RazorBlog

Sonny Weems traded to the Denver Nuggets

joswalt — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:20:00 GMT

Sonny Weems was a Chicago Bull. And then he wasn't.

Fifteen minutes after being selected by the Bulls with the 39th overall pick in Thursday night's NBA Draft, Weems received a phone call from his agent, Roger Montgomery.

Forget about Chicago, Montgomery said, and get ready for Denver.

"He just told me I got traded to the Nuggets," Weems said Thursday night. "That was fine by me. I think Denver wanted me all along. I talked to their general manager and head coach, and they said they were excited about it."

The Nuggets didn't draft anyone because they had traded away their two selections - a first-round pick to Charlotte and a second-rounder to Seattle. As part of the trade, which was pending NBA approval late Thursday night, Chicago will receive a second-round pick in the 2009 draft from Denver.

Source - Razorback Central

Sonny Weems drafted in Second Round by Chicago Bulls

joswalt — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 04:48:00 GMT

Sonny Weems is headed to the Chicago Bulls after being selected in the second round of the National Basketball Association Draft on Thursday night. Weems was the No. 39 overall pick and the second drafted player for Chicago. The Bulls selected Memphis’ Derrick Rose with the No. 1 overall pick.

Weems completed his Razorback career by earning first-team All-Southeastern Conference honors, and all-district honors from the National Association of Basketball Coaches and the United States Basketball Writers Association in his senior season.

He averaged 15.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists, helping the Razorbacks go 23-12, finish second in the Southeastern Conference’s Western Division, reach the finals of the SEC Tournament and advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Following the completion of his Razorback career, Weems won the collegiate slam dunk national title in the 20th annual State Farm College Slam Dunk and 3-Point Championships at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas. He became the second Razorback (Brandon Dean) to win the contest held in conjunction with the Final Four.

Source - UA Sports Information

Trantham named Senior Associate Athletic Director at Arkansas

joswalt — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 18:10:00 GMT

Arkansas native Matt Trantham has been named the senior associate athletic director for internal operations for the University of Arkansas’ Department of Athletics, Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Jeff Long announced Wednesday. Trantham, a native of Hot Springs, Ark., joins the Razorbacks after spending nearly nine years at the University of Oklahoma. At Arkansas, Trantham will oversee Razorback facilities, event management and equipment operations. ...(read more)

Fairchild dismissed from football team

joswalt — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 03:18:00 GMT

The University Arkansas dismissed linebacker Freddie Fairchild from the football team on Wednesday, putting an end to a career that began with much promise but was derailed by his arrest in late March on battery charges.

Fairchild's dismissal didn't come as a surprise. He was suspended indefinitely on March 25 for violation of team rules, and Arkansas' coaches didn't sound optimistic about his chances of returning to the team.

"Since (Fairchild's) suspension last March, he has not participated in team activities," Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino said Wednesday in a statement released through the university. "As his status with our team has been resolved, we will make no further comment regarding this matter."

According to a Fayetteville police report, Fairchild was arrested March 24 after he allegedly attacked a woman he was involved with for more than a year. The report said Fairchild caused injuries to the woman's head, face and extremities, leading to him being arrested on misdemeanor charges of battery and false imprisonment.

Source - Razorback Central

Arkansas-Texas game to be televised by ABC Sports

joswalt — Thu, 22 May 2008 18:40:00 GMT

The University of Arkansas announced today that the 2008 Arkansas and Texas football game will be televised nationally by ANB Sports. The Razorbacks and Longhorns will play the non-conference game on September 13th in Austin at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. The game is scheduled to kickoff at 2:30 p.m. (CST).

The matchup between Arkansas and Texas will renew the rivalry between the former Southwest Conference teams. Bobby Petrino and the Razorbacks have one of the toughest schedules in college football for the 2008 season. The Razorbacks will also play the defending national champion LSU Tigers in front of nationally televised game by CBS Sports on November 28 at 1:30 p.m. (CST).

View the 2008 Arkansas Razorbacks Football Schedule

Petrino announces date for 2009 Arkansas Razorbacks Spring Game

joswalt — Sat, 10 May 2008 23:48:00 GMT

Less than two weeks after Bobby Petrino’s first Red-White Game as head football coach at Arkansas, the university has set April 18 as the date for the 2009 spring game.

“We are grateful to the Razorback fans for making the 2008 Red-White Spring Game a resounding success,” Arkansas vice chancellor and director of athletics Jeff Long says. “The enthusiasm generated from that special weekend has produced a heightened sense of anticipation and excitement for the upcoming season. I am confident that the continued passion and support of the Razorback fans will help ensure that the Red-White Spring Game will remain a marquee event on the Razorback athletics calendar.”

