37.8 F
Fayetteville

Getting Ragnow, Cornelius to come back solid start to recruiting

Andy Hodges
-
0

Bret Bielema is having a recruiting cycle that is, well, about par for the course.

There certainly are some good players he’s getting commitments from.

Not any great ones, though.

That is why the news Wednesday that wide receiver Jared Cornelius is returning for his senior season was good news. Especially coming a day after center Frank Ragnow said he was coming back.

It won’t reflect in any rankings, but those may have been Bielema’s biggest success.

Remember back in 2008 when Bobby Petrino said he couldn’t land his biggest recruiting targets? He wasn’t talking about high school players. He made a run at getting Darren McFadden and Felix Jones to hang around for their senior year. No luck there.

Cornelius, a 5-11, 212-pound receiver from Shreveport, announced his return with a Twitter post and a link to a letter, titled “Best Time of My Life,” on ArkansasRazorbacks.com:

“My time here at the University of Arkansas has been the best time of my life,” Cornelius wrote. “I’ve grown as a man, a student, and as an athlete. I’ve made relationships that will last a lifetime, and I’ve learned a lot from my experiences here.

“When I made the decision to attend the University of Arkansas, I knew I was signing up to be a part of a family and I wasn’t let down. I’m proud to be a Razorback and I am thankful for the opportunity to attend a great school like the University of Arkansas. The road thus far hasn’t been easy. However, I am thankful for all the ups and downs along the way.

“That being said, I am very excited to say that I will be returning for my senior season.”

Cornelius has 32 catches for 515 yards and 4 touchdowns, 13 carries for 53 yards and 1 touchdown, and 12 punt returns for 85 yards. He ranks fifth on the team with 653 all-purpose yards.

It shouldn’t be surprising that Cornelius will be the Hogs’ top returning receiver. There are hopes for some of the commitments and new guys coming in, but you never know if they will be the playmaker Arkansas needs out wide.

Cornelius wrote that he hopes to lead the Razorbacks “to achieve something that has never been done here before,” a reference to Arkansas shooting for an SEC championship, which has never happened. The Hogs have four first-place division titles, but none in the last 10 years.

Cornelius and Ragnow turned in the paperwork to have their status for the NFL Draft evaluated.

With those two back, at least Bielema has secured what may have been his two biggest targets.

Nutt points out obvious in interview about Bielema’s seat getting warm

Andy Hodges
-
0

Coaches have an uncanny knack for seizing the obvious and ridding it like a prized thoroughbred making the final turn for home in the Kentucky Derby.

Houston Nutt managed to do that on a recent interview on The Sports Animal in Knoxville with Jimmy Hyams.

“He’s had a pretty nice little honeymoon,” Nutt said during that interview, per Hyams’ article on Gridiron Now. “I’m an Arkansan, born and raised there. They got after me pretty hard and we won three Western titles and went to Atlanta twice.

“So it’s, ‘What have you done lately?’”

Well, he’s actually correct on that. Some Arkansas fans aren’t going to like it, but then by 2007 if Houston had walked down the Arkansas River to Little Rock, the headlines and talking heads would have said “Houston Can’t Swim.”

What the national click-bait writers are doing is trying to paint the story as Nutt putting Bret Bielema on the hot seat.

They apparently haven’t been following or they would have known he was there from about midway through the fourth quarter of the loss at Missouri with some of the fans.

“He’s 10-22 in the SEC,” Nutt said, per Hyams on Gridiron Now. “So they’re going to look at that hard. He’s going to a bowl. That’s a good thing. … But they’re going to get restless like everybody else.

“We’re in a world where everybody wants to win. They pay you a great salary. All they want you to do is win yesterday. So you’ve got to win.”

Some say everybody other than Alabama is simply playing to make it to the Sugar Bowl, unless it’s part of the College Football Playoff.

And that may be true, too.

However, there is a segment of the Hogs’ fan base that are tired of what they call mediocrity.

