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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Bret Bielema says Robb Smith has signed a new contract.</p>— Kurt Voigt (@Kurt_Voigt_AP) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kurt_Voigt_AP/status/552200569046446081">January 5, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>BB: I think Robb is very happy. Jeff gave him a package with a significant bump.</p>— Razorback Nation (@RazNation) <a href="https://twitter.com/RazNation/status/552200659303272448">January 5, 2015</a></blockquote>
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Bielema totally buried the lede in the press conference. He spoke for half an hour before saying these things about Robb Smith. I felt this was the most important note so I'm putting it at the top.
Details about Smith's contract were not announced, other than he's getting a nice raise and he won't be able to make a lateral move in college football. It sounds like he could only leave to become a head coach or for the NFL, the latter of the two being most likely, but Bielema seemed confident Smith would be back next season.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Early enrollees move in this week: <a href="https://twitter.com/_dwoop">@_dwoop</a> is here, <a href="https://twitter.com/ZC_Rogers">@ZC_Rogers</a> coming today, <a href="https://twitter.com/tystorey4">@tystorey4</a> tomorrow, <a href="https://twitter.com/Y3llur">@Y3llur</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/leddy_55">@leddy_55</a> later this week.</p>— Danny West (@DannyWest1) <a href="https://twitter.com/DannyWest1/status/552192722514108416">January 5, 2015</a></blockquote>
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For those not on the Twitters, that's Daytreion Dean, Zack Rogers, Ty Storey, and Jeremiah Ledbetter. All early enrollees for Arkansas 2015 recruiting class.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>.<a href="https://twitter.com/W_Gragg7">@W_Gragg7</a> could be cleared by NCAA sometime today.</p>— Danny West (@DannyWest1) <a href="https://twitter.com/DannyWest1/status/552192813144612865">January 5, 2015</a></blockquote>
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And we're still waiting on Will Gragg to be cleared, but everyone seems to think that's going to happen any moment.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>BB: exciting day today. Couple of freshmen joined us today. Those you know about and Josh Allen.</p>— Razorback Nation (@RazNation) <a href="https://twitter.com/RazNation/status/552193151092277248">January 5, 2015</a></blockquote>
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And don't forget offensive lineman Josh Allen. He's a freshman but not counted as part of the 2015 class on the recruiting sites because of some weird rules.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>BB: had a couple of guys had minor procedures. Loewen had surgery today. Won't be with us during spring ball</p>— Razorback Nation (@RazNation) <a href="https://twitter.com/RazNation/status/552193677909819392">January 5, 2015</a></blockquote>
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That's too bad. Loewen missed last year's spring practice rehabbing from an injury as well.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>"I haven't really been on the road recruiting but I've been on the phone and we've had tremendous feedback from the bowl win." - Bielema</p>— Razorback Football (@RazorbackFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/RazorbackFB/status/552193679058694144">January 5, 2015</a></blockquote>
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Yep, we're all ready for all the commits to start happening...one month to go, after all
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Arkansas coach Bret Bielema: Randy Shannon took an opportunity at Florida. Enjoyed our two years with him. Really, really fun & good guy.</p>— Bo Mattingly (@SportsTalkwBo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsTalkwBo/status/552193822466117632">January 5, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Bret Bielema said he will begin interviewing candidates today for linebackers coach. He said he has narrowed the candidate list to 15.</p>— WholeHogSports (@wholehogsports) <a href="https://twitter.com/wholehogsports/status/552193972416684032">January 5, 2015</a></blockquote>
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Only 15. Yeah, if that's true, it could be a little while before we find out who the new assistant will be.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Bielema: I'm not one to rush things. I want to find a guy who's the right and dynamic fit.</p>— Bo Mattingly (@SportsTalkwBo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsTalkwBo/status/552194230580285441">January 5, 2015</a></blockquote>
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"I'm not one to rush things" is quite the shocking quote from Bielema.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>BB: Clay, myself and Robb will take over the area Randy had.</p>— Razorback Nation (@RazNation) <a href="https://twitter.com/RazNation/status/552194432275976192">January 5, 2015</a></blockquote>
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It's not like anybody doesn't want to have to travel to South Florida for work.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>BB: Had a great conversation with Rohan and his father. He is welcome back when we start classes. Full clear academically.</p>— Razorback Nation (@RazNation) <a href="https://twitter.com/RazNation/status/552194782207156224">January 5, 2015</a></blockquote>
