Felix Jones: Returning for his Senior Season at Arkansas

[the Prodigy]

Felix Jones is staying to be the feature back for coach Petrino. Looks like the cupboard isn't so bare.

I heard it right out of his mouth on drivetime sports, a local sports talk radio show.

As fans of other teams in the SEC, how does this affect your outlook on next season?

Jones has something to prove, and I think he is more than capable of proving it.

Next season's RB rankings:

1. Jones
2. Moreno
3. -

[GeauxTo]

That's great for Arkansas and for Jones. I think he'll have an opportunity to really get a lot of touches and to show-off his pretty awesome running skills. It should give him a shot at the Heisman and an opportunity to raise his stock in the draft.

[GatorBait15]

3.T-bow

Since I think Geechee signed off I will post for him...

Geechee: Damn Gators always making biased post about Tebow, How much gayer will they get?


He would say something like that haha

[the Prodigy]

3.T-bow............

I was tempted, but his name still sickens me.


No, I think that Jones and obviously Tebow will be in the Heisman discussion next season. The fans will make sure of that.

I think that Jones may personally feel he has more to prove than any other RB in the league. He wasn't in the shadow of McFadden, and even had a small contingency that thought he was the better RB. McFadden is a physical freak but Jones I think had the better field vision, which is saying a lot because McFadden's was pretty good.

[GatorBait15]

Big game next yr. UF vrs ARK....scares me alot! every west away game scares the sh*t out of me!

[Tider27]

Shouldn't be that much of a effect on Arkansas as a team, but he'll be a solid running back to say the least. I guess we do have to rank Jones the best back in the SEC preseason, but it's arguable too.

[crawfish]

Felix Jones is staying to be the feature back for coach Petrino. Looks like the cupboard isn't so bare.

I heard it right out of his mouth on drivetime sports, a local sports talk radio show.

As fans of other teams in the SEC, how does this affect your outlook on next season?

Jones has something to prove, and I think he is more than capable of proving it.

Next season's RB rankings:

1. Jones
2. Moreno
3. -


Congrats! That's "good news" for Arkansas. Convince McFadden to stay; now that would be "great news" for the Razorbacks and bad news for everybody else.

I think if you said McFadden was coming back, now that would really change our thinking of the Backs next year. McFadden was our thorn, so I don't see Jones returning really changes our outlook on you guys next season. McFadden was an animal everytime he played us. You guys will have another excellent team with a very good coach. I think probably the "revenge" factor will play into the LSU/Arky game next year for the Tigers. But it should be another great one between the two SEC "kinda" rivalries.

[the Prodigy]

There are some HUGE games next season. The SEC just looks more and more like 'el champion de la liga' (league of Champions).

With the coaching pickup, the always increasing influx of talent, and (oh yes now I can check it off) the pomp of an alabama or georgia fan in every conversation, we can look forward to next season with hope but certainly that hope is overshadowed by the uncertainty that such a high level of competition and parity brings.

Even with the return of Jones, I have no idea what to expect from the hogs because I have no idea how Petrino will develop the talent there. Arkansas has both Texas and Florida in the first half of the season. Along with Bama. That schedule looks tough. It will be a test.

[the Prodigy]

Congrats! That's "good news" for Arkansas. Convince McFadden to stay; now that would be "great news" for the Razorbacks and bad news for everybody else.

I think if you said McFadden was coming back, now that would really change our thinking of the Backs next year. McFadden was our thorn, so I don't see Jones returning really changes our outlook on you guys next season. McFadden was an animal everytime he played us. You guys will have another excellent team with a very good coach. I think probably the "revenge" factor will play into the LSU/Arky game next year for the Tigers. But it should be another great one between the two SEC "kinda" rivalries.

I'm a big fan of the Arkansas - LSU potential rivalry... so obviously I'm rooting for a Razorback win. If that happens I think it will be a catalyst to jumpstarting that rivalry. (even if it is for the ugliest and heaviest trophy I've ever seen.)

McFadden was and is a BEAST. He always played well against LSU and South Carolina.... but then again, so did Jones. Now he obviously has a lot to prove, I don't think he can take the hits that McFadden took on every play. But he definitely isn't a chump.

