LITTLE ROCK - Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino called the decision to dismiss Anthony Oden a difficult one Monday, but added the Razorbacks’ lack of depth at the position won’t temper expectations for the upcoming season.
Speaking prior to a golf event at Chenal Country Club, Petrino spoke publicly for the first time since deciding to dismiss Oden from Arkansas’ team after his second DWI arrest in just more than a year.
“That was hard,” Petrino said. “It’s something you never want to do as a coach. I believe in second and third chances, but it got to a situation where there were no more chances.”
Oden was arrested July 9 and charged with driving while intoxicated, possession of a controlled substance and other offenses. It was his second arrest for DWI while at Arkansas.
Oden was expected to compete for a starting tackle position with the Razorbacks. Arkansas is looking to replace DeMarcus Love and Ray Dominguez at the tackle positions after both graduated.
The likely starters at tackle for the Razorbacks’ season-opener against Missouri State are freshman Brey Cook and junior college transfer Jason Peacock. Both players went through spring practices with Arkansas earlier this year.
“We’re not tempering our expectations at all,” Petrino said of the inexperience on the offensive line. “Before it’s over I think we’ll be a really good offensive front. We’re bigger, more athletic and very youthful, but youth is not that bad.
“Those guys had a good spring. They went against a very good defensive front in the spring. I thought they got better as it went on and I’m really looking forward to it. We’ll take it as a challenge.”
You can follow Matt Jones on Twitter @NWAMatt.
I guess we are going to find out how good Brey Cook really is. You hate to have a lack of depth at tackle. The offense could struggle early while these guys go through the growing pains of learning the system. Unlike previous years though, we have some animals on the defensive line that are going to give teams fits! I’m really exctied to see how good the defense can be…
I am glad that Petrino keeps the standards high. That will bring respect from players, fans and other schools that we compete against. Morals matter
Arkansas has traditionally be able to field starters that could hang with the ‘big boys’ for a half, or 3 quarters. CBP has elevated the roster so that the first team is better than before, and now the second team is WAY better than before. We’re hanging with the ‘big boys right through to the final horn. This season I expect the OL starters will be good enough. The bigger concern is how ready to play the second team OL will be.
if Coach K has his way,all will be ready.
Our last head coach would’ve used this as one of his excuses for a sub-par season no doubt. Glad those days are gone. WPS!!!
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