Which may be the best Bielema can accomplish.

Hogs overwhelm North Dakota State for routine win, 71-55

ESPN Arkansas News Services
-
0

In the first-ever meeting between the two schools, Arkansas defeated North Dakota State in Bud Walton Arena on Tuesday night, 71-55.

Arkansas moves to 10-1 on the season to improve its best start under head coach Mike Anderson.

In the first half, the Razorback defense used two three-plus minute scoring droughts to hold North Dakota State to the lowest scoring total by an Arkansas opponent in a half this season (21), as the Bison shot 26.7 percent (8-of-30) from the field in the opening period.

The Bison opened the second half on an 8-2 run to tie the game at 29-29 before the Hogs defense forced North Dakota State into another scoring drought. Arkansas used the 5:14 drought to build a 16-0 run, the 12th run of at least 10-0 this season, to take a 45-29 lead.

Arkansas was able to eventually extend that lead to 20, marking the fourth game this year the Razorbacks have recorded a lead of 20 points or more.

The Razorbacks have now held their opponents scoreless for three or more minutes 22 times this season.

Arkansas shot well from the charity stripe once again as a team. The Razorbacks went 14-of-16 (87.5 percent) from the free throw line and has now made 43 of the last 47 free throws (91.5 percent) in the last two games.

Junior guard Daryl Macon extended his streak of consecutive made free throws to 21 straight.

Macon led all Razorbacks for the second straight game with 15 points to go with six rebounds and a game-high five assists.

Moses Kingsley, Dusty Hannahs and Anton Beard all finished with 11 points for Arkansas.

Kingsley finished two rebounds shy of recording his second double-double this season, finishing with 11 points, eight rebounds and one blocked shot.

Hannahs improved his streak of consecutive double figure scoring games to 18.

UP NEXT
Arkansas will take its annual trip to central Arkansas on Thursday as the Razorbacks face the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Verizon Arena in North Little Rock at 7 p.m.

Tulsa LB flips commitment, signs with Razorbacks on Tuesday

ESPN Arkansas News Services
-
0

Arkansas’ defense needs help and they hopefully started to help that with the addition of Tulsa Union linebacker Kyrei Fisher.

According to WholeHogSports.com’s Dudley Dawson, Fisher signed at a ceremony at his school and plans to report Jan. 12.

Fisher told Dawson:

“Family is really important to me. With that being said, I decided to commit to the University of Arkansas.”

Fisher led the Redskins to an 11-2 record and the Class 6A Division I championship.

Read the complete story here.

 

Ragnow coming back for final year of eligibility with Hogs

ESPN Arkansas News Services
-
0

Center Frank Ragnow won’t be leaving for the NFL Draft, according to a statement the UA released Tuesday afternoon:

I’ve learned a lot during the past few months. I’ve learned how precious each day is. I’ve learned not to take a moment, an opportunity, anything or anyone for granted.

I’ve also learned how blessed I am. Blessed to have a loving family that supports me and is there for me no matter the situation. It’s hard to put into words what we’ve been through the past few months without my dad, but I know each passing moment makes my love for my family stronger.

Ragnow Family

I’ve also learned my family is even larger than I realized. My teammates aren’t just teammates. They’re family. Coach Bielema isn’t just a coach. He’s a mentor. His beliefs inspire me. He’s family. Coach Herbert doesn’t just prepare my body. He prepares my heart. He’s family.

One of the major reasons I came to Arkansas from my home state of Minnesota was because of how much passion Razorback fans have. The support you’ve shown me since the day I arrived on campus and specifically during the past few months has been inspiring. You are ALL family.

This past season I overcame some adversity, achieved some personal goals, but most importantly, I discovered what the game of football means to me and my family.

The opportunity to play the game I love with the words “Arkansas” or “Razorbacks” on my chest each Saturday is a moment I cherish every time I step onto the field while listening to my Dad’s favorite songs (he loved the oldies).

