Division Western Division Head coach Bobby Petrino Offensive scheme Power Spread | 2008 record 5–7 (2–6 SEC) Offensive coordinator Paul Petrino | |
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Conference Southeastern Conference | ||
The 2008 Arkansas Razorbacks football team represented the University of Arkansas in the 2008 football season. The Razorbacks played five home games at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, Arkansas and one home game at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, Arkansas. The Razorbacks finished the season with an overall record of 5–7 and a conference record of 2–6 in Bobby Petrino's inaugural season.
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Coaching change
Following the final game of the 2007 season, head coach Houston Nutt resigned from his position at Arkansas. He would later accept the head coaching position at Arkansas's division rival, the Ole Miss Rebels.
After Houston Nutt's resignation, former Louisville Cardinals' and Atlanta Falcons' head coach Bobby Petrino was hired to be the new head coach of the Razorbacks. Petrino's contract with Arkansas is a five-year deal worth $2.85 million per year in annual compensation.
Petrino hired Bobby Allen (defensive tackles), Kirk Botkin (defensive ends and special teams coordinator), Dean Campbell (director of high school relations), Tim Horton (running backs, tight ends and recruiting coordinator), Reggie Johnson (linebackers), Chip Long (graduate assistant), Garrick McGee (quarterbacks), Paul Petrino (offensive coordinator), Mark Robinson (director of football operations), Courtney Sanders (graduate assistant), Mike Summers (offensive line), Jason Veltkamp (strength and conditioning), and Lorenzo Ward (secondary). Ellis Johnson was originally hired to be the defensive coordinator; however, Johnson resigned from his post to take a job with the South Carolina Gamecocks on January 24, 2008. On February 6, 2008, Bobby Petrino hired former St. Louis Rams' secondary coach Willy Robinson as defensive coordinator.
Players
Arkansas will return with seven starters on offense and four starters on defense. Returnees on offense include quarterback Casey Dick, who threw for 1,695 yards and 18 touchdowns in the 2007 season, and 2007 Dave Rimington Trophy winner Jonathan Luigs. Three players were named to the Southeastern Conference's Pre-Season All-SEC Team: Jonathan Luigs, Mitch Petrus, and Antwain Robinson.
Departures
The University of Arkansas graduated 11 starting seniors in 2007, which included All-SEC offensive tackle Robert Felton, offensive tackle Nate Garner, fullback Peyton Hillis, wide receiver Robert Johnson, wide receiver Marcus Monk, defensive tackle Marcus Harrison, linebacker Weston Dacus, cornerback Michael Grant, cornerback Matterral Richardson, strong safety Matt Hewitt, and free safety Kevin Woods.
Arkansas also lost consensus All-American tailback Darren McFadden, All-American tailback Felix Jones, and wide receiver Sean Penix as they decided to skip their senior season and declare for the 2008 NFL Draft. The team also lost three quarterbacks in the off-season. Brian Reader stated he would transfer to Monterey Peninsula College, Nathan Emert left the team to pursue a career as a minister, and Clark Irwin left the team to pursue a career in finance and real estate. Placekicker Brian Vavra also decided to leave the team to pursue other opportunities. Citing lack of playing time, fullback Hezekiah Smith transferred to in-state UAPB. After spring training began, redshirt freshman linebacker Tim Dial announced that he was leaving the team to transfer to East Central University.
The Razorbacks also lost linebacker Freddie Fairchild when he was dismissed from the team on June 11, 2008.
Transfers
In January 2008, former five-star quarterback recruit Ryan Mallett transferred from Michigan to Arkansas. Due to NCAA transfer rules, Mallett would redshirt his sophomore year and would be able to compete in the 2009 season; however, he would be allowed on the scout team in the 2008 season.
Recruits
On National Signing Day, February 6, 2008, Arkansas received 25 letters of intent by the following players listed below: