It’s time for Arkansas to take its turn at Southeastern Conference Media Days.

Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino, quarterback Ryan Mallett, tight end D.J. Williams and defensive end Jake Bequette will represent the Razorbacks this morning in the Wynfrey Hotel. Petrino is the first coach to take the stage at 8:30. Players will follow after his time with the print media ends.

Arkansas takes center stage this morning

Plenty of topics will surely be discussed. To give you a little primer, here are a few questions and issues to expect.

1. Is Arkansas comfortable in the spotlight?
The Razorbacks are a popular pick as the SEC’s darkhorse for 2010 thanks largely to quarterback Ryan Mallett and a high-powered offense that returns every significant weapon. But we all know it doesn’t equal success. Just ask Ole Miss. The Rebels crumbled under the expectations last season and finished 9-4 after being ranked in the top 20 in most preseason polls. So how poised will Arkansas’ representatives remain when patted on the back today?

2. Once again, how is Ryan Mallett’s foot?
Mallett and Arkansas tried to move past the topic with a teleconference last week, but something new will be on display here in Hoover: Mallett will be live and in person walking around the hotel. Will the quarterback be wearing a boot? Will he be boot free? Will he limp? Will he have no problem at all? Those questions could all be answered as he moves from room to room in the Wynfrey Hotel.

3. Has the agent issue snagged any Razorbacks?
Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino hasn’t been available to answer the question that has dominated conversation this week. Four SEC programs — Florida, Alabama, South Carolina and Georgia — have NCAA concerns because of players who may have received improper benefits from agents. It’s no surprise the Razorbacks have some talented players who are on the NFL radar? But did any of them accept something from someone they shouldn’t have? We may find out today.

4. Is Arkansas confident its defense will improve?
It’s no secret Arkansas must make improvements on defense if it has any hope of accomplishing its lofty preseason goals. The Razorbacks should be able to score enough points to win games most weeks, but can they stop anyone after struggling for two years? Akransas has said all offseason improvement is coming and will continue to mutter the message at SEC Media Days. The truth is, no one will really know until the Georgia game on Sept. 18.

5. Was WR Greg Childs snubbed once again?
Arkansas’ receivers were left off the list when the 2010 coaches’ All-SEC team was announced earlier this week. The most puzzling absence may have been junior Greg Childs, who caught 48 passes for 894 yards with seven touchdowns last season and ranked among the SEC’s best pass catches. The Razorbacks came to Childs’ defense last season when he was left off All-SEC teams after the strong year. What will Bobby Petrino, Ryan Mallett and D.J. Williams say today?

6. What kind of kicking competition is in store?
Petrino has been disappointed with his kicking game for two years. He wants improvement this preseason and could get it thanks to the addition of a handful of newcomers. Freshmen Eduardo Camara and Zach Hocker are on campus and ready to challenge struggling senior Alex Tejada for the place-kicking job. Hocker is also expected to challenge sophomore Dylan Breeding for the punting position. How does Arkansas see the competition shaking out this summer?

7. Which freshmen are likely to make an impact?
Petrino isn’t expecting as many freshmen on the field as his first two seasons with the Razorbacks. Of Arkansas’ 25-member signing class (24 of those newcomers are on the media guide roster), which ones is he expecting to play and contribute the most in 2010? Positions like running back, quarterback and defensive back appear to be loaded with enough depth to survive without newcomers. The defensive line, linebacker and maybe even receiver could use some help. So who will likely chip in?

8. Any suspensions for players arrested in offseason?
Offensive lineman Anthony Oden and fullback Van Stumon were both arrested for alcohol related offenses earlier this summer in less than a month. Petrino said through the Razorbacks’ media relations department that he was disappointed with each arrest and would handle the punishments internally. Was either arrest enough for Petrino to suspend them for at least one game this season?

Get frequent updates from Robbie Neiswanger throughout the day at SEC Media Days by following him on Twitter (@NWARobbie)