Ragnow vs. Louisiana Tech

I’m excited and proud to say I’ll be returning for my senior season.

I can’t wait to play for, with and be inspired by my FAMILY when I put on that Arkansas uniform. I know the NFL is in my future, but I want to be the best center in college football as a Razorback. I want to lead and motivate my teammates who have helped me grow as a Razorback. I want to walk across the graduation stage as a Razorback. And I want to start helping others who have lost their father at a young age as a Razorback.

To my dad, I miss you each day and I know you are here with all of us. I will continue each day with the values that you taught me. And don’t worry, Dad, I won’t be a shmo.

Right now, tackle Dan Skipper will be the only offensive lineman not returning, which is good news for a team that struggled to find the right combination this season.

Fisher’s buyout makes Long’s extension with Bielema a bargain

Andy Hodges
-
0

Maybe Jeff Long could read college football’s financial tea leaves in advance.

Who knows?

When he gave Bret Bielema a pay raise and extension in February 2015 there were some raised eyebrows at the buyout.

To refresh memories, Bielema’s buyout numbers are $15.4 million through next season, then $11.7 million in 2018, $7.9 million in 2019 and $4 million in 2020.

The last two numbers are probably not relevant as if Bielema wins enough games there will, obviously, be another extension and if he doesn’t, well, things may be more interesting.

That’s the way these things work in this day and age.

Maybe Long saw all this nearly two years ago when he put together the extension. Jimbo Fisher’s newest deal with Florida State has certainly opened some eyes.

Fisher’s new deal included a $250,000 a year raise, but the buyout on the school’s side is a whopping $44.4 million in January. Yes, Jimbo could go 0-12 next season and it would cost them that much to get rid of him.

While that may be extreme, remember that Oregon gave Mark Helfrich a raise when he got the Ducks to the national championship game after beating Fisher’s Seminoles two years ago … then fired him a couple of weeks ago.

To add some context to it, Fisher’s buyout was $33 million before the new deal.

For some further context, the total of buyouts of every coach in the SEC West is $61 million, the SEC East is $58.7 million.

In case you’re wondering, there is no reverse buyout for Fisher. He can leave and owe Florida State nothing, exactly like Saban at Alabama and some other contracts in the SEC.

Which means Fisher (or his agent) made sure his name came up when Les Miles was fired at LSU.

Because, obviously, Florida State wants to keep him around for awhile.

Hogs look to keep winning streak going against North Dakota State

ESPN Arkansas News Services
-
0

Arkansas puts a six-game winning streak on the line Tuesday night when it welcomes North Dakota State to town for a 6 p.m. tip-off in Bud Walton Arena.

The Rundown
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 20
Tip-off: 6 p.m. CT
Tickets: Buy Here
TV: SEC Network
WatchESPN: Click Here
Live Stats: Click Here

The #Fastest40 Facts
• Arkansas is off to its best 10-game start in the Mike Anderson era with a 9-1 record.

• The Razorbacks are 54-1 against unranked non-conference opponents inside Bud Walton Arena under Anderson.

• Saturday’s 29-of-31 (.935) performance from the charity stripe against Texas was the second best percentage in school history with 30-plus attempts. Arkansas went 30-of-32 (.938) against Rice in 1982.

• Arkansas has recorded runs of at least 10-0 on 11 different occasions this year, including a season-high 21-0 run against Austin Peay on Dec. 3. The Razorbacks have multiple 10-0 runs in five of 10 games this year.

• The Razorbacks have held opponents scoreless for three-plus minutes 19 times this year, including at least once in nine of 10 games this season. Arkansas held UT Arlington scoreless for a season-best 7:11 during the second half, going on a 15-0 run.

• Arkansas has recorded 20-plus assists in three of the last six games and is currently tied for fifth in the country with five games of at least 20 assists this season. The Razorbacks are 37-3 in the Mike Anderson era when dishing out 20-plus assists.

