Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

Arkansas has 17 players back with experience starting on offense or defense in 2009. That figures to make it difficult for first-year guys to get onto the field.

Razorbacks coach Bobby Petrino explained Wednesday night on “Bobby Petrino Live” what it takes for freshmen to crack the rotation this year.

1. Is the player physically ready?

“Now that they get to come here in the summer and get to go through all the physical conditioning, most of the time, they are physically ready to play. Maybe the exception is the offensive line. Most of the time it takes a little more to get ready as an offensive lineman."

2. Is the player mentally ready?

“Sometimes I’ve recruited a guy where I felt like he’d come in and play as a true freshmen. Then he gets there and all of a sudden he starts practices, the speed of the game is unbelievable. The playbook has went a little larger on him. The other side of the ball does a lot more. And there’s the fact the guy lining up next to him and the guy across from him was also the best player at high school, sometimes they get overwhelmed and it takes a little while to get used to all that. So they’re not able to mentally handle it that first year."

3. Is there a need to use the player?

“He might be physically ready. He might be mentally ready. But if we have three guys already at his spot on the depth chart, well, then you try to redshirt him.

4. Could the NFL come calling sooner rather than later?

“Unfortunately, the way it’s gone lately is there is also a fourth component you have to think about: Is he a ‘special’ player? Is he a very, very talented guy that might not be here for five years? They can come out and go to the NFL after three years. Sometimes you won’t redshirt them for that factor alone. You hope to keep them for all four.”

So who fits the criteria this year? What true freshmen players could likely see on Saturday against Tennessee Tech for whatever reason?

Defensively, don’t be surprised to see nose guard Byran Jones, end Chris Smith and cornerback Eric Bennett on the field. Linebacker Jarrett Lake is another possibility, though the bulk of his work might come on special teams.

Receivers Javontee Herndon, Julian Horton and Maudrecus Humphrey have all been impressive in camp. But if there’s a position where Arkansas is loaded with upperclassmen, it’s receiver.

Kicker Zach Hocker is still in the mix for kickoffs and field goals. He had been competing for time at punter as well.

Anybody we missed? Who do you like in this freshman class?