Division Western Division Offensive scheme Power spread | 2009 record 8–5 (3–5 SEC) | |
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Conference | ||
The 2009 Arkansas Razorbacks football team represented the University of Arkansas in the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Razorbacks played five home games at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, Arkansas and two home games at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, Arkansas. Head coach Bobby Petrino was in his second season at Arkansas. The Razorbacks finished the season 8–5, 3–5 in SEC play and won the Liberty Bowl 20–17 against East Carolina.
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Leading into the 2009 season
Former Michigan State head coach John L. Smith was hired as special teams coordinator. He replaced Lorenzo Ward who took a spot with the South Carolina Gamecocks. Quarterback Ryan Mallett and linebacker Ryan Powers were both arrested before the season. Mallett's charge of public intoxication garnered national headlines, and Powers was charged with shoplifting from a Fayetteville Wal-Mart. Neither player was suspended.
Additions
Punter Briton Forester signed with the team on March 2 out of Palomar College. Forester had previously competed at Hawaii in 2006 and 2007, and will be designated a junior at Arkansas. New special teams coach John L. Smith was integral in Forester's signing.
Southern Cal transfer Broderick Green was cleared to play by the NCAA on July 31, 2009. The running back transferred to Arkansas to be nearer his ill grandmother, who resides in Little Rock, Arkansas. He will have three years of eligibility remaining.
Departures
In a press release on December 16, 2008, Nathan Dick, brother of Casey Dick, announced his intentions to transfer from the University of Arkansas. His release was granted by Bobby Petrino. Dick transferred to in-state UCA. Crosby Tuck, a sophomore receiver from Shiloh Christian School, announced that he would no longer compete with the Razorbacks on February 23, 2009. The Springdale native's decision was based on an elbow injury against Kentucky in 2007, from which he has not returned. Tuck will remain at the University of Arkansas.
Sophomore linebacker Khiry Battle was dismissed from the team on June 29, 2009, due to an unspecified violation of team rules.