• The Razorbacks have pulled down 10-plus offensive rebounds in 11 straight games, the longest streak under Anderson. Arkansas is scoring 16.2 percent of its points on second chance opportunities, good for 13.7 points a game.

• Arkansas has yet to trail this season in fast break points and holds a commanding 161-59 (+102) edge in the transition game. The Razorbacks have scored 20-plus fast break points in four of the 10 games this year.

The Charity Stripe
• The Razorbacks lead the SEC in free throw percentage at 79.0 percent, while averaging 19.2 made free throws per game. Arkansas has made 82.7 percent of its free throws over the last 4 games.

• Dusty Hannahs is shooting 91.1 percent (41-45) from the charity stripe this season, good for 25th in the nation. Hannahs had made 26 straight free throws before missing against Texas.

• Daryl Macon has made 19 straight free throws after his 14-for-14 performance against Texas.

Bielema gives update on Belk Bowl prep and expecting first child

ESPN Arkansas News Services
-
0

Video from WholeHogSports.com

Anderson talks about Hogs’ win over Texas, game with North Dakota State

ESPN Arkansas News Services
-
0

Photo from WholeHogSports.com

Hannahs, Beard talk about Hogs’ upcoming game with Bison

ESPN Arkansas News Services
-
0

Video from WholeHogSports.com

Strong second half lifts Razorbacks over Texas in Lone Star Shootout

ESPN Arkansas News Services
-
0

HOUSTON — Daryl Macon scored a career-high 23 points, and Arkansas fought off Texas for its sixth straight win, 77-74, on Saturday.

Macon, whose previous career high was 17 against Houston on Dec. 6, made all 14 of his free throws to lead the Razorbacks, who were 29 of 31 from the line.

Dusty Hannahs added 15 points and Jaylen Barford had 11 for Arkansas (9-1), which won nine of its first 10 games for the second time in the last seven years.

Tevin Mack had 20 points and 12 rebounds, Andrew Jones added 17 points and Kerwin Roach, Jr., had 12 points for the Longhorns (5-5), who shot 19 of 32 from the free-throw line. Jarrett Allen had 11 points and 10 rebounds for Texas.

Trailing by nine, the Longhorns used a 9-2 spurt to cut the lead to 73-71 with 41 seconds left on a Jones free throw. But Arlando Cook hit two free throws with 38 seconds remaining, and Roach missed a layup on the other end before Macon hit two free throws to push the lead to six.

Mack nailed a 3 with 16 seconds left to cut the Razorbacks’ lead to three, and Texas forced an Arkansas turnover on the inbounds, but Roach’s 3-pointer at the buzzer was short.

Texas took a 35-30 lead into halftime behind eight points each from Mack and Jones.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Arkansas: The Razorbacks overcame sluggish shooting in the first half, hitting 27 percent from the field, including 1 of 9 from behind the arc. Arkansas shot 46 percent in the second half. The Razorbacks got their first win over a Power 5 conference team this season.

Texas: The Longhorns continued to struggle on the road this season, falling to 0-4 away from Austin. Texas played good defense, forcing the Razorbacks into 36 percent shooting, but the Longhorns got four points from their bench.

UP NEXT

Arkansas: Hosts North Dakota State Tuesday and Sam Houston State Thursday before starting SEC play against Florida on Dec. 29.

Texas: Hosts UAB Wednesday and Kent State Dec. 27 before starting Big 12 play Dec. 30 at Kansas State.

1...1,7431,7441,745...1,753Page 1,744 of 1,753

HitThatLine.com is the website for ESPN Arkansas. Listen at 99.5 in Fayetteville, 95.3 FM in Fort Smith and the River Valley, 96.3 FM in Hot Springs and 104.3 FM in Harrison.

© Copyright 2017-25 by Pearson Broadcasting. All rights reserved.