Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Hogs defense
Arkansas’ front line fluid due to moving parts.
FAYETTEVILLE — Here’s a nugget that speaks to the depth on Arkansas’ defensive front in 2016. The Razorbacks have three starters back on their defensive line, but not one currently is running with the first team at the position he played last season.
Taiwan Johnson, the projected starter at nose guard, was the 3-technique tackle a year ago. Jeremiah Ledbetter, a 12-game starter at defensive end in 2015, is now slated to start at the inside 3-technique. Tevin Beanum made eight starts at the “rush” end slot, but he’s having to work his way back into the starting lineup after missing parts of fall camp and spring training while dealing with personal issues.
The Arkansas defensive staff liked how the front played against the run last season, allowing 116.5 yards per game to rank No. 2 in the SEC and No. 12 in the nation.
The coaches think the shuffling will lead to similar results in stopping the run and much better success at generating a pass rush.
Johnson, a senior who has made 26 consecutive starts, is happy to be back at the nose, where he enjoyed a breakout season in 2014 with 8 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and 2 fumble recoveries, including one for a touchdown in the Texas Bowl victory over Texas.
Johnson was an undersized guy who won with his speed as a sophomore, but he was not as nimble at 290 pounds last year.
“Two years ago, I was around 250, so I had to gain a little bit for body purposes,” Johnson said. “Because of SEC play, I really felt my body falling apart. I was still playing as hard as I could, but I felt my body falling apart.”
Johnson said he’s comfortable at his current weight of 280 pounds.
“I felt at this weight I can be effective the whole, long run,” he said.
Ledbetter needed some convincing to move away from his preferred position at end. After going through spring drills and training camp at the inside spot, he’s come around.
“I was kind of skeptical at first, and I grew into it. I kind of like it more. I’m starting to feel more confident at the position, so I feel great doing what I need to do on the field,” Ledbetter said.
“For him, it’s a mismatch with most of the guards he
goes against because he’s very fast,” senior end Deatrich Wise said of Ledbetter.
Ledbetter and Johnson are both around 280 pounds coming out of training camp.
“Just us being a little bit lighter, we can use our quickness more,” Ledbetter said. “We have the strength and the athleticism to make that position easier for us. But us being around that 280 range, I think it helps us with more endurance type of stuff.”
Behind Johnson, junior Bijhon Jackson and true freshman Austin Capps are pushing for playing time. Redshirt freshman T.J. Smith and true freshman Briston Guidry are behind Ledbetter, with sophomore Armon Watts available at both spots. Because defensive line coach Rory Segrest likes to cross-train his charges, many of the team’s ends could wind up inside, as Wise, Ja-Michael Winston and others have done the past couple of years.
“We’ll be much stronger than last year,” Wise said. “We also believe the defensive line is the heart of the team, so when the offense is trying to find itself and get a rhythm, I believe our defense will step in.”
Segrest said the coaching staff had talked about working Jackson at both of the tackle spots to add to his versatility.
“That’s just something we’re looking at as a possibility with Capps coming along,” Segrest said. “He’s done a great job in there. We’re just trying to get our best guys on the field and the best depth we can create.”
Coach Bret Bielema said Capps stood out one day last week when he pushed a double team from starters Frank Ragnow and Hjalte Froholdt into the pocket.
“He’s so strong and powerful, it’s hard to imagine a kid that age being that strong,” Bielema said.