[TDArkansasOhmy]

Not so fast Red. Better think back and see why Felix had so much success. Let's review, shall we.
Jones had the advantage of having a two steps on the defense when Dmac was in the game. Everyone including the hotdog vendor, focus on Dmac at the snap of the football last season. It's no secret, Felix knows this. IM not saying Felix isn't a very special back, but the jury is still out on his toughness. is he a 25 to 30 carry a game back? I don't know. I also realize that in a Petrino offense, Felix will be used differently than with Nutt. I know it will be a lot better than not having someone with his skills.

But please, don't put him in the category of great back until he shows the SEC he is truly the feature back, and can take the pounding the SEC can dish out each Saturday. Same goes with the freshmen in Athens. He was a wonderful addition to the Dogs offense. But now he must show us he can put it together again, and assure the conference it wasn't a fluke. I wish both guys success.

[crawfish]

I'm a big fan of the Arkansas - LSU potential rivalry... so obviously I'm rooting for a Razorback win. If that happens I think it will be a catalyst to jumpstarting that rivalry. (even if it is for the ugliest and heaviest trophy I've ever seen.)

McFadden was and is a BEAST. He always played well against LSU and South Carolina.... but then again, so did Jones. Now he obviously has a lot to prove, I don't think he can take the hits that McFadden took on every play. But he definitely isn't a chump.


No doubt! And I think Jones proves it! I think he definitely has a super season next year, especially if the Razorback offensive linemen hold their own cause that's all he needs is a little blocking up front. After that, the guy is dangerous! I'll sure be pulling for him, except when he plays LSU of course.

And yeah, what's with that huge boot anyway? What were the governors thinking at the time?

[the Prodigy]

Not so fast Red. Better think back and see why Felix had so much success. Let's review, shall we.
Jones had the advantage of having a two steps on the defense when Dmac was in the game. Everyone including the hotdog vendor, focus on Dmac at the snap of the football last season. It's no secret, Felix knows this. IM not saying Felix isn't a very special back, but the jury is still out on his toughness. is he a 25 to 30 carry a game back? I don't know. I also realize that in a Petrino offense, Felix will be used differently than with Nutt. I know it will be a lot better than not having someone with his skills.

But please, don't put him in the category of great back until he shows the SEC he is truly the feature back, and can take the pounding the SEC can dish out each Saturday. Same goes with the freshmen in Athens. He was a wonderful addition to the Dogs offense. But now he must show us he can put it together again, and assure the conference it wasn't a fluke. I wish both guys success.

I see where you are coming from. But even in the misdirection that Jones caught defenses in when McFadden was also on the field, he was still going up against a run oriented defensive set. next season, Petrino won't shy away from throwing the ball I'm guessing, which will open up holes, a situation in which a shifty runner like Jones thrives in. Like I said, I have no idea what to expect from Arkansas next season because I don't know how Petrino will deploy that talent. I'm guessing that Jones won't have to deal with what McFadden dealt with as a feature back.

[the Prodigy]

No doubt! And I think Jones proves it! I think he definitely has a super season next year, especially if the Razorback offensive linemen hold their own cause that's all he needs is a little blocking up front. After that, the guy is dangerous! I'll sure be pulling for him, except when he plays LSU of course.

And yeah, what's with that huge boot anyway? What were the governors thinking at the time?

I'm guessing, "(like harry Carry) Heay! look at us! this isn't really a rivalry but we want it to be so bad! It's a giant 200 pound golden boot! Heay! It's like a magic boot!"

[crawfish]

I'm guessing, "(like harry Carry) Heay! look at us! this isn't really a rivalry but we want it to be so bad! It's a giant 200 pound golden boot! Heay! It's like a magic boot!"

:rolling2::rolling2:

[Tennessee Ted]

This is great for Arkansas, the SEC, and college football. I think Jones will step out of McFadden's shadow and do great. Looking forward to seeing him in 2008.

[goallthewayua]

I think Jones coming back will be huge for us next year. Felix, Michael Smith, and Barnett should give us another tough ground attack for the SEC to contend with. This will also give us the ability to redshirt Curtis and Thomas if both still stay committed.

The bad news is our defense is still not looking very good for next season. We need to pick up a few big d back recruits.

The other bad news is that McFadden, his mother, and a sports agent all were at a car lot Wednesday where an $80,000 Escalade was purchased in McFadden's moms name. Now since she couldn't finance a stick of gum, we may be in a little bit of trouble. Long story short, we self reported to the NCAA. Worst case scenerio is that McFadden is out for the Cotton Bowl.

