Razorbacks
Class Analysis:
Coach Bielema and his staff has put together a solid group with a lot of potential, with the top recruit being Bijhon Jackson.
Knowing Bielema from his days at Wisconsin, we all know that he wants to have a run heavy offense. Right now, he is comfortable with his runningbacks Alex Collins and Johnathan Williams, but the offensive line needed more depth and talent to help implement Bielema’s plan. Watching them last season, it was obvious that the Razorbacks are in dire need of receivers, which were accounted for in this class.
Defensively Arkansas was better than its offense, but they lost some key players like Chris Smith and Eric Bennett. To replace them, the Razorbacks brought in Bijhon Jackson, as well as four new safties to help build depth in the defensive backfield.
Another key to this class is replacing kicker Zach Hocker, who was an accurate kicker for Arkansas last year. In order to help replace his production, the Razorbacks recruited kicker Cole Hedlund from Argyle, TX.
Top Impact
Recruits:
This might be a bit controversial, but for the impact recruit on the offense, I’m picking quarterback Rafe Peavey. Now I don’t think that Peavey will unseat Brandon Allen or A.J. Derby, but he will push the two for playing time, and could see the field if he performs well this spring and in fall practice. The former Under Armour All-American might not have the prototypical size for a pro-style QB, but he does possess a good bit of quickness. Considering how troublesome the passing game was for Arkansas last year, Rafe can use his accurate passing to help make his case for early time.
The defensive star will be Bijhon Jackson. The guy is a monster, with a tremendous frame, but also a level of quickness off the line to make him an absolute wrecking ball. He can excel at both run stopping and pass rushing, due to the factors mentioned earlier. By the end of the season, Jackson will more than likely make the SEC All-Freshman Team.
Underrated:
Kendrick Edwards gets the nod here. At 6ft 6in, he provides whoever is passing the ball an enormous target. He will need to add some bulk to become a more complete receiver, but with his athleticism, it will be difficult for Bielema to keep this guy off the field.
*Video Courtesy Hudl & SEC Recruiting