SEC KICKOFF 2002
Southeastern Conference Football Media Days
July 30 - August 1 (Tuesday - Thursday)
Wynfrey Hotel * Hoover, Alabama

ARKANSAS PARTICIPANT AUDIO
  Coach Houston Nutt
  NG Jermaine Brooks
  SE George Wilson

Arkansas Quotes from Kickoff 2002 - SEC Football Media Days

Head Coach Houston Nutt

"It's time to get ready to go again. 32 days away. Have had couple ask me about Coach Broyles. Doing very well. We had senior camp two weeks ago, and he looked like 27 year old. Great enthusiasm.

"The new stadium is gorgeous, and we have an academic center in there. Also a new letterman's lounge.

"(On summer workouts) We have never had this many .... Always had a lot show up in the summer, 90 or 91, but never had this many. We like to see players around our offices with a ball in their hands, especially the skill guys. One thing George Wilson has done, really get after our guys to show up and play catch, good sessions with defensive backs, tight ends and receivers. These guys spent lot of time together, and I'm proud of their work ethic.

"We have speed, good speed on our football team. Problem is the SEC, every time you look at other end of field, you feel like man, how we gonna make a first down today. I'll say that against any SEC team. We're in one of the greatest leagues there is.

"Two areas of concern we have: offense and defensive line as far as depth."

"Brooks, House are two solid senior guys we're gonna count on. They were part of our very first class. I'm happy to say we have four guys that walked across the stage and still have eligibility left.

"Our offensive line and defensive line are one thing we'll want to use that magic word and that magic word is "next".

"One thing every coach wants to happen, stay away from injury, want the right attitude, keep injuries to minimum and turn it loose, all can hope for. Thing makes you feel better is we have 3 quarterbacks on campus we can win with. Ryan Sorahan had good job first the first games till he got hurt. He did some good things. Tarvaris Jackson has very strong arm, but very little experience. I don't know how he'll manage the team or how well he reads the 25-second clock in front of 100,000 people.

"Then a guy like Matt Jones, when we we're 0-3, the redshirt was off, and we were gonna put the best people on field. He gave us great injection of confidence, took over and did great things at quarterback for us. At 6-6, 220 plus pounds, he has improved his body. Jackson and Sorahan have gotten ahead of him footwork wise. I don't know who the starter will be. I'll make that decision about week prior.

"I feel we have good depth at running back. Holmes, Talley, .... Howard had a great spring, the redshirt freshman from Memphis.

"We've got some depth there, every year seems like a lot of good tailbacks, but about that time you say that, need every one of them."

Nose Guard Jermaine Brooks

"(On his shoulder) It feels wonderful. I'd say it's about at 98 percent right now. I'm ready for the season.

"(On the defense) The defense is phenomenal to play with. We're young in areas, but wise. We have a great secondary, and the linemen we have are young, but wonderful.

"(On the game he looks forward to) The Tennessee game is always wonderful to be a part of. It's an intense game, and I always seem to play a bit better in it. It means a little more to me than normal.

"(On the offensive lines in the SEC) There's really not one that's above another. Well, the difference can depend on their attitude and how they play. If they play like they have a chip on their shoulder, then they're tougher to play against. If they're not focused then it's easier. The attitude makes a big difference.

"(On playing at Fayetteville) The facilities we have adds a lot. We're defending our home there, and with the added renovations, it shows that we do something that means something to others. It's wonderful to play play in Arkansas. The grass is great. You can't ask for anything else."

Split End George Wilson

"(On his knee) It's good. I'm ready to go, and ready for camp.

"(On his first time to Tennessee) This will be my first time to Neyland Stadium, but I know a bit about it because my brother played at Kentucky. The past four to five years, the rivalry has been great, and we're looking forward to it.

"(On the team's late-season success in 2001) We saw a little of how good we can be in the last six games last year. We've talked about in the off-season about we we need to do to be consistent like were then.

"(On the West) I think this year's race is no different than last year. You can't tell until the last week or two. We were 1-3 going into LSU and yet were still in contention at the end. It just shows you how competitive the division is. There's no drop off after the first one or two teams. We have to treat every game like it's an important one.

"(On starting the season late) We get a feel of the college year that first week. We'll kick back and watch some of the teams on television, but it puts us in a bind for the rest of the season. We can't have any injuries. The coaching staff and the strength and conditioning coaches had made sure we're ready for camp."

KICKOFF 2002: ARKANSAS PHOTO GALLERY (Click on the thumbnail to see the full size image and caption)