[PiEp299]

The Razorbacks look to have a shaky year.

I went to Arkansas' spring practice. I'd say we probably have the best D-Line we've had in a loooong time this year, with some true freshman starters who weren't at the spring game. That's the bright spot on defense. The starting secondary will all be first time starters with probably a couple freshmen and JC players playing regularly who are coming in the fall. There are 2 returning starters at linebacker, who, along with the other depth already there and the newcomers in the fall could be a very strong group. I think Desmond Sims will be a stud at LB before he graduates and will finally get his chance this year.

On offense Matt Jones, better quarterback than Brad Smith at Mizzou (who is touted as a top Heisman contender) and proved it in the Independence Bowl last year. Problem is he is playing behind an entirely new O-Line with a total of 2 starts between them. But they are more talented than the group from the last few years that led the SEC in rushing. The Running Backs are more solid top to bottom than I can remember. Peyton Hillis being the top of these coming in the fall. The WR core is the best that's been there in a long time as well. All speedsters and athletes. Will open the offense more in the passing game, allowing Matt Jones to be even more dangerous.

The defense will be the strength of this team in my opinion.

But, with all the new players and freshman starters it will be up and down and lucky to finish .500 on the year with the schedule. Texass and Georgia at home, Florida and Auburn on the road. LSU in Little Rock the day after Thanksgiving, will be tough to stay undefeated here. Everyone else is much improved and it will be interesting to see how it plays out. I can't wait.

My alma mater doesn't have a football team, so, nothing to report there.