Arkansas Head Coach Bret Bielema enters his third season with the Razorbacks after going 7-6 in 2014.
Bielema is hoping the Razorbacks are on a similar path to success in the Southeastern Conference just like he had while at Wisconsin.
“There’s a learning curve there that’s beyond football,” Bielema said during the recent SEC Media Days. “We went 3-9, 7-6. I don’t plan on going backwards, only forwards. But on the same account, I’m not going to skip a step to get somewhere that I’m going to have to come back and fix. I would much rather build it the right way the first time.”
“After we went 7-6 on my last stop, we went on to win ten games every year, three straight championships, and had a lot of success. I see a lot of the same things coming for us here, but the bottom line is you’ve got to make them happen.”
Jonathan Williams
If those things happen, the Razorbacks feel they can become a factor in the SEC West Division.
“We were definitely close,” said senior running back Jonathan Williams said. “One of the things we’re really focusing on is finishing games. Throughout summer workouts and practices we will get together and talk about how that was our area of weakness and we’re working day in and day out to do the little things right and be able to finish those games and those situations.”
Williams, who gained 1,190 yards with 12 touchdowns to earn All-SEC Second Team honors, is one of two running backs to reach the 1,000-yard plateau a year ago. Junior Alex Collins is the other as he rushed for 1,100 yards and a dozen scores.
“There were two big reasons I decided to return to school,” Williams said. “Graduating from school was definitely a big part of my decision to come back. I also saw the potential on this football team, and I really wanted to be a part of it.”
There are nine starters back for Arkansas on offense with senior quarterback Brandon Allen leading the way.
Brandon Allen
“It’s very exciting for me,” Allen said. “Starting with our big offensive line, we did a little bit of shifting up front. They work so well together. I am really excited for them. Our two running backs are back. They are going to do a lot of special things for us this season.”
Senior Keon Hatcher is the top receiver back with 43 catches for 558 yards and six touchdowns. All-SEC Second Team performer at tight end Henry Hunter had 37 grabs for 513 yards and a pair of scores.
“I am excited for the play-makers that are surrounding me that make my job easier,” Allen said.
Defensively, there are six starters returning led by junior Brooks Ellis.
“I am very excited about our defense,” Bielema said. “I think they can be a very special group.”
Arkansas has three games before starting conference play. The Razorbacks entertain Texas-El Paso on Sept. 5. They travel to Little Rock to face Toledo on Sept. 12, before retuning home to meet Texas Tech on Sept. 19.
The Razorbacks square off with SEC foe Texas A&M in Arlington on Sept. 26.
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