Bobby Petrino Can Recruit

by Paul Lyboult
(Syracuse, NY)

Bobby Petrino's return to the coaching ranks was much sooner than anyone could have anticipated. More interesting was how Petrino's departure from the NFL's Falcons would effect his ability to recruit come national signing day. If yesterday was any indication Petrino will be just fine.

In the past I have highly criticized Arkansas for replacing Houston Nutt with Bobby Petrino, but I am forced to hold my tongue after seeing what the new coach brought in.

For starters Arkansas hauled in quarterback Ryan Mallet, a highly regarded transfer player that was at Michigan last season. Tyler Wilson was another qb added to the 'Hogs roster. Last season Wilson tossed 43 touchdowns to only 14 interceptions as a senior at Greenwood High School.

To try and help ease the loss of Heisman finalist Darren McFadden Petrino also scooped up Arkansas native De'Anthony Curtis. Curtis last season rushed for 18 touchdowns and could have a chance to compete for playing time this coming season as a true freshman.

With the wideout position a concern, Petrino more than addressed it with the additions of three highly touted prospects. Jarius Wright, Greg Childs and Cruz Williams will be impact players in the SEC in the not so distant future.

ESPN.com rated Arkansas' class a "B", but I will do one better and give the recruitment a B+. Sure, other schools had commitments made by more quality players, but Arkansas still pulled some good punches.

For all the negatives that can be said about the latest new coach in the SEC, two things are certain so far. Through it all Petrino is still a quality offensive mind & his 2008 recruiting class is a great start to his new beginning at Arkansas.




For other articles by Paul Lyboult, go to SEC Football Blog.