DEFENSIVE BACKS
Arkansas safety Tramain Thomas gave the Razorbacks a preview of what could be during the Liberty Bowl.
The sophomore — filling in for suspended senior Matt Harris — stepped in front of a errant pass in the second half and returned it for a touchdown. It was the first time Arkansas reached the end zone in a sluggish game, tying the score at 10-10 en route to an overtime win.
It also was the type of big play Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino and the rest of the Razorbacks are expecting next season. And not just from Thomas. The Hogs — who had their share of struggles when teams threw the deep ball in 2009 — are counting on a marked improvement at the safety positions as they prepare for 2010 this spring.
Thomas is obviously a big part of the equation. The junior steps into a starting role after spending much of 2009 as a reserve. He is penciled into the first-team spot at strong safety ahead of last year’s starter Elton Ford.
“He has shown that he wants to take over and help us with leadership,” Petrino said. “So I think that will help. …
“I think his confidence is at an all-time high.”
Arkansas is also counting on continued improvement at cornerback, where returning players Ramon Broadway, Rudell Crim, Darius Winston and Andru Stewart will fight for playing time this spring. Broadway and Crim held down starting roles last season and will open the spring in first-team spots, but competition is expected.
And, oh yeah, the Hogs’ best cover corner entering 2009 — Isaac Madison — is also back after missing the entire season with a knee injury. Petrino believes his addition will be big for a group that must be much improved.
“It’s huge to have Isaac coming back,” Petrino said. “He’s a guy that played almost every snap at corner two years ago for us. And he’s very confident, great leader.”
Key Returners
• S Elton Ford (65 tackles, 1 fumble recovery)
• CB Ramon Broadway (55 tackles, 3 fumble recoveries)
• CB Rudell Crim (43 tackles, 4 PBU’s)
• S Tramain Thomas (32 tackles, 3 interceptions)
Key Departures
• S Matt Harris (71 tackles, 1 interception)
• CB Jerell Norton (14 tackles, 2 interceptions)
Spring Depth Chart
• CB — Ramon Broadway (Sr.), Andru Stewart (Sr.)
• CB — Rudell Crim (Sr.), Darius Winston (So.), Isaac Madison (Jr.)
• SS — Tramain Thomas (Jr.), Elton Ford (Jr.)
• FS — Anthony Leon (Sr.), Jerry Mitchell (Fr.)
Watch Out For … S Anthony Leon
Leon didn’t exactly fit the instant impact label Arkansas fans were expecting when the 6-foot-4, 227-pound athlete arrived on campus shortly before preseason drills last summer. It’s no secret he had a tough time in his first season, struggling because of minor injuries and on-the-field mistakes that limited his productivity on game day.
But Petrino believes Leon has “adjusted to the program” and is ready to step into an important role. He will line up at free safety in place of departed senior Matt Harris and will get an opportunity to land a starting job.
“Usually you see a junior college player his second year make huge strides,” Petrino said. “I think we’ll see that form Anthony Leon. His confidence level is at an all-time high because of what he’s done in the weight room.
“He’s never pushed weight around like he’s doing now.”
Bobby Petrino On … CB Darius Winston
“He’s taken giant strides,” Petrino said. “His attitude, first and foremost has been great. He’s been very motivated. He’s another guy that when you talk about has improved in the weight room and his speed. He ran under 4.4 the other day. He’s very focused and spends extra time in the meeting room with (defensive coordinator Willy Robinson). He watches video on his own. I mean, I think he has a chance to really get out there and compete and really try to win a position in spring ball.”
Coming Sunday: A look at Arkansas’ tight ends
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
