Once again, there's a quarterback derby at Arkansas. This one, however, isn't likely to give coach Houston Nutt an ulcer.
This time last year, Nutt was trying to identify a quarterback who could perform the simple function of taking a snap and running a play.
"The difference this year," Nutt said, "is we have three quarterbacks on campus we feel like we can win with."
Matt Jones, Ryan Sorahan and Tarvaris Jackson will battle - probably up until the week before the opener - to win the job. For now, Nutt, who prefers to have a clear-cut winner, says the race is too close to call.
Sorahan, a junior college transfer, started the 2001 season but was knocked out in the third game by a back injury. Jackson, a freshman, was also hurt early and qualified for a medical redshirt.
Jones was the wild card. The 6-foot-5 freshman came on as change of pace for eventual starter Zak Clark and rushed for 592 yards, or 8.0 per carry.
However, Jones was virtually one-dimensional, completing only 12 of 27 passes with three interceptions. His decision to play basketball put him behind Sorahan and Jackson, both of whom were healthy for the offseason conditioning program.
"It's a year-round sport," Nutt said. "Ryan and Tarvaris got ahead of him footwork-wise."
Jones has to show he can make the short and intermediate passes to play full time. Jackson has the best arm.
"If all our guys went to the carnival," said Nutt, "Tarvaris would win the most teddy bears because he can throw it through the hoop."
Arkansas ranked last in the SEC in passing in 2001 and the Razorbacks desperately need to develop a complement to their potent running game. George Wilson, Richard Smith and converted back Decori Birmingham can catch the ball if someone can get it to them.
Cedric Cobbs has overcome legal problems to get back in the mix at running back, but Fred Talley, Brandon Holmes and redshirt freshman De'Arrius Howard make it a crowded backfield.
Up front, 6-6, 330-pound sophomore Shawn Andrews is a future star. He was only the third true freshman offensive lineman to start in school history.
"I don't know if we've ever had a guy like that at Arkansas before," said Nutt.
On defense, the Razorbacks could use a few more guys like Jermaine Brooks. The 310-pound senior will slide over from tackle to nose guard and occupy multiple blockers to free his teammates to make plays.
"Nose guard is more like Vietnam," observed Brooks. "You're always fighting."
The defense gets more formidable the farther you go from the line of scrimmage.
Linebackers Tony Bua and Caleb Miller are active. The secondary is even better. Lawrence Richardson, Eddie Jackson and Ahmad Carroll, a freshman All-SEC pick in 2001, might be the best group of corners in the league.
"There is no hype," said receiver Wilson. "Everything said about our secondary is legit.
"I believe whole-heartedly they are the best secondary in the SEC and one of the top ones in the nation."
Last year's defensive coordinator, John Thompson, left for Florida, but Dave Wommack steps up and will run a similar scheme. The new addition to the defensive staff is Kacy Rodgers, a former Tennessee defensive end (1990-92).
Punter Richie Butler is an All-SEC candidate. Kicker Brennan O'Donohoe is solid inside 40 yards.
OUTLOOK: At the end of the day, some observers predict Arkansas could be a surprise team in the always-muddled SEC West - provided one of the quarterbacks can upgrade the passing game.
The non-conference schedule might not be as easy as it looks at first glance. Boise State was 8-4 last year with a win over Fresno State. South Florida was 8-3 with a win at Pittsburgh. Troy State was 7-4 and won at Mississippi State.
Mike Strange can be reached at 865-342-6276 or strange2@knews.com.
