Byrne Not Surpried By Hogs Success

ROGERS — San Diego Chargers tight end Jake Byrne took time last Saturday to watch Arkansas defeat Louisiana-Lafayette 34-14.

Byrne had dual interests in the game.

After graduating from Rogers High, Byrne played his college football at Wisconsin for now-Razorbacks coach Bret Bielema. Byrne played tight end for the Mounties and he was in part attracted to Wisconsin because of Bielema’s physical style of play and by the number of former Badgers going on to the NFL.

Byrne also had a rooting interest in Louisiana as his younger brother, Nick, plays for the Ragin’ Canjuns.

“I definitely turned that on because my little brother is playing on some special teams,” Byrne said.

Byrne said he was not surprised to see the Razorbacks start the season with a convincing win in Bielema’s first game.

“It was kind of flash back of the things we did at Wisconsin,” Byrne said. “He has brought that same mentality of discipline and physical play to Arkansas. I think he will do a great job there. The thing I remember most is the discipline and hard work that he required. When I got there, they taught us to do everything the right way. The hard work and the discipline really helped.

“You can see that by all the guys in the NFL.”

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