[WayzUp]

Sidney Rice said he was staying too right up until a week after our bowl game. I wouldn't be totally counting on Felix coming back until after the deadline to announce for the NFL draft has passed. All it takes is one agent to get him or a close family member to stay on the phone long enough to hear a coupld 7 digit numbers...(not phone numbers) and the thought process could change pretty quick.

Also, out of curiousity...when does the NFL/NCAA do that thing where players thinking about entering the draft early submit their names to some advisory panel who reviews their stuff and tells them when they can expect to get drafted, if at all? Isn't that in January or February? The answer coming from them (and you're fooling yourselves if you don't think Jones will at least get that done) will also play a part, IMO.

I personally think Jones would benefit from another year at ARK., if for no other reason than to get out from under D-Mac's shadow a bit and establish his own identity as a solid running back in his own right. Whether he can handle the full load himself is a legit question & one I would like to see him answer on the field instead of at The Combine.

[LSU PRIDE]

That's great for Arkansas and for Jones. I think he'll have an opportunity to really get a lot of touches and to show-off his pretty awesome running skills. It should give him a shot at the Heisman and an opportunity to raise his stock in the draft.'


:thumpsup:

well thats bout what i was thinkin

[HOG02]

Sidney Rice said he was staying too right up until a week after our bowl game. I wouldn't be totally counting on Felix coming back until after the deadline to announce for the NFL draft has passed. All it takes is one agent to get him or a close family member to stay on the phone long enough to hear a coupld 7 digit numbers...(not phone numbers) and the thought process could change pretty quick.

Finally, someone with some sense around here.

Jones was asked wether or not he would be going to the NFL or return for his senior season next year, and all he said was that he wanted to be a Razorback. That's it. He did not make an official announcement that he would return for his senior year. Hell, he might just want to be a Razorback until Jan. 2nd. I don't know, but I do know that he is not a lock to return to the Hogs next year.

I'm not sure that Razorback fans are smart enough to know that players and coaches dodge questions about the future when their focus should be on games, season, etc. Our fans have shown their lack of intellegence throughout the year so why should this situation be any different.

Redpowerade, I am not lumping you in with the Razorback fans that I mention above, as I am sure that you are just hoping that Felix will return, and don't believe it to be a done deal.

[SWINETIME]

Finally, someone with some sense around here.

Jones was asked wether or not he would be going to the NFL or return for his senior season next year, and all he said was that he wanted to be a Razorback. That's it. He did not make an official announcement that he would return for his senior year. Hell, he might just want to be a Razorback until Jan. 2nd. I don't know, but I do know that he is not a lock to return to the Hogs next year.

I'm not sure that Razorback fans are smart enough to know that players and coaches dodge questions about the future when their focus should be on games, season, etc. Our fans have shown their lack of intellegence throughout the year so why should this situation be any different.

Redpowerade, I am not lumping you in with the Razorback fans that I mention above, as I am sure that you are just hoping that Felix will return, and don't believe it to be a done deal. I will beleive Felix is staying when the draft has come and gone. Arkansas is going to be loaded with or without FJ at RB position. Naturally is would be better with him but I will beleive it when I see it. Kids say all the time they are coming back. I still remember Corliss and Scotty saying they were coming back after the basketball team lost in the NCAA championship game the year after they won it. But they both turned pro.

[razorhead]

He would be giving up a few million to stay. I realize he could make more next year if he waits, but it still would take him a couple years extra playing in the NFL to make up the loss of not coming out this year. I wish him the best either way.

[WDavE]

I think it would be very interesting to see how Felix does being the featured back.
Coming out from behind anothers shadow is sometimes tough....

[Cianne]

The other bad news is that McFadden, his mother, and a sports agent all were at a car lot Wednesday where an $80,000 Escalade was purchased in McFadden's moms name. Now since she couldn't finance a stick of gum, we may be in a little bit of trouble. Long story short, we self reported to the NCAA. Worst case scenerio is that McFadden is out for the Cotton Bowl.

He can finance the car based on potential future earnings or use his insurance policy as collateral for the payments if the dealership is willing. The agent is what throws even more flags up.

Worst