Hogs coach anticipates a better Allen

Arkansas quarterback Brandon Allen drops back to pass during the Red-White game Saturday, April 26, 2014 at Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville.

Arkansas quarterback Brandon Allen drops back to pass during the Red-White game Saturday, April 26, 2014 at Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville.

Thursday, July 24, 2014

FAYETTEVILLE -- Arkansas Coach Bret Bielema expects a "much improved" performance from quarterback Brandon Allen this fall based on feedback he's hearing from Razorback players this summer.

Bielema, speaking to a contingent of business leaders at the annual Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/NWA Media football kickoff luncheon Wednesday, said Allen's projected growth stems not just from his improved physical stature.

"Physically, he's a different player, but the greatest thing is what his teammates say about him," Bielema said, pointing out Allen's more authoritative command around teammates. "When our guys talk about B.A. right now, they talk about his voice in the huddle, his leadership skills, his demeanor in the non-coaching sessions when we can't be there, the way he just takes control of it."

Senior tackle Brey Cook said last week at SEC media days that he was proud of the leadership Allen has shown since the end of Arkansas' 3-9 season.

"Last year he was a little bit quiet, now he's emerging more onto the field," Cook said. "He's stepped up. He's the guy everyone looks up to now."

Bielema said it helps that Allen is healthy again.

"I just think the person you saw a year ago ... was maligned and just hurt," Bielema said. "The first five weeks of the SEC season he didn't practice during the course of the week. ... The part I know is he is now healthy, a more vibrant, more tuned-in player that has started 12 games ... and is going to be dramatically improved with Jim Chaney working with him."

Bielema made sure to add there was no quarterback controversy to open camp and that Brandon Allen was a clear choice over freshmen Austin Allen and Rafe Peavey.

The rest of Arkansas' backfield is well-stocked with running backs Jonathan Williams, Alex Collins and Korliss Marshall. Williams rushed for 900 yards as a sophomore starter last season, while Collins had 1,026 in his freshman year and Marshall added 146 yards (8.6 yards per carry on 17 attempts) while playing roughly half of his freshman season.

"The running back controversy is we have a 1A, 1B and a 1C," Bielema said.

The Razorbacks will wrap up their summer workout slate with their largest players holding an exhibition of maxes on the squat with camp attendees on hand at Reynolds Razorback Stadium on Thursday evening. The players have next week as a discretionary open week, with little or no organized team activities before reporting Aug. 4.

Bielema said he expected Arkansas' secondary, and particularly its cornerbacks, to be perhaps the most improved unit on the team with the influence of new defensive coordinator Robb Smith and defensive backs coach Clay Jennings.

Bielema also predicted that converted quarterback A.J. Derby, who worked at tight end for most of the spring, would be "one of the top story lines at Arkansas this year, and I hope in the SEC."

The Razorbacks open camp Aug. 5 and will have their first scrimmage in their fifth practice of the fall, Bielema said.

Arkansas will hold its Fan Day from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 17 at Walton Arena. The Razorbacks' sixth annual kickoff luncheon will be Aug. 22 at the Northwest Arkansas Convention Center in Springdale, with doors opening at 11:15 a.m. and the event beginning at noon.

Sports on 07/24/2014