Arkansas Internet Chatter - Whaley, Sprinkle and Madden Ratings

Devwah Whaley isn't just one of the highest rated players coming into Arkansas this year, he is arguably the most important. With Alex Collins in the NFL and the injury history of current running backs, Whaley's success will be huge for the Hogs. Richard Davenport has a good feature that looks into Whaley's mindset and how he feels at home in Fayetteville. After recommitting from Georgia after Mark Richt left, Arkansas could have been in the same situation with the two main position coaches that recruited him leaving for other jobs. Also in the article he talks about how Arkansas was the right choice for him.

The good people over at Frogs O' War are previewing this season's marquee non-conference matchup and it's interesting because these teams are in similar situations this season. The Frogs have clearly had more success in the past few seasons but the teams are very similar in a lot of ways, and the game is important for a lot of similar reasons. Both teams are wanting to make a big statement early. Both teams are breaking in a new starting quarterback, running back and a number of offensive linemen. They would also like to have new players as acclimated as possible as well. With so many similarities, the game in Fort Worth should be a fun one.

Jeremy Sprinkle has some big shoes to fill, this article talks about the growth he has made at Arkansas to prepare for this season. Arkansas has a pretty good history of quality tight ends and Sprinkle is primed to continue that after ending 2015 strongly. Bret Bielema also talks about how Sprinkle is more physically prepared to play the role he wants to as well.

Spreaking of tight ends, Hunter Henry showed up on Madden's list of top-10 rated rookies in the game. NFL players' ratings in Madden have become a huge deal, and Henry comes in with an overall rating of 78. Despite being a second round pick, anyone who wants to play with the Chargers on Madden will be able to utilize Henry pretty effectively.

Summer may be the offseason for college baseball, but several Razorbacks are putting in work. Chad Spanberger has had a particularly good summer and was recently named the MVP of the California Collegiate League All-Star game after hitting a grand slam in the game. Spanberger says he feels more comfortable after a year in Fayetteville, and it should get better with the opportunity to play with a former teammate of his in Jordan McFarland.