Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

News and notes from Arkansas football media day …

I. Embrace The Challenge
Any opportunity they get, Arkansas players talk about competing for SEC and BCS titles. They think this can be a big year and believe it only natural to continue an upward trend in victory totals.

Some members of the team’s senior class were around for a 5-7 season. They saw the victories jump to eight, then 10 and 11 last season.

Improving that is the goal of players and coaches. Is it a bit too much pressure to put on themselves?

Not at all Coach John L. Smith said.

“You want them to embrace that,” Smith said. “You don’t want them to embrace that ‘Hey, let’s finish fifth in the league.’ You want to embrace the goal that we’re going to be the best. Is it pressure? I don’t see it as that way. We dream about it. We’re striving for it.”

II. Razorback Rose
Tyler Wilson’s maturity has been a much discussed subject this offseason. It’s been a popular topic for talk radio shows, writers and fans.

There seems to be a consensus that Wilson is carrying himself like a pro. He’s a fifth-year senior and potential first-round NFL draft pick who has grown a lot since entering the program in 2007.

Asked about how he’s seen Wilson mature, Smith described it as only Smith can.

“I hate to use the word, but he’s like a little rose,” Smith said. “He’s a pretty little flower that’s starting to blossom.”

Wilson was an All-SEC preseason pick after ending the year as the league’s top quarterback. He threw for 3,638 yards and 24 touchdowns with only six interceptions.

III. Not Going To Make It
Linebacker Vin Ascolese will not be with the Razorbacks this season. He was unable to get through the NCAA Clearinghouse, which handles eligibility issues for players entering college.

“He will not make it. No," Smith said when asked on the status of Ascolese, a Parade All-American.

Speaking Out
“Like I try to tell the staff all the time — if they don’t know that we care about them, then they don’t care. They better know that we love them. They better know that we care about them and a lot of times that comes with a kick in the tail. And they have to feel that love come through their tail.”
— John L. Smith on his approach to dealing with players