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Bret Bielema hit the local media circuit today, and he gave updates on two of the hotter topics among the fan base right now: player transfers and the search to replace Charlie Partridge.
Bielema announced linebackers A.J. Turner and Myke Tavarres, as well as running back Nate Holmes are seeking to transfer. That makes four Razorbacks leaving the program this offseason, joining Ray Buchanan, whose departure was announced last month.
The biggest disappointment is clearly Turner, who missed 2013 with a wrist injury but showed great promise as a freshman in 2012 at a position in which the Hogs desperately need help. Turner started the final six games of the season and was named to the SEC All-Freshman team after recording 53 tackles on the season, including 12 alone in the finale against LSU. Sadly, it appears that's the last time we'll see him take the field as a Razorback.
Tavarres and Holmes both never seemed to find a role on the team. It's obviously frustrating to lose another linebacker considering how badly Arkansas struggled there, and these players weren't able to contribute much to solving the problem.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>LB A.J. Turner, LB Myke Tavarres and RB Nate Holmes are looking into transfer options. They join CB Ray Buchanan Jr. as players leaving.</p>— Robbie Neiswanger (@NWARobbie) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWARobbie/statuses/413030584685195265">December 17, 2013</a></blockquote>
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On the defensive line coach front, Bielema appears to have a plan in place, but it could be a few weeks until the hire is made. Apparently, the coaches he's targeting are either in bowl games or the NFL, but as long as Bielema can have somebody named by early January, it should fit neatly into the team's recruiting plan.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Bielema said goal was to have next DL coach in position before "live" recruiting resumes on Jan. 16. Working under new NCAA rec. calendar</p>— Thomas Murphy (@TomMurphyADG) <a href="https://twitter.com/TomMurphyADG/statuses/413009451948326912">December 17, 2013</a></blockquote>
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He also referenced junior defensive end Trey Flowers is getting feedback from the NFL on where he might go in the draft if he was to declare. Flowers has not yet declared, so we'll be keeping our eye on that development.