This year’s spring game drew a school-record crowd of 40,200 to Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. That figure was seventh-best in the nation and third-best in the Southeastern Conference.

“We wanted to set the date for next year’s spring game so our fans can start making plans to be at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on April 18, 2009,” Petrino says. “Razorback fans came out in record numbers this year and we want to continue to build upon our new spring game tradition. We appreciate our tremendous fan support and look forward to setting new records in the years to come.”

Source - UA Sports Information

Razorbacks release 2008 Post-Spring Depth Chart

joswalt — Thu, 08 May 2008 12:26:00 GMT

Arkansas Razorback's head football coach, Bobby Petrino, release his Post-Spring depth chart. Spring practice for the Razorbacks ended on April 26 with the Spring game. There are few interesting items in the chart. There are some veteran players from last year that have been moved down to 2nd string. Coach Petrino may be trying to send a message to some of his players that they need to step up their game if they want to play. ...(read more)

Four more Razorbacks drafted on Day 2 of the 2008 NFL Draft

joswalt — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 03:32:00 GMT

Arkansas defensive tackle Marcus Harrison, offensive tackle Nate Garner, fullback Peyton Hillis and wide receiver Marcus Monk heard their names called on Sunday in day two of the 2008 NFL Draft.

Harrison was taken by the Chicago Bears in the third round with the 90th overall selection in the draft. Garner was selected in the seventh round with the 211th pick by the New York Jets. Hillis was taken by the Denver Broncos in the seventh round with the 227th overall selection and Monk was drafted by the Chicago Bears with the 248th pick of the seventh round.

Other Reports:

Hogwired.com - Four Razorbacks Drafted on Day Two of NFL Draft
Bob Holt - Harrison gets call from Bears
Robbie Neiswanger - Harrison One of Four Hogs Selected Sunday, Two Hogs Agree To Free Agent Contracts

Source - UA Sports Information

2008 Spring Practice #15 Report (Red-White Scrimmage)

joswalt — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 14:16:00 GMT

Casey Dick passed for 404 yards and two touchdowns and Michael Smith ran for 157 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries as the Red posted a 45-14 victory over the White in Arkansas’ spring football game Saturday at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.

The game, played in front of a crowd of 40,200, featured the first team offense and defense on the Red squad with the second and third teams on the White.

Other Reports:

Hogwired.com - Dick, Smith Lead Red to 45-14 Spring Game Victory in Front of 40,000 Fans
Hogwired.com - Game Stats (PDF)
AP - RB Smith shines in Arkansas spring game
The Morning News - Williams Enjoys Breakout Performance
Rob Keys - Offense puts smile on QB’s face
Chris Bahn - Razorbacks Show Off Offensive Options
Robbie Neiswanger - Offense On Display
Kurt Voigt - Smith Takes On No. 1 Role
Tom Murphy - Arkansas piles up numbers
Marty Cook - Red-White game report

Source - UA Sports Information

Felix Jones drafted #22 in the 2008 NFL Draft

joswalt — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 01:34:00 GMT

"It'll be similar to Darren and I, it will complement real good because Barber will run (them) over and I'll put a move on you," Felix Jones said of his projected role with the Cowboys. "That's something that I really enjoy doing anyway and something I look forward to doing."

Felxi Jones' willingness to work in a two-back system helped Jerry Jones and Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips choose Felix Jones over Illinois' running back Rashard Mendenhall, who was also available at the time, but who is a more traditional running back in the style of Barber.

Other Reports:

NFL.com - Arkansas NFL Draft Tracker
DallasCowboys.com - Complementing Nothing New For Felix Jones
Bob Holt - UA backs make 1st-round splash
The Dallas Morning News - Cowboys’ choices reflect immediate plan, Wrong Selection for Cowboys?
Fort-Worth Star-Telegram - Instead of a rewrite, Cowboys go by book, When great things are possible, good feels bad
Tulsa World - Dallas takes Felix in first round

Source - DallasCowboys.com

Darren McFadden selected #4 in 2008 NFL Draft

joswalt — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 17:47:00 GMT

Arkansas’ two-time Doak Walker Award winner and Heisman Trophy runner-up Darren McFadden was selected with the No. 4 pick of the 2008 National Football League Draft by the Oakland Raiders.

McFadden becomes the highest drafted Razorback since Lamar McHan was taken with the No. 1 overall selection in 1954 by the Chicago Cardinals. He is only the fifth Arkansas player to be taken in the top five of the NFL Draft joining McHan, Kay Eakin (3rd, Pittsburgh, 1940), Jack Robbins (5th, Chicago Cardinals, 1938) and Billy Ray Smith, Jr. (5th, San Diego Chargers, 1983).

