Arkansas Football: 5 most important players for 2018 season

After yet another disappointing season, Arkansas football turns to a new head coach and a few seasoned players to turn things around in 2018.

The Arkansas Razorbacks are nowhere close to be considered part of the SEC elite. They have struggled mightily in recent years and as a result, head coach Bret Bielema was sent packing. Enter Chad Morris, the former head coach of the SMU Mustangs. Are they set for a program change of epic proportions or will Morris just be another failure at the helm?

A big part of answering that question lies in the players that have been on the roster for a season or two. It will be important for the new coaching staff to rely on these experienced players as they enter the 2018 season.

Let’s meet a couple of these important players.

When looking at a less than productive Arkansas defense, junior McTelvin Agim does stand out. He hasn’t had eye popping numbers like some defensive ends across the SEC. However, he has been a strong and efficient leader for the Razorbacks in his two seasons on campus. Now under the direction of defensive coordinator John Chavis, he has every opportunity to improve by leaps and bounds for the 2018 season.

So far in his two seasons at Arkansas, he has totaled five sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss. He also totaled 37 tackles on the year in addition to forcing two fumbles.

Need a reminder of how good Chavis can be when it comes to the coaching of defensive ends? Look no further than Myles Garrett, the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2017. He was a star at Texas A&M under Chavis and Agim surely will be, too.