By Robbie Neiswanger
Arkansas News Bureau • rneiswanger@arkansasnews.com
HOOVER, Ala — Arkansas had plenty of options when it came to selecting a wide receiver to represent the program at Southeastern Conference Media Days.
Jarius Wright was the Razorbacks’ choice. But don’t ask him why he was picked over equally-talented teammates Greg Childs, Joe Adams or Cobi Hamilton.
“I don’t know who gave me the nod, but I’m glad they picked me,” said Wright, who was dressed in a black suit like Arkansas’ other two player representatives.
So the senior spent a good portion of his three hours in the Wynfrey Hotel fielding questions about the group of pass catchers widely considered one of the nation’s best. The four combined to catch 170 passes for 2,890 yards and 23 touchdowns last season, even though Childs missed five games with a knee injury.
Wright, Childs and Adams all earned spots on the coaches All-SEC team last week. Wright said the recognition is rewarding, considering it wasn’t long ago the foursome felt underappreciated nationally.
“It’s always nice to get your horn tooted every now and then,” Wright said. “We know we’ve been working hard. It’s finally good to hear a little chatter.”
The four — who will get some help from youngsters like Julian Horton and Marquel Wade as well — will be counted on to help ease Arkansas’ transition to a new starting quarterback. Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino said there’s no doubt having veteran receivers is a bonus for either Tyler Wilson or Brandon Mitchell.
“I think it will really help our new quarterback,” Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino said. “There have been years where in your offense you know who your No. 1 receiver is, your No. 2 receiver is. Sometimes, particularly when you’re inexperienced, you’ll try to force the ball into that guy.
“I think our quarterbacks understand that we’re very talented.”
Revamped Win Total?
Petrino was asked Wednesday if he considered 2010 as a 10- or 11-win season for the Razorbacks. The question was in reference to Ohio State’s decision to vacate its victories after the program’s NCAA troubles.
“It’s a 10-win season,” Petrino said. “We were 10-3. We had every chance in the world to win that game. We got beat on the field. … I don’t know a lot about giving up wins, what that means. But it has zero effect on our football team and how we go forward.”
Petrino’s stance was supported by his players, too.
“We lost against their best,” Arkansas running back Knile Davis said. “I wanted them to play. We lost. They won. I don’t think we should be credited with the win.”
Cover Boys
Quarterback Ryan Mallett was the only player on the cover of Arkansas’ 2010 media guide. It’s evident the Razorbacks tried a different approach for 2011.
Seven players don the cover of the 2011 guide, which was distributed at SEC Media Days Wednesday. The group includes an action shot of Davis, who is surrounded by photos of Wright, Childs and Adams, defensive end Jake Bequette, linebacker Jerry Franklin and safety Tramain Thomas.
In addition to the front cover, seven more Razorbacks are on the back. It includes: running backs Ronnie Wingo Jr. and Dennis Johnson, defensive end Tenarius Wright, linebacker Jerico Nelson, cornerback Isaac Madison, center Travis Swanson and guard Alvin Bailey.
No quarterbacks are on the cover of the 2011 guide.
Kickoff Times Set
The television schedule and kickoff times for Arkansas’ first three games are set after the Southeastern Conference announced the early-season portion of its schedule Wednesday.
Arkansas’ Sept. 3 opener against Missouri State will kick off at 6 p.m. and has been tabbed as a pay-per-view broadcast. The Sept. 10 game against New Mexico in Little Rock is set for a 6 p.m. kickoff and will be televised by ESPNU. The Troy game on Sept. 17 will kick off at 6:30 p.m. and will be televised by CSS.
Arkansas players will report for preseason practice on Aug. 3 and the first practice will be held Aug. 4. The first full pads practice is set for Aug. 8.
Happy Anniversary
Petrino opened his remarks at SEC Media Days with an interesting piece of information.
He and his wife, Becky, celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary Wednesday.
“The first thing I have to do is wish my wife Becky a happy anniversary,” Petrino said. “It doesn’t seem like that long ago when we were driving down the highway to go on our honeymoon singing, ‘Put me in, coach.’
“Got that out of the way, means I can get back in the house (Wednesday) night.”
