Arkansas position-by-position analysis

LITTLE ROCK — OFFENSE

Quarterback Interceptions were coming with alarming regularity early in fall camp from Ryan Mallett and Tyler Wilson, the contenders for the starting job. But Mallett honed his footwork and delivery and his interceptions fell off as his accuracy improved about halfway through camp. Wilson also struggled with snaps and tripping over the feet of linemen, but he ironed those out as camp went on. Mallett was clearly theleader, taking virtually all his snaps with the first team, leaving the question: Will Coach Bobby Petrino continue with his post-spring plan of using Wilson for the first series of the second quarter? Freshman Brandon Mitchell could be heading for a redshirt season.

Running back If Michael Smith stays healthy, look out SEC. Smith, who sat out the spring after hamstring surgery, wasn't overloaded in camp, but he ran hard and showedgreat vision and cuts when he did. The cast behind him will be bucking for reps, and it seems certain the coaches will dole them out considerably more than they did in 2008. Dennis Johnson needs touches because he's dangerous in the open field. Broderick Green might get the bulk of the big-back carries, and freshman Ronnie Wingo looks to have speed and explosion to go along with his 6-2 frame. De'Anthony Curtis fumbled in camp, Brandon Barnett isn't 100 percent to start theyear and freshman Knile Davis would probably benefit from a redshirt year. Van Stumon leads the fullback crew, and he'll be asked to clear a lot of holes and catch a few passes. Mitchell Bailey and John Durmon also will vie for time anywhere they can get it.

Receivers Projecting the 2009 receptions leader among the wideouts will be tough, but the leading contenders should be Jarius Wright, Joe Adams, London Crawford and Lucas Miller, if his kneeholds up. Tall target Greg Childs had a huge camp and is a great option on the fade, while small guy Reggie Fish carried a big yards-per-catch average through the spring and camp. True freshman Cobi Hamilton looks ready to contributefrom the start, and classmate Lance Ray has had some excellent grabs. Carlton Salters had the second-fewest drops in camp behind Miller, who is an underrated playmaker. Tight end D.J. Williams, though he's been asked to block more, is likely to lead the team in receptions again. Freshman Neal Barlow has great potential, but he's likely to redshirt, as could Ray.

Line Here is where Arkansas' expected improvement better show up the most. That sack total of 46 from last year was hideous. There were lots of factors, to be sure, including a sometimes indecisive, relatively immobile quarterback and a new scheme, but that's still an unacceptable number. Add to that the Razorbacks' lowly rushing yards per game, and you get the picture for the jumping off point for this year's crew. The Hogs can make a huge leap if they know their schemes better. DeMarcus Love at one tackle spot takes over the leadership role for a group that easily goes two deep in quality talent. Seth Oxner has held off returning starter Wade Grayson at center, while the return of Mitch Petrus bolsters the guard roster in pairing with Grant Cook. Love has been solid, while Grant Freeman has battled dinged-up returning starter Ray Dominguez (ankle) at the other tackle slot. The reserves include tackle Matt Hall and newcomers Alvin Bailey, Anthony Oden and Zhamal Thomas, so there'll be big boys to choose from.

DEFENSE

Line Arkansas coaches are expecting massive improvement from this group,led by seniors Malcolm Sheppard and Adrian Davis. An improved pass rush and better run-stopping prowess is the logical progression for a groupthat is better and stronger and has better knowledge of the system. Junior Damario Ambrose and sophomore Jake Bequette engaged in one of the best position battles in camp at end opposite Davis, and both will see plenty of action.Davis is helping groom a good talent with redshirt freshman Tenarius Wright behind him. A more assignment-sound Sheppard should be the driving force of an interior group that includes steady sophomore Zach Stadther, Patrick Jones, freshmen D.D. Jones and Alfred Davis and sophomore Lavunce Askew.

Linebackers The Razorbacks upgraded significantly at this position, but it's the same starting trio: Wendel Davis in the middle and Jerry Franklin and Freddy Burton on the outside, who upgraded in strength, conditioning and stamina. In a bid to build up the depth, coaches threw challenges at Davis and Franklin in camp, promoting players like Tenarius Wright (who would move back to end), Jelani Smith andBret Harris ahead of them on the depth chart. Davis and Franklin kept their jobs when it was all said and done. Jermaine Love is short in stature, but a hard hitter behind Davis. Other than Love, the reserves will be young, including versatile Jerico Nelson, Matt Marshall and newcomer Austin Moss. These guys should fill holes and take on blockers much better than they did last year, so look for opponents' rushing yards per game to take a hefty dip.

Secondary Just when it looked like the Razorbacks would boast solid depth across the board on the back line, veteran cornerback Isaac Madison was lost forthe season with a torn knee ligament. Ramon Broadway has been stout at one corner spot, but Greg Gatson, Madison's immediate replacement, gave up too many big plays in camp. If Gatson isn't the answer, freshman David Gordon's snaps will go way up or the coaches might consider switching Rudell Crim, Broadway's backup, to the other side. The depth at corner, which includes blue-chip recruit DariusWinston and junior college transfer Andru Stewart, was such that veteran Jerell Norton was switched to free safety. Tramain Thomas and Elton Ford are the top two choices there, but Norton should earn playing time. Matt Harris picked up hisgame and looks primed for a good senior season, with junior college transfer Anthony Leon, who was slowed some in camp by a leg injury, pushing for snaps behind him at strong safety.

Special teams Who knows where Alex Tejada's head will be in 2009? He looked like a quality major-college kicker at times in camp, with streaks of successful kicks. At other times, he missed in bunches, even from short range. Cameron Bryan and junior college transfer Briton Forester have not made big pushes to unseat Tejada, who is also likely to kick off. Forester is battling for the punting job with freshman Dylan Breeding, and that race hadn't been called by late in camp, possibly because ofequal inconsistency. Breeding has the stronger leg, but Forester has more experience. It might boil down to the guy with the quicker get-off time and the nerves to handle the big crowds. Dennis Johnson looks to be in line to return kickoffs again, and hehas the potential to be superb in that role. Michael Smith appeared to fend off a bunch of challengers for the punt return role, which might help him land a job in the NFL next year. The coverage and return units should be dotted with better talent than a year ago, and with assistant John L. Smith calling the shots, look for special teams to make more of an impact.