The impact of coaching changes?
John Moredich at CBS Sportsline reviews the effects that new coaching hires had on recruiting at several college athletic programs. Here’s his snippet about the Razorbacks:
Coach Bobby Petrino left the Atlanta Falcons after less than a full season in the NFL and opposing schools were able to use that controversy by questioning his loyalty and truthfulness. Did it work?
Maybe at first, but Petrino, who had big success at Louisville with an offense that was state of the art, rallied in the final weeks with a group that is on the fringe of the top 25.
His reputation for offense and developing quarterbacks helped him secure commitments from in-state quarterbacks Tyler Wilson and Jim Youngblood, who are willing to mix it up some day with Michigan transfer Ryan Mallett. Already Petrino has enviable depth at quarterback.
Most of the Razorbacks’ top recruits are on offense, including verbal commitment De’Anthony Curtis from Camden, Ark. The running back was still taking trips after his commitment.
Other standouts include wide receiver Jarius Wright and Jerico Nelson, a running back/returner/safety who switched his loyalty away from Purdue on the final weekend.
Arkansas has been recruiting down the stretch without a defensive coordinator after Ellis Johnson left for South Carolina on Jan. 24. It didn’t seem to make that much difference, especially in a class highlighted by playmakers.
7 Responses to “The impact of coaching changes?”
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While I’m very pleased with Petrino’s list of outstanding verbal commitments, I’m very worried about the defense, a defensive coordinator, and defensive players. Our defense was average at best last year and it appears we don’t have a lot of prospects coming next year AND the New York Giants just proved that defense WINS championships NOT offense. Sure, the Petrino Hogs might score a lot of points the next couple of years but if we can’t stop anybody, then we won’t see championships - whether it is division or conference or BCS.
I’m real excited about Petrino and the future of the Razorbacks so I’m not trying to rain on his parade but some thought and consideration needs to be put into the defense SOON. National signing day is tomorrow and what coordinator wants to come coach a defense that has no talent.
hognaustin….I agree with what you are saying but I trust (we have to I guess) in Petrino and getting us a very good D coordinator. My guess is that he has been talking with people but those coaches (out of respect for their current programs) are waiting till after signing day to make a change. I bet we see something pretty quick after tomorrow. Just a thought.
I agree with both of you. Understand, we did lose alot this year. Give coach Petrino a couple of years to implement his program and recruit his type of players and you will see a program that will be a combination of Matt Jones and Darren Mcfadden. Coach Petrino did not go what was it 41-4 ?, or something like that without a defense, I don’t care what conference Louisville was playing in with four loses he had a defense!!!
Coloradohogfan, yes 41-4 is an impressive record but the conference doesn’t matter? Come on! That was the Big East - West Virginia, and sometimes Rutgers and who else….???? The Hogs play in the SEC - THE BEST conference in the USA - and defense matters in this conference. You don’t win championships without defense - yes, maybe in the Big East - but not in the SEC.
For example, the Hogs had one of the most prolific offense in their history and Auburn scores 10 points and wins this year. And look at the cup cake schedule we played this past year. Sure we beat LSU - on a defensive play, I must remind you - but if we don’t have a defense we won’t win a conference title in the SEC. Remember last year we won the West Division because of defense - one of the best in the conference and nation. It doesn’t matter how great your offense is, defense wins championships.
Let me suggest prolific teams like Houston back in the ’80’s, Hawaii this year, Louisville under Petrino -sure they won the Big East title once (?) - and many more can be added - all great offenses but they did not win national titles.
I’m sorry, I respectfully disagree and I’m flabbergasted that you would even compare the Big East with the SEC. This is the SEC and Petrino and the Hogs will not go 41-4 in the SEC without a great defense - don’t care how great the offense is. With the possible exception of West Virginia, Arkansas probably would have gone 7-1 or even 8-0 in the Big East this year. Yet, 4-4 in the SEC because it is the SEC. And over the last couple of years, the Hogs would probably be 41-4 in the Big East, too.
The Big East can’t compare to the SEC. So THE conference a team plays in matters a great deal. Conferences matter and defense wins championships, period.
So tell me hognaustin, Do you think Arkansas needs a better Defense? haha just ribbing.
Good posts, but I think you all are overlooking one thing,,,a good many successful defensive backs were receivers and running backs in college. Arkansas has a history of turning good athletes into very good defensive players (CB, S, LB, DE,etc.) just review the rosters the last several years. Petrino is recruiting the best athlete available and from high school they are usually offensive players. Petrino knows what he is doing and I believe he’s recruiting the best athlete available to him.
C;mon Razorback fans,
It’s obvious hognaustin is a shorthorn fan or a damn poor Hogs fan.
His backhanded comments are poor excuses for being a true Hogs fan.
Forget him and his comments about defense. I believe our new DC will literally tear a new one through the SEC. Either way, we’ll do fine.
Foo on you, hognaustin - stay down there and yell for the shorthorns but don’t come “sniveling” around with your not too bright comments about our HOGS.
Go HOGS Go!!!