Arkansas coach Bret Bielema is not a man of change.
The Razorbacks had a 0-8 record in the Southeastern Conference in 2013, but Bielema didn’t reflect on last season at the 2014 SEC Media Days in Hoover, Ala. The coach remained steadfast that the grinding run-first offense that has brought him success at Wisconsin will do it again in the gauntlet of the SEC.
I’ll take a minute to talk about last year. That’s about all I need to do.” Bielema said Wednesday. “During the spring, summer, winter conditioning, I thought we had a group of young men that wanted to get better.”
Last season was Bielema’s first in Fayetteville and ended with Arkansas losing its last nine games after starting the season 3-0.
Bielema began his press conference by stating he had not brought the “sexiest” players from his team, but three seniors who were the embodiment of “hog football.” Those players included defensive end Trey Flowers, offensive lineman Brey Cook and safety Alan Turner.
Despite its run-heavy offense, Arkansas will still need improvement from junior quarterback Brandon Allen. The Fayetteville native threw for only 1,552 yards last season, but Bielema said that Allen has gotten stronger both physically and mentally.
The Razorbacks return their best two running backs, sophomore Alex Collins and junior Johnathan Williams. The tandem combined for almost 2,000 yards last season, and their teammates are relieved to have such talent in the backfield.
“They’re an incredible bunch, a very talented group of guys.” Cook said. “Each one brings something different to the table. They all bring something incredible that no one else can really do. It’s very comforting to know that as long as I do my job, they’ll take care of their business.”
The anchor on defense is Flowers, who earned Second Team All-SEC honors last season after recording 44 tackles and five sacks. The Huntsville, Ala. native said he sees himself as a leader on the team, and has inspired younger players by giving his all every day at practice.
The defense struggled beyond Flowers, ranking 13th and 14th in total defense and scoring defense, respectively. Bielema hired Robb Smith as the new defensive coordinator, Clay Jennings as the new defensive backs coach and Rory Segrest as the new defensive line coach in an effort to change that.
Arkansas will still face a tough slate that includes games against Alabama, Georgia and a road contest at Auburn to start the season. However, the players are committed to Bielema’s system and ready to redeem themselves after the debacle in 2013.
“Our schedule is tough, and we want to embrace that,” Turner said. “In order to be the best, you have to beat the best, and we have a lot of good teams on our schedule. We are just trying to take each and every day one at a time, so we can get better and when the time is here, we will be prepared.”