Razorbacks Linebacker Scouting Report

KNOWN QUANTITY
Elston Forte, a senior from Little Rock, came to Arkansas as a safety but has matured into the squad’s most reliable returning linebacker. At 6-0, 219 pounds, Forte is a bit undersized for SEC play, but his tenacity and leadership qualities make him a Razorback head coach Bobby Petrino can depend upon.

X-FACTOR
Like Forte, Jerry Franklin of Marion was a safety in high school who has outgrown his former position. At 6-2, 229, Franklin has all the tools to be a solid player for the Razorbacks, but he lacks game experience and needs to play every down to the best of his ability.

PLAYERS TO WATCH
Tenarious Wright (6-3, 231) of Memphis and Jelani Smith (6-1, 213) of Abbeville, La., are freshmen who will be put on the fast track for the Hogs and if they prove mature enough mentally will have a chance to play early if not on opening day. Both are fast and physical but raw.

Post Spring Linebacker Depth Chart
Sam Linebacker
38 Elston Forte, 6-0, 219, SR-3L
46 Freddy Burton, 6-2, 221, SO-1L

Middle Linebacker
34 Jerry Franklin, 6-2, 229, FR-RS
37 Jermaine Love, 5-11, 226, SO-1L

Will Linebacker
41 Ryan Powers, 6-1, 207, SO-1L
38 Elston Forte, 6-0, 219, SR-3L

Filed under: Arkansas Football, Uncategorized by Terry Wood. Posted on: July 17, 2008 at 3:44 pm