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Good to see Rohan Gaines will be back next season after having to sit out the bowl game. He's one of the defensive players that really was playing well late in the season.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>"I met with Darius (Philon) on Jan. 3 and went and met with his dad. I expect him to give us some news on the draft this week." - Bielema</p>— Razorback Football (@RazorbackFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/RazorbackFB/status/552194985932488704">January 5, 2015</a></blockquote>
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pleasepleasepleaseplease stay
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>BB on BA: there is nothing that replaces experience. To live through some things is truly a benefit. Ratio 20:5 is an impressive stat.</p>— Razorback Nation (@RazNation) <a href="https://twitter.com/RazNation/status/552195750667366400">January 5, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Bielema on Brandon Allen: There's nothing that replaces experience. Good and bad. And he's had plenty of both.</p>— Bo Mattingly (@SportsTalkwBo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsTalkwBo/status/552196124639899648">January 5, 2015</a></blockquote>
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And people will still talk about how Brandon Allen shouldn't be the starter from now until the end of next season.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Coach B: Looking at Kirkland at T, Ragnow at guard - told Kirkland tackles make more money in NFL</p>— Hawgs Illustrated (@HImagazine) <a href="https://twitter.com/HImagazine/status/552196098874306561">January 5, 2015</a></blockquote>
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There had been rumors Kirkland might be moving to tackle, so this isn't a surprise. Moving Ragnow to guard will free up the backup center job for Zack Rogers this fall if he doesn't redshirt. Rogers is a natural center, whereas Ragnow I don't think had played the position before he got here.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>"I think <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JWill?src=hash">#JWill</a> made a great decision for himself. He'll get bigger, better and stronger and he'll know our playbook even better" - Bielema</p>— Razorback Football (@RazorbackFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/RazorbackFB/status/552196571412983808">January 5, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Bielema: I like being proactive as opposed to reactive. I worry every night about our coaches leaving because we have great people.</p>— Bo Mattingly (@SportsTalkwBo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsTalkwBo/status/552196716007403520">January 5, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>BB: Jeff has been unbelievable. We took care of the assistants that I expressed needed to.</p>— Razorback Nation (@RazNation) <a href="https://twitter.com/RazNation/status/552196841345785856">January 5, 2015</a></blockquote>
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I would like to know which assistants Bielema did not express they needed to.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Bielema: I didn't agree with Chris Ash going to Ohio State. He did that of his own accord.</p>— Bo Mattingly (@SportsTalkwBo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsTalkwBo/status/552196946891268096">January 5, 2015</a></blockquote>
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Well, I think most Hog fans would agree it worked out.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>BB: I think it would be beneficial to find a great linebacker coach that could recruit the state of Florida.</p>— Razorback Nation (@RazNation) <a href="https://twitter.com/RazNation/status/552197711672270848">January 5, 2015</a></blockquote>
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Probably!
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Bielema: My first set of coaches here didn't have an SEC non-compete clause. Every coach I've brought in since has that in their contact.</p>— Bo Mattingly (@SportsTalkwBo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsTalkwBo/status/552198560628748288">January 5, 2015</a></blockquote>
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I'm all for the SEC non-compete clause. Don't let them leave.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>"I have coaches on my staff that have turned down money bc they want to be here and that is kind of person you want on your staff" - Bielema</p>— Razorback Football (@RazorbackFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/RazorbackFB/status/552198819153448960">January 5, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>BB: my defensive leader I hope will be Darius Philon. In the backend you would like Rohan to take the experience and move forward.</p>— Razorback Nation (@RazNation) <a href="https://twitter.com/RazNation/status/552199509619380224">January 5, 2015</a></blockquote>
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IhopeIhopeIhopeIhopepleasepleaseplease
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>BB: I think at the mike linebacker Brooks Ellis has taken steps and moved forward.</p>— Razorback Nation (@RazNation) <a href="https://twitter.com/RazNation/status/552199602716151808">January 5, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Bielema: I think for Brooks Ellis to be next to Martrell and see his growth this year was a really big deal.</p>— Bo Mattingly (@SportsTalkwBo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsTalkwBo/status/552199710266511361">January 5, 2015</a></blockquote>
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Brooks could have a big year next year. Pretty impressive that he finished the year 2nd on the team in tackles despite missing two games this year. He also had a few interceptions. 2015 will be big for him.