Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

Arkansas placed eight players on the All-SEC team chosen by the media. Included are three Razorbacks — running back Knile Davis, quarterback Tyler Wilson and wide receiver Cobi Hamilton — on the first team offense.

Once again it looks like the team could have one of the nation’s best offenses.

That’s the good news.

Not so good news? Arkansas had one player on defense picked to the first, second or third teams.

Linebacker Alonzo Highsmith was named to the second-team defense. He was the only Razorback on that side of the ball, though punter Dylan Breeding was named third-team.

Defensive struggles have been the primary issue for Arkansas the last four seasons. And last year when the Razorbacks faced teams that were loaded on defense — namely LSU and Alabama — the high-powered offense struggled.

Not surprisingly, the Tigers and Crimson Tide again enter the season with highly regarded defenses. LSU had four players picked to the first team and six total Alabama defensive players take six of the 33 defensive spots and two on the first-team.

LSU is picked to win the SEC West and the SEC. Alabama was picked second in the division and league. Arkansas was tabbed to finish third, but picked behind both South Carolina (four defensive picks) and Georgia (three) to win the SEC.

New defensive coordinator Paul Haynes said during the spring he wanted to change perception of the Arkansas defense. He wants the Razorbacks to score points and stop others from scoring.

“We’re not just going to be known for offense around here, anymore,” Haynes said. “We’re going to be known for toughness. We’re going to be known for defense. … That’s the bottom line.”

Arkansas has a chance to change the perspective. Entering the season, however, it’s clear the Razorbacks are still known primarily as a team that’s more offense than anything else.

Arkansas’ All-SEC Picks

First Team
QB Tyler Wilson
RB Knile Davis
WR Cobi Hamilton
AP Dennis Johnson

Second Team
TE Chris Gragg
OL Alvin Bailey
LB Alonzo Highsmith

Third Team
P Dylan Breeding