And the newbies took to the practice field right on time. 3 P.M. There wasn't a lot of milling around. They hopped to it. And … by golly … they looked good. The only fat on display at Reynolds was amongst the fans that came to watch and a few coaches and assistants I observed.

 

The first hour of practice was mostly reserved for newcomers. And what a fine crop they are. There were some big ole boys out there. Right off the bat some of them just stood out – they are bigger … taller … and presumably stronger. 

 

Dang … number 75 – Matt Hall – 6'9” and 328. He may lack experience … but I bet he can fill a hole if need be. Any hole. In fact … I think from the way he moved that big ole frame around like a deer or antelope … that maybe Petrino should make Broderick Green workout with Hall for the refrigerator Perry position. Honestly … Hall and Green have similar physiques and that saying something for both young men. Hall is a RS freshman out of Russellville.

 

Speaking of Green. He looks good too. The hogs will be a better team with him on board. It's super duper that the NCAA gave him permission to play this season. There is no doubt that when we need to pick up a few yards stacked against a SEC defensive line, Green's got a better shot at pounding it in than Michael Smith. When he gets his momentum going it's going to take more than one fellow to take him down. I wonder if he can catch the ball. Honestly … he's so big and strong he could play tight end. No wonder USC wanted him. Look for 29 to be contributing.

 

Another big ole boy that stood out was Neal Barlow. Number 83 looked like Anthony Lucus out there. Tall … tall boy … and … he is no string bean. He doesn't look like he belongs to the basketball program – though he might should think about it. He really looked like a bull gazelle out there. Long, yard eating strides. DB's are going to have trouble knocking the ball out of his hands.   There aren't that many who can jump that high.

 

Well … that may not be completely true. We have two new Defensive Backs out there. Number 1, Anthony Leon, and 38, Jerry Mitchell (freshman from Mandeville, LA) are head and shoulder taller than the other DB's.

 

Leon's a junior college transfer. At 6'4” himself, he can reach up and snatch a pass from any unsuspecting receiver. Mitchell at 6'7” isn't going to be beat high either. My bet is that Leon will make a difference this season. Our pass defense will be better this year. No doubt. And … by golly … it won't be a complete surprise after seeing these two on the field.

 

 

The other fellow that just couldn't be missed on the field is number 91, Jake Bequette. At 6'5” and 271 pounds, he looks like he is the perfect defensive end candidate. No wonder everybody has been talking about this freshman from Little Rock (catholic). He continued to look good after the returning Razorbacks roared out onto the field at 4 P.M.

 

 

Bobby … as of right now … I think you done good. The hogs have some newbies who will see playing time this fall.

 

The folks who under estimate the Hogs this year are in for a rude awakening.

 

Note: There's a new site coming. It's developing as we speak. You can check out the construction site at thehogboard.com -- bring your hard hat.