LINEBACKERS
Arkansas had a solid rotation at linebacker when Jerry Franklin, Wendel Davis, Jerico Nelson and Freddy Burton manned the starting jobs in 2009. When the Razorbacks wanted to go the conventional, three-linebacker route, Franklin, Davis and Burton were on the field. When they needed more speed and man-to-man cover skills (especially against spread offenses), they turned to the combination of Davis, Franklin and Nelson.
The good news for Arkansas is that three of those four linebackers — who finished first, second, third and sixth on the team in tackles — are back next season. But it’s no secret the Razorbacks remain concerned about their depth this spring.
Developing linebackers to help Franklin, Burton and Nelson will be one of Arkansas’ defensive goals this spring. The Razorbacks know what they have in their returning starters, but need to find out who they can count on next fall.
Bret Harris (junior), Austin Moss (sophomore), Terrell Williams (sophomore) are all younger players who will get ample opportunities to prove they’re ready for larger roles next season. The same can be said for seniors Jermaine Love and Ryan Powers. Neither has produced much for the defense during their careers, but Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino said they must help.
Key Returners
• Jerry Franklin (94 tackles, 3 INTs)
• Freddy Burton (54 tackles, 2 sacks)
• Jerico Nelson (74 tackles, 6.5 TFL)
Key Departures
• Wendel Davis (79 tackles, 8.5 TFL)
• Jelani Smith (3 tackles)
Spring Depth Chart
• OLB — Jerry Franklin, Freddy Burton
• MLB — Jermaine Love, Terrell Williams, Austin Moss
• OLB — Jerico Nelson, Bret Harris
Watch Out For … Senior Jermaine Love
Jermaine Love has been part of the program for three years, but played in three games and had two tackles in 2009. So Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino believes it’s time the senior takes a stand and proves he’s ready for a starting job.
Love has been penciled in as Arkansas’ starting middle linebacker this spring and if he performs, could be an answer to the Razorbacks’ question at the position. Wendel Davis, although suspended for his final game, was an important part of the defense last season and the Hogs need to find a suitable replacement if they hope to improve defensively.
“Jermaine Love is a guy we need him to step up and be a player now,” Petrino said. “It’s time for that. He’s off the charts in all the testing: strength, speed, quickness.
“He’s not the tallest guy we have at linebacker. He’s one of the strongest and fastest guys out there. He’s a really willing hitter. He likes contact. We’re going to give him a really good look in the spring.”
Bobby Petrino On … Junior Bret Harris
“Bret Harris has had as good an offseason as anybody. His strength, the weight that he’s gained and his speed continues to go down. He was productive in the games last year whenever he was in there. He needs to get form being a part-time player and a role player, I guess you’d say to a full-time player an he’d really help us. He made the move a year ago from safety down to linebacker. Sometimes there is an adjustment period. I think we need him to stand up and really help us there.”
Coming Friday: A look at Arkansas’ offensive line
Make sure to follow me on Twitter (@NWARobbie) and here on the Hog Blog for all kinds of news and notes from spring football when practice begins on March 30. I’ll also have daily stories from spring practice that will appear on the Arkansas News Bureau Web site at ArkansasNews.com
