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Arkansas Football: What’s the ceiling for Razorbacks in 2018?

By Andrew Miller

FAYETTEVILLE, AR - SEPTEMBER 30: Deywah Whaley #21 of the Arkansas Razorbacks runs the ball up the middle during a game against the New Mexico State Aggies at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Aggies 42-24. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, AR - SEPTEMBER 30: Deywah Whaley #21 of the Arkansas Razorbacks runs the ball up the middle during a game against the New Mexico State Aggies at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Aggies 42-24. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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TUSCALOOSA, AL – OCTOBER 14: Calvin Ridley #3 of the Alabama Crimson Tide pulls in this reception against Santos Ramirez #9 of the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, AL – OCTOBER 14: Calvin Ridley #3 of the Alabama Crimson Tide pulls in this reception against Santos Ramirez #9 of the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Defensive Outlook

The defensive side of the ball requires much closer examination during the off-season than does the offense. Arkansas was horrendous on defense for much of the 2017 season. They gave up a ton of yards, and eliminated any progress the offense made in most matchups in conference play.

Another piece of bad news for the Hogs is that they lose a ton of players in the secondary. Henre’ Toliver, Josh Liddell, and Kevin Richardson are all out of eligibility following the 2017 season. On the other hand, at least the Hogs bring back most starters at the other levels of the defense.

Arkansas has a few intriguing names to watch among the linebackers and along the defensive line in 2018. Rising senior weak side linebacker Dre Greenlaw was second on the team in total tackles last year, and is the most experienced returning at his position group. Rising junior middle linebacker De’Jon Harris led the team in total tackles last season, and is another player that needs to come up big again.

Possibly the two most important players to round out the defense for the Hogs in 2018 are rising junior defensive end McTelvin Agim and rising senior safety Santos Ramirez. Aim hasn’t quite reached his potential at the college level yet and Ramirez led the defensive backs last season and will be entrusted with the same role this year. The pieces are in place for the defense to get much better, it’s just all about execution now.

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