By Robbie Neiswanger
Arkansas News Bureau • rneiswanger@arkansasnews.com
This is the first in a nine part, position-by-position series previewing the 2010 Razorbacks. Up next: Tight ends.
FAYETTEVILLE — Keeping up with Arkansas’ depth chart at linebacker been a challenge this preseason.
For example, there was this first-team group during portions of Monday’s practice: Ryan Powers, Matt Marshall and Freddy Burton. Then this one Wednesday: Nelson, Jermaine Love and Anthony Leon.
So what does all the shuffling mean? Not much, according to linebackers coach Reggie Johnson.
“I wouldn’t read a lot into whatever you see out here during the course of practice” Johnson said.
“Coach (Bobby) Petrino and (defensive coordinator Willy) Robinson, there is a method to their madness.”
Arkansas is keeping an open competition — and open mind — at linebacker as it inches closer to the Sept. 4 season opener. Different trios have been on the field daily, it seems, as Arkansas looks for answers to one of its biggest preseason questions.
Some of the movement, like Love’s absence during the early part of the week, is injury related. Some, like Leon’s move from safety to linebacker, is for purposes in specific packages. Either way, the Razorbacks are trying to piece together a unit capable of helping a defense expecting improvement.
“We’re always looking for guys to bring out the best in each other to see who wants to be on the field,” Johnson said. “And the next thing is, again, trying to find the right mix based on the personnel the offense is giving us, based on the mix of guys we need to get out there to match up better.”
The most intriguing battle is being held in the middle, where Love and Burton are fighting to replace departed senior Wendel Davis. Love has spent most of the preseason with the first-team group and, after playing a minor role on defense throughout his career, is getting one more chance to start.
So Love plans to make the most of it.
“I always been a guy that has been patient,” Love said. “Now since I’ve got the opportunity, now I’ve got to come out and do everything right.”
Burton is training at middle linebacker after working on the strongside spot last year. He piled up 54 tackles in seven starts and said there has been an adjustment to playing in the middle.
“It takes some getting used to,” Burton said. “But the longer I’ve been there, the more comfortable I get. It’s getting smoother and smoother each day.”
Preseason practices have made it clear that Burton, Love, Nelson and Jerry Franklin, who is on the Butkus Award watch list, will have a role with the defense in 2010. But who else can the Hogs count on?
The pool of candidates includes Ryan Powers and sophomores Austin Moss, Ross Rasner, Matt Marshall and Terrell Williams. Powers, a senior, is the most intriguing name after struggling to find the field the past two years. But he has made an impression.
“Sometimes I wasn’t coachable,” Powers said of his past. “Sometimes I just made a few mistakes.
“Now it’s coming down to my last year, my senior year and I just want to be out there on the field and I will do anything to be on the field.”
The Razorbacks weren’t completely satisfied with the linebacking corps after last Saturday’s scrimmage, prompting some changes. One of the biggest: Anthony Leon was moved from safety.
The 6-foot-4, 227-pound Leon is new at the position and isn’t ready to be an every-down player. But Arkansas is convinced he can help in certain areas.
“We’re going to do some things to take advantage of his cover ability,” Johnson said. “You put him on a tight end and, you know, you like that matchup. With some of the things people do with multiple receivers, you’re not afraid to put Leon out there in space.”
In the end, Arkansas will choose its starting linebackers and names like Franklin and Burton are likely candidates to on the field, according to Johnson. But there doesn’t appear to be a rush.
When asked if he could break down the depth chart earlier this week, Robinson said: “I think that’s pretty much the job of the head coach.”
“Oh sure there’s a timetable,” Johnson said about choosing Arkansas’ starters. “It’s coach Petrino’s timetable. Whenever he says, we’re going to set the depth this way, that’s obviously what you go by.”
A Closer Look At … LINEBACKERS
Best of the Bunch: Jerico Nelson — Jerry Franklin may be on the Butkus Award watch list, but Nelson has been equally impressive in his role with the defense the past two seasons. The linebacker/safety hybrid notched 74 tackles last season and has been a consistent force whose value is often overlooked.
Watch Out For: Anthony Leon — It will be interesting to see how much and where the Razorbacks lean on Leon. He probably won’t be an every-down linebacker, but may be able to help the Hogs in the passing game and certain formations. No doubt Leon has the size, strength and speed to run to the ball.
Biggest Strength: Arkansas has experience returning at the position with Franklin, Burton and Nelson back after logging loads of snaps the past two seasons. The veterans will be key to the unit, which does have some depth and youth concerns behind it.
Biggest Question: Depth. And, collectively, is the group capable of running, chasing, shaking blockers and tackling ball carriers. It was a problem at times last season and will be watched closely.
Projected Starters: Jerico Nelson, Jr., 74 tackles in 2009; Jermaine Love, Sr., two career last season; Jerry Franklin, Jr., team-high 94 tackles
Other Contributors: Freddy Burton, Sr.; Ryan Powers, Sr.; Anthony Leon, Sr.; Matt Marshall, So.; Ross Rasner, So.; Terrell Williams, So.; Austin Moss, So.
That Figures: 1 — Number of players who have led the Razorbacks in tackles in three consecutive seasons since 1960. Former Hog Mick Thomas accomplished the feat from 1989-91. Linebacker Jerry Franklin could add his name to the list this season.
Quotable: “I feel like the guys up front, the D-line, they’ve been keeping us clean. So we’ve been able to go out there and run to the ball. We’ve got athletes at linebacker. So as long as we go out there and run to the ball, and play error-free football we should be good.” — Burton on the group.
