AU FOOTBALL 2008: Petrino takes over for inexperienced Hogs

Arkansas football fans have already endured a tumultuous offseason this year.

So what else is new?

As usual, the Razorbacks’ football program was surrounded by questions, controversy and more than its share of suspense, an annual offseason tradition in the Natural State. There was one unusual twist: Thus year, the usual offseason shenanigans actually started before the offseason did.

Former head coach Houston Nutt’s Nov. 26 resignation — and his Nov. 27 introduction as the new coach at Western Division rival Ole Miss — started the Arkansas rumor mill spinning.

The Razorbacks’ opening produced a flurry of rumors, including a few regarding Auburn head coach Tommy Tuberville and at least one concerning then-AU defensive coordinator Will Muschamp.

Of course, neither ended up in Fayetteville, Ark. But it’s nonetheless safe to say the Razorbacks made a splash with their hire.

New head coach Bobby Petrino — recently head coach of the Atlanta Falcons and Louisville and formerly offensive coordinator at Auburn — begins his first season at the helm in Fayetteville. Petrino’s departures from Atlanta and Louisville — and his flirtation with Auburn officials in 2003 — drew their share of bad press, a topic that is sure to loom over the Razorbacks all season.

Most Arkansas fans, of course, aren’t concerned with Petrino’s past. They’re steadfastly focused on the future. And while no one disputes Petrino’s coaching skills, he has a tall task this season.

All-America running backs Darren McFadden and Felix Jones are gone; both were first-round picks in April’s NFL draft. McFadden’s accomplishments at Arkansas are well known: He was Heisman Trophy runner-up in each of the last two seasons and was also a two-time All-America and a two-time winner of the Doak Walker Award as the nation’s top running back.

Their likely replacements have had plenty of time to prepare for this opportunity.

Juniors Michael Smith and Brandon Barnett signed with Arkansas in 2005 — the same year as two big-time recruits named McFadden and Jones. Barnett spent his first two seasons in junior college; Smith redshirted as a true freshman and totaled 550 yards over the next two years.

This season, the two veterans will get the first chance at filling McFadden’s and Jones’ considerable shoes. If Smith and Bennett aren’t up to it, 2008 signees De’Anthony Curtis and Dennis Johnson will get a crack at the jobs.

Quarterback Casey Dick is back for his senior season, but after three inconsistent years, expectations aren’t high.

Optimists hope Petrino can coax an outstanding season from Dick. Pessimists are already looking at junior Alex Mortensen, redshirt freshman Nathan Dick — Casey’s younger brother — and true freshmen Tyler Wilson and Jim Youngblood

Whoever ends up at quarterback will have plenty of receiving options in Petrino’s pass-heavy offense. Experience is another story.

Five of last season’s top six receivers are gone; the top returner, tight end Andrew Davie, had 14 catches in 2007 and is now a second-teamer.

Junior wideout London Crawford and sophomores Marques Wade and Carlton Salters finished spring practice as the starters; the trio combined for 12 catches last season. Veterans Lucas Miller, Rod Coleman and Reggie Fish — 22 catches combined in ’07 — provide depth.

The offensive line should be a strength: Center Jonathan Luigs is back after winning the 2007 Rimington Award as the nation’s top center.

Luigs is one of three returning starters up front, joining right tackle Jose Valdez and left guard Mitch Petrus. The other two jobs are up for grabs, though sophomore Ray Dominguez is the favorite at left tackle and sophomore DeMarcus Love has the edge at right guard.

Defensively, Arkansas must find replacements for seven departed starters, including linebacker Freddie Fairchild, who was kicked off the team earlier this month. End Adrian Davis and noseguard Ernest Mitchell, last year’s top pass-rushers, are back on the defensive line. Junior Malcolm Sheppard could emerge as a star at D-tackle this season.

Besides Davis, the Hogs are short of star power at end, where they’ll rely on redshirt freshman Jake Bequette and senior Antwain Robinson to give Davis some support.

Fairchild’s departure leaves the Razorbacks without a returning starter at linebacker. Senior Elston Forte moved from weakside linebacker to edge sophomore Freddy Burton the strongside this spring. Forte is experienced, but Burton will push him all season.

Arkansas is likely to start the season with redshirt freshman Jerry Franklin at middle linebacker. At 6-foot-2, 229 pounds, Franklin is a big hitter, but he’ll need time to handle the position mentally.

Sophomore Ryan Powers replaces Forte at the weakside. Powers started two games last season.

The secondary features some talent: Cornerback Jerell Norton led the team with five interceptions last year, and junior safety Rashaad Johnson had 53 tackles. But career reserve Jamar Love will be counted on to start at the other corner spot, and former special-teamer Dallas Washington is the other starting safety.

cmickle@oanow.com | 737-2561