring and in camp we made a turnaround, and we’re just going to keep going forward.”

Sports, Pages 25 on 09/01/2012

Upcoming Events