Arkansas’ contingent here at Southeastern Conference Media Days has jumped on the elevator and disappeared, a sign their stay here in the Wynfrey Hotel is over.
It has been a long day for the Razorbacks, too. Coming to Hoover to meet with the media is not exactly a piece of cake. Defensive end Jake Bequette told us he had a 4 a.m. wake-up call and he was supposed to be at the airport at 6. Meet with the media for three hours beginning at 8:30 a.m. and then go home.
But in that time, we learned plenty about the Razorbacks as they inch closer to the start of preseason practice.
I’ll be working on the bulk of that material throughout the day. But here are some of the highlights, news and notes:
• Agent chatter — Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino chimed in on the hot topic of the week: The Razorbacks have had no NCAA inquiries or incidents regarding agents and improper benefits given to his players. He believes Arkansas has done a good job of educating players about NCAA rules and has brought in outside help to talk to them. Players spent plenty of time talking about the issue as well today. Ryan Mallett said he won’t even take phone calls from agents, telling them he’ll talk when he decides he’s going to the NFL. D.J. Williams said agents have contacted his mother and he has heard about parties similar to the South Beach one that has gotten players in hot water. It’s an issue grabbing headlines across the country, but Arkansas athletic director Jeff Long remains hopeful Razorback players continue making good decision.
• Embracing expectations – Petrino spoke plenty about Arkansas “embracing” the expectations that are being laid on them this preseason. The Razorbacks are regarded as a team on the rise this season largely because of Mallett, but Petrino doesn’t want Arkansas to shy away from it. He said it’s a good sign that Arkansas finished the season well and has good players returning, something they should be taking advantage of. When asked if he has referenced Ole Miss’ struggles in a similar situation, Petrino says no. The only thing the Razorbacks are concerned about is what they do with the opportunity in front of them this season.
• Mallett’s foot remains popular – Ryan Mallett was not wearing a boot, not riding a scooter and not noticeably limping Thursday. Petrino said Mallett should be “100 percent” and ready to go when preseason practice begins. Mallett opened his remarks to each media room by saying his foot is fine and he has started jogging. He’s not running in conditioning drills and it sounds like he won’t until preseason practice begins. But he has been swimming and joked he’s ready for the 2014 Olympics. Mallett’s foot remained a hot topic and TE D.J. Williams even said Mallett has the most famous left foot in the country. Mallett said it has been a long summer because of the questions.
• Mallett meets Slive – Want to know how big Ryan Mallett is in the SEC? SEC commissioner Mike Slive made sure to find Mallett and speak to him for a few minutes Thursday afternoon. I was standing in the hallway when they met and did catch Slive telling Mallett he was glad to see the quarterback back at school this season. I didn’t listen in to the entire conversation, but Mallett and Slive spoke for a few minutes before he was whisked away to the next interview room.
• Player departures – Bobby Petrino did confirm that his son, Nick, is no longer playing football. He said Nick – who got plenty of reps at quarterback in the spring – has decided to concentrate on a coaching career. No word on if Nick Petrino has gotten a coaching opportunity already. In addition, Petrino confirmed that FB Mitchell Bailey has left the program. And one player I forgot to mention in my media guide posts – WR Neal Barlow is no longer with the team.
• No decision on punishments – I asked Petrino if he had made any decision on whether he would suspend OT Anthony Oden and FB Van Stumon for a game or games this season because of their offseason arrests. His response: “I’m still in the process of working through it.”
• Still working on freshmen class – Petrino wouldn’t mention any names, but said Arkansas continues to work on the eligibility status of some members of its incoming class. We already know DT Calvin Barnett is going to a junior college. But there may be more that don’t make it to school this fall. We’ll keep you updated.
• Mallett on Media Guide – Petrino, who is big on the team concept, was asked about the decision to put Mallett alone on the cover of the media guide. Petrino joked that the No. 1 goal this year was that he wasn’t on the cover and added Mallett is “much better looking.” Mallett was asked about it as well and said he would have rather had some teammates on it with him. He was shown the guide in one of the TV interview rooms and said it was the first time he had seen it.
• Arkansas’ receivers might be upset – Petrino was asked if he was surprised none of his wideouts were named to the coaches’ All-SEC team on Thursday. He was, but said the group will use it as motivation. In fact, he said they will “take it personal.” Arkansas has four talented receivers in Greg Childs, Jarius Wright, Joe Adams and Cobi Hamilton, but Petrino said the Hogs will be looking for depth at the position this preseason. Four freshmen wideouts will have a chance to impress.
• Bequette impressed with freshmen – Bequette was asked for his thoughts on the freshmen Thursday and said he has been impressed by defensive end Chris Smith in particular. Bequette said Smith will line up opposite him, but added that the newcomer watched him play last season and said he has a “curious” and “open mind.”
• Franklin will remain at WLB – Arkansas has some sorting out to do at linebacker, but Petrino said he wants to keep leading return tackler Jerry Franklin at the weakside spot. Franklin has made middle linebacker in his career and was spending some time there in the spring, but doesn’t want him there in the fall. Jermaine Love becomes the most experienced player at middle linebacker. It should be interesting to see if he holds down the starting spot throughout the preseason.
Get frequent updates from Robbie Neiswanger throughout the day at SEC Media Days by following him on Twitter (@NWARobbie)
