Monk makes debut, redshirt status in doubt
Marcus Monk was in the game for one play during No. 22 Auburn’s 9-7 victory over Arkansas on Saturday at Reynolds Razorback Stadium. But that means the chances the senior wide receiver receives a medical redshirt are decreasing by the day.
Monk made his 2007 debut on Arkansas’ first offensive series of the game Saturday. He blocked for Felix Jones, when the junior tailback ran five yards on a reverse. Monk, a 6-foot-6, 220-pound split end, had missed the first five games after suffering cartilage damage in his right knee during an Aug. 9 practice. Monk then underwent two arthroscopic surgeries before beginning a lengthy rehabilitation program.
Before the game, Monk’s return was uncertain. And right before the kickoff, he told the coaches he was good to go.
“In the pregame, it felt real good,” Monk said. “I was out there running. That pretty much made the decision for itself. I told the coaches if I was feeling all right I would go.”
Razorbacks coach Houston Nutt realized the consequences of his decision when he gave Monk the green light.
“This was the game. This is why I didn’t mind playing him,” Nutt said. “This was the halfway point. This is where we decide to redshirt him or let him play. I hope he plays.”
If Monk is only on the field for less than 20 percent of the Razorbacks’ season, he can still apply to the Southeastern Conference for a medical redshirt at the end of the year. But Monk said Saturday he has no intentions of prolonging his career at Arkansas for another year. When asked if he ever considered packing it in this year, Monk responded, “No.”
Before the injury, Monk was considered a legitimate pro prospect. Last year, he made 50 receptions for 962 yards and 11 touchdowns.
“My knee is getting better every week,” Monk said. “I feel no pain. I just got to keep it warm. Everything feels fine.”
OTHER NOTES
- The scoreless first half for the Razorbacks was their first since Oct. 11, 2003. That day, the Razorbacks played Auburn and lost 10-3. Arkansas didn’t win a single game that October.
- Arkansas avoided its first shutout since Nov. 18, 1995. That day, the Hogs lost 28-0 to LSU. The Razorbacks haven’t been held scoreless for 141 consecutive games.
- Auburn has won its last 15 games when it has worn white uniforms.
10 Responses to “Monk makes debut, redshirt status in doubt”
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I don’t blame Monk for not ever considering returning next year. With our Offensive Game plan, we has nothing to gain by playing a full season next year. D-Mac & Jones would also be crazy to come back next year. The coaching staff caused D-Mac to lose the Heisman with their pathetic game plans & especially play calling. My god David Lee, this isn’t pop warner football!
[...] Jump to Comments WR Marcus Monk played a down (bye redshirt). McFadden bags 2 records in the loss, He’s now the all-purpose [...]
bone headed coaching: i) throwing the ball on 3rd and 12, opponent has no timeouts and 2 minutes or so left to play, ii) continuously blitzing against a very good and seasoned quarterback; iii) stupid, untimely penalties, again and again, iv) your opponent has the ball, deep in their own territory, and you let the clock run from 35 down to two seconds and then call a timeout iv) stupid, penalties - see iii, above, v) play calling, aka NOT playing to win, but instead, playing not to lose. how much are they paying you, dude?
Nutt mentioned the passing game was missing Monk and that was the biggest difference in the passing game. Monk is not all that’s missing. What about Williams,Mustain, and Malzahn? Opinions are one thing but evidence another. The evidence is clear, look where the Hawgs were with those guys and look where they are now. The Jury is about to come in and doesn’t look good for Nutt.
I hope that I am wrong, but I am guessing that Arkansas will go 5-6 for the year and not qualify for a bowl game. This would likely mean the end of the Houston Nutt era. I believe that Nutt has done a remarkable job of fostering a team and family atmosphere of which we should all be proud.
What is the true definition of a “fan”? Well, it is short for Fanatic. But my definition has the “fan” supporting their team through both good times and bad. Therefore, everyone should stand behind our Razorbacks and the coaches during the season and not boo the team or coaches during games. We will have plenty of time to criticize the coaches after the season ends.
I need to amend my “prediction” of a 5-6 season to 6-6. I forgot about the FIU game. Oops. Still not deserving a bowl game, but …
Monk wont be back next yr.He has no reason to.Others may leave also if Nutt isn’t fired.This could have been a great team if Nutts ego hadn’t tore it apart.A real shame.
What is returning next year for ther to be any hope? No (heisman caliber) running backs, no quarterbacks, no receivers, no O-line, no defense, why would anyone want to come back if they could leave?
College Football is the best…It is games like the Razorbacks are having that makes it worth coming back every year. GO HOGS!!! Lighten up folks ya’ll live longer
I plan to live longer but not with the sorry program that is here today.How long can Nutt kissbutt and get by with ****poor coaching.Gueeeeeeeeeeeeeeze.What a shame