Players that Could Have a Big Impact on the Arkansas Razorbacks Football Season in 2007

The Arkansas Razorback football team had a very successful season in 2006. After being blown out by national powerhouse USC in the season opener, by the score of 50-14,the Hogs reeled off a stunning 10 game winning streak. They then lost three consecutive games to end the season. All season the Hogs offense relied heavily on three outstanding players, Felix Jones, Marcus Monk, and Heisman Trophy runner- up Darren McFadden. These three players all had the best seasons of their careers. At seasons end Jones had rushed for 1,168 yards and 6 touchdowns. Monk caught 50 passes for 962 yards and 11 touchdowns.McFadden's final numbers were incredible. He rushed for 1,647 yards and 14 touchdowns, he also threw 3 touchdowns, and caught 1, a total of 18 for the season.

If the Razorbacks want to achieve similar success this season several other players will need to step up their production.It is nice to have three go-to players, but the supporting cast is the key to the Hogs having a better season than last year.

The first player that needs to step up is junior quarterback, Casey Dick. Last season Dick completed less than fifty percent of his passes (65-132) and threw 6 interceptions and only 9 touchdowns.He was not totally to blame for the sub par season, although. He was injured to start the season and was then given the starting job for the last five games. He is going into this season knowing that he will be the number one quarterback and it is on his shoulders to dramatically improve the passing game to compliment the Hogs stellar running attack. A good season for Casey Dick would be to complete at least sixty percent of his passes and to have a touchdown/interception ratio of 25/7.

Another very important piece of the Razorback offensive unit is senior fullback, Peyton Hillis.He is not a typical fullback and can do so many things to help the offense move the ball down the field.He is a punishing blocker that also has very good hands and can also make tacklers miss in the open field Hillis was injured for most of the 2006 season with a variety of injuries. The season ended 4 games early for Peyton Hillis after suffering a devastating deep thigh bruise. His absence was a big part of the Razorbacks meltdown to end the season. Peyton's numbers were really down from the previous 2 seasons. He only carried the ball 13 times for 57 yards and 1 touchdown. He was tied for second on the team in receptions with 19, but only gained 159 yards and did not reach the end zone. For the offense to be successful he will need to stay healthy and have more offensive production to take some pressure off of Monk, Jones, and McFadden.

London Crawford is a player that could have a very big impact on the season for the Razorbacks. Crawford is a sophomore from Mobile, Alabama's Davidson High School. Coming out of high school he had the reputation as a big play receiver with outstanding speed and ball catching skills. He did not have a lot of opportunities the showcase his talents, but he did make the best of his chances. He only caught 5 passes,but 2 of them went for touchdowns. He ended the season with 117 yards including a 45 yard TD reception.Crawford will likely be used a lot more this season and should give Casey Dick a reliable option if Marcus Monk gets double teamed. Crawford could expect to catch as many as 20 passes this season.

If all of these players continue to improve, the Razorbacks could be in the hunt for another shot at the SEC title game this season. Look for the trio of Monk, Jones, and McFadden to put up huge numbers this season.As long as the supporting cast including , Casey Dick , Peyton Hiilis, and London Crawford play consistent football, the Razorbacks could go all the way to the national championship game.