FAYETTEVILLE — No matter who is on the field, Arkansas will rely on some inexperienced players next season.
That seems especially true at wide receiver.
Marques Wade and Carlton Salters were listed among the Razorbacks' top receivers on Wednesday's post-spring depth chart. Wade will be a redshirt sophomore next season and has yet to earn a letter. Salters caught four passes last season as a redshirt freshman.
Arkansas must replace a lot of offensive talent this year, including NFL first-round draft picks Darren McFadden and Felix Jones at running back. Michael Smith was listed atop the depth chart at that position, which was no surprise after he averaged 6.6 yards per carry in limited duty last season.
The situation at receiver is more muddled. Marcus Monk and Robert Johnson are gone, so there will be plenty of playing time up for grabs - especially with new coach Bobby Petrino hoping to emphasize the pass more than predecessor Houston Nutt. Petrino listed three wide receiver spots on the depth chart. They are topped by Wade, Salters and London Crawford. Crawford caught 8 passes last season, one for a touchdown.
Lucas Miller, who caught three touchdown passes last season, is below Salters at one receiver spot. Crosby Tuck, who showed promise in 2007 before breaking his arm, was not on the depth chart at all.
Casey Dick is still the No. 1 quarterback, ahead of his brother Nathan. Lance Thompson is listed as the top fullback, a spot previously held by NFL draft pick Peyton Hillis.
On defense, linebacker Freddie Fairchild was not on the depth chart. He was suspended after being arrested in March by Fayetteville police when a woman said he attacked her.
The top linebackers on the depth chart are Elston Forte, Jerry Franklin and Ryan Powers. Franklin will be a redshirt freshman.
Jake Bequette, who will also be a redshirt freshman next season, was listed as the No. 1 defensive end on the left side.