Other Reports:

NFL.com - Arkansas NFL Draft Tracker
Hogwired.com - McFadden Selected No. 4 in NFL Draft by Oakland Raiders
ESPN.com - McFadden offers Raiders a chance at rejuvenation
AP - Raiders take McFadden at No. 4 in NFL draft
AP - McFadden: ‘I just surround myself with family members’
Bob Holt - UA backs make 1st-round splash
Alex Abrams - McFadden Headed To Silver and Black, Fans Boo Raiders’ Pick of McFadden
Mark Lelinwalla - D-Mac in silver and black
The Oakland Tribune - Raiders get their man by picking McFadden

Source - UA Sports Information

2008 Spring Practice #14 Report

joswalt — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 14:40:00 GMT

The 2008 spring-practice schedule came to a close for the Arkansas football team Friday with a 75-minute workout inside Willard and Pat Walker Pavilion. It was the last of the team’s 14 practices of the spring as the Razorbacks turn to Saturday’s annual Red-White Spring Game. The game is scheduled for a 6 p.m. kickoff inside Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.

The Arkansas players spent the workout dressed out in shells and helmets, working primarily within their position groups preparing for their assignments. The Razorbacks also ran full-team drills as the practice neared a closed and finished the day by splitting into their respective Red and White teams to have a short walk through of drills for special teams.

View Spring 2008 Schedule

Other Reports:

Hogwired.com - Razorbacks Wrap Spring Practice, Red-White Game Up Next
Hogwired.com - Red-White Spring Game Roster (PDF)

Source - UA Sports Information

2008 Spring Practice #13 Report

joswalt — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 12:56:00 GMT

The Razorback football team completed a two-hour practice session Thursday on the turf inside Willard and Pat Walker Pavilion. Arkansas will have one more day of practice before Saturday’s Red-White Spring Game. The defense had a good day but is still looking for a more steady attack, according to defensive coordinator Willy Robinson.

“Today was probably one of our better days,” Robinson said. “We hope to get some consistency. We’re still going ebb and flow, but it’s a good start for the middle of the week.”

View Spring 2008 Schedule

Other Reports:

Hogwired.com - Defensive Consistency and Emotion is the Key for Robinson
Hogwired.com - Red-White Spring Game Roster (PDF)
Alex Abrams - Hogs Release Roster For Spring Game
Tom Murphy - Razorbacks Report

Source - UA Sports Information

2008 Spring Practice #12 Report

joswalt — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 12:25:00 GMT

The Arkansas football team returned to the practice turf inside Willard and Pat Walker Pavilion during Tuesday’s workout. It was the Razorbacks’ first practice since Saturday’s scrimmage. With one week of practice remaining before the Red-White Spring Game, the coaching staff is looking for progression and an intensity head coach Bobby Petrino said was lacking from Tuesday’s practice.

“We’re taking steps forward,” Petrino said. “But unfortunately, today I thought we didn’t practice with the same intensity that we need after a good, hard scrimmage and a couple of days off.”

View Spring 2008 Schedule

Other Reports:

Hogwired.com - Razorbacks Continue Spring Practice as Red-White Game Nears
Democrat-Gazette - Razorbacks report
Nate Allen - Petrino expected to ‘light a fire’ under Hogs
Ryan Malashock - Gregory Returns To Practice

Source - UA Sports Information

John McDonnell announces retirement as Razorbacks Track Coach

joswalt — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 12:29:00 GMT

Legendary University of Arkansas cross country and track and field head coach John McDonnell has announced he is retiring following the 2008 outdoor track and field season following 36 years, 42 NCAA championships and 83 conference titles.

McDonnell’s 42 national titles are more than any coach in any sport in the history of collegiate athletics. He has won five national triple crowns, 20 conference triple crowns, 34 consecutive cross country conference championships, including 17 straight in the Southeastern Conference, and has been named national, regional or conference coach of the year a total of 140 times.

Other Reports:

Hogwired.com - McDonnell Announces Retirement as Cross Country, Track and Field Head Coach
Hogwired.com - John McDonnell Press Conference Transcript
Hogwired.com - By The Numbers
SI.com - Arkansas track legend McDonnell, 69, to retire after 36 seasons
Wally Hall - Coach’s reign over college track last 36 years
Jim Harris - McDonnell Will Leave a Legacy Unparalleled
Bob Holt - Starting the bell lap, Ex-Hogs motivated by coach
Nathan Allen - Coaches Remember McDonnell’s Accomplishments
Robbie Neiswanger - University Track Coach Announces Retirement, McDonnell Hard To Replace
Nate Allen - The finish line
Ryan Malashock - Former Athletes Remember McDonnell’s Impact
Marty Cook - McDonnell’s 42-title shadow looms large
Terry Wood- ‘Legendary’ sums up McDonnell

Source - UA Sports Information