Razorbacks Ready for Challenge

HOOVER, Ala. — Arkansas entered Southeastern Conference Media Days with arguably the most attention of any team in attendance.

They were a near-unanimous top-10 team with Bobby Petrino, but with John L. Smith, no one really knew what to expect.

The team, however, was supremely confident, and Smith himself said the transition has been easy.

“I think it was easier for the kids than maybe any other move that could have been made,” Smith said of his hire to replace Petrino. “They know, with my coming in, the program’s basically going to stay the same. There is just going to be one different individual that sits in that office than the previous guy.”

Also on Wednesday, the Razorback players revealed that they had received phone calls from Petrino, apologizing for his behavior and wishing them luck.

“Time heals, without a doubt,” Smith said. “I think this transition, my coming back, has been the easiest on them that it maybe could have been.”

Senior quarterback Tyler Wilson said he’d spoken to Petrino a couple of times.

“We’ve had a few (conversations),” Wilson said. “I think I’ve talked to him twice since he was dismissed. He’s wished me good luck, and apologized for what went on.”

Arkansas opens the season Sept. 1 against Jacksonville State in Fayetteville.