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And the season is off and running! As you'd expect, lots of guys looking better, are in better shape, understand everything better, everyone more comfortable, excited, confident, looking forward to the season. Here's some of the more interesting tidbits.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Bielema on Austin Allen: "I think Austin really has taken a step this summer. I’m excited to wach him. He has a better understanding."</p>— Robbie Neiswanger (@NWARobbie) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWARobbie/statuses/496417715205050368">August 4, 2014</a></blockquote>
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Sounds like this is heading in the right direction. Unless Rafe Peavey watches a lot of Blake Griffin commercials and suddenly becomes amazing in fall camp, it's hard to find any fault with that at this point.
Bielema also mentioned Keon Hatcher and Demetrius Wilson as receivers who looked really good.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Bret Bielema on his offensive line: "It's just fun to look at them." More depth, size, length. Bielema said there's confidence in the group.</p>— Robbie Neiswanger (@NWARobbie) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWARobbie/statuses/496418814414708737">August 4, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Coach B: Brey Cook is the leader of the offensive line. They don't move unless he says it is ok.</p>— Dudley E. Dawson (@Dedsports) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dedsports/statuses/496420082302480387">August 4, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Bielema: Jefferson is 6-6, 310 and looks like he is 275. Working at LG now. Tretola is RG - Frank Ragnow looked great at C</p>— Dudley E. Dawson (@Dedsports) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dedsports/statuses/496414622698582016">August 4, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Bielema: Said OL is beginning to look like an O-line that can play the way he wants. Said frosh OL Ragnow and Wallace have a chance</p>— Thomas Murphy (@TomMurphyADG) <a href="https://twitter.com/TomMurphyADG/statuses/496418787596316672">August 4, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Coach B: Smothers and Charp had good days at center and are not going to roll over for the young one.</p>— Dudley E. Dawson (@Dedsports) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dedsports/statuses/496419926094016512">August 4, 2014</a></blockquote>
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Bielema says they were in "Who can play football?" mode today as far as trying to figure out where to place some of the lineman.
Appears they're pretty confident in Jefferson at left guard, which is what you'd expect since that was his position at UNLV.
The battle for the center position could end up being the most important topic of August. They certainly have options between Mitch Smothers, Luke Charpentier, Frank Ragnow, and Sebatian Tretola, who - as Bielema noted - appeared to have put on a few pounds in the offseason. Tretola didn't report to Fayetteville until this weekend - this is why they like for players to report as soon as possible - to keep you away from too much fine food.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Coach B also noted that LB Josh Williams looked good and will be playing big role</p>— Dudley E. Dawson (@Dedsports) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dedsports/statuses/496414717351448576">August 4, 2014</a></blockquote>
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A real and for true linebacker....
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Coach B: I have a lot of pride in the fact that Arkansas has not had anybody on the SEC arrest sheet so far</p>— Dudley E. Dawson (@Dedsports) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dedsports/statuses/496415178167033858">August 4, 2014</a></blockquote>
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HOLD ON COACH, WE'VE STILL GOT A MONTH TO GO!!! Just because players are in camp doesn't mean there aren't opportunities for trouble. This is prime "we're all back on campus let's go crazy" season and all.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Coach B: TE Jeremy Sprinkle is now up to 243. He and AJ Derby are really doing some great things to go along with Hunter Henry</p>— Hawgs Illustrated (@HImagazine) <a href="https://twitter.com/HImagazine/statuses/496420382128091137">August 4, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Korliss Marshall might be pound for pound the most explosive player that I have ever been around. Bret Bielema.</p>— Ugly Uncle (@uglyuncle) <a href="https://twitter.com/uglyuncle/statuses/496416895495835649">August 4, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Bielema answering question about running backs on Collins: "He's still going to have his Alex days," but said Collins is maturing.</p>— Robbie Neiswanger (@NWARobbie) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWARobbie/statuses/496416857654456322">August 4, 2014</a></blockquote>
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I have a feeling I'd like to have an Alex day every once in a while.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Coach B: The three freshmen linebackers and their speed really stood out.</p>— Dudley E. Dawson (@Dedsports) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dedsports/statuses/496420669727322113">August 4, 2014</a></blockquote>
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Woo hoo! Now what about their size, agility, football IQ, etc? And what about the speed of the older guys?
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Josh Liddell and Santos look very good on the back end. Will get some playing time this year if only in special teams.</p>— Ugly Uncle (@uglyuncle) <a href="https://twitter.com/uglyuncle/statuses/496417233942642688">August 4, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Coach B: Tevin Mitchel still limited as expected going into practice</p>— Dudley E. Dawson (@Dedsports) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dedsports/statuses/496414038885023744">August 4, 2014</a></blockquote>
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Watch the entire press conference here
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