Hogs QB no show...

Discussion in 'The Tiger's Den' started by diamondheadtiger, Mar 28, 2004.

  1. diamondheadtiger

    diamondheadtiger Founding Member

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    Arkansas plans on having Jones

    FAYETTEVILLE — Until Arkansas Coach Houston Nutt hears otherwise, he’s counting on quarterback Matt Jones returning for his senior season.

    Jones has missed the first four spring practices but might participate today, Nutt said Thursday.

    When Nutt and Jones talked Monday, they set today as a target for Jones ’ possible return after trying to catch up on schoolwork that lagged while Jones played for the Arkansas basketball team, Nutt said. "I’m hoping he gets everything done and gets out here," Nutt said. Last month, Jones was noncommittal about returning to football, saying only that he had not given the matter any thought because he was wrapped up with basketball. He never indicated why he might consider skipping his final season and has not commented on the subject since basketball season.

    Jones is the only returning starter on offense and is known to like basketball more than football, but Nutt said quitting football has not been an issue. "We never have had that conversation," Nutt said. "I’m just assuming that he’s going to be here. Those rumors started before, I think, right in the mid-season of basketball and [again] right after the last game. So, again, I haven’t heard that conversation, so I’m expecting him to be here."

    Jones was Arkansas’ leading passer (57.4 percent, 1,917 yards, 18 touchdowns, 7 interceptions) and second-leading rusher (707 yards, 8 TDs) last season. He accounted for almost half the team’s total yards and ran or threw for almost half its touchdowns.

    An expanded role awaits. Nutt would like to try Jones on punt returns and, if backup quarterback Robert Johnson keeps developing, use Jones some at receiver.

    None of that is a priority right now, though. Jones knows the offense. More important would be his presence and potential leadership for an inexperienced team.

    Jones is one of only 10 scholarship seniors, 14 fewer than were in the 2003 class. "It’s always important for the quarterback to be on the field," Nutt said. "It’s always important, his leadership. He’s the only [ offensive] starter coming back, and it’s good just to get around our guys. I’m not saying he’s going to get out there and take 90 percent of the snaps or anything like that. But just being around our football team, I think it helps everyone."

    Some of Jones’ teammates have wondered when he might join them. "There’s been rumors floating around whether or not he was going to play this year," senior tailback DeCori Birmingham said. "The only person that knows that is Matt. Not to have him out here is kind of down for us, but he’s been going at it in basketball and needs some time to kind of recoup and get his legs back. We look forward to him coming back out here and being with his team again."

    Arkansas will go through a few contact drills today and will scrimmage the second half of practice. Most players will receive 20-25 plays each.
     
  2. tirk

    tirk im the lyrical jessie james

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    not to be overly presumptive but... how long you think Saban would have waited before he was kicked? 1 hr of practice one if he had no viable excuse?

    jeez Nutt still being weak and allowing the team to run the show.
     
  3. tygertail

    tygertail Founding Member

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    actually if what Jones says is accurate then you have to admire the guy. let him get caught up with his school work,not like he doesn't know the offense already. the kid is playing two sports and is trying to keep up with school. most athletes have a hard time with one sport and school.

    i actually have a ton of respect for the guy.
     
  4. tirk

    tirk im the lyrical jessie james

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    still would be cut. lol but yeah, I agree he has his head on straight if so.
     
  5. diamondheadtiger

    diamondheadtiger Founding Member

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    Maybe he don't like the sound of being the only starter on the offense coming back. He got spanked in football last year and much more of that in his future if he comes back. He may be a decent athlete, but IMO, he aint good at either. That Hog program was peaking when they got trounced in the SEECG 2 yrs ago. It will be a few years before they can compete.
    The Hogs don't reload, they rebuild, so every 3-4 yrs they are decent. :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)
     
  6. olVENICEdog

    olVENICEdog Founding Member

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    AU had a 2 sport athlete that they gave up on, I don't remember his name. Ark. should give up on that guy. Guys like Bo and Deon are so rare. He doesn't want to get slammed on to the turf any more let him go play a sissy game like basketball.
     
  7. diamondheadtiger

    diamondheadtiger Founding Member

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    From what I have seen, he's a better QB than he is playing Basketball. Then again he aint surrounded by quality athletes on either team. The Hogs are sorry all around. At least the villians scored a swimming championship. :D :grin: :D :grin: :D :grin: :D :grin: :D :grin: :D :grin: :D :grin: :D :grin: :D :grin: :D :grin: :D :grin: :D :grin: :D :grin: :D
     
  8. olVENICEdog

    olVENICEdog Founding Member

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    How bout them fights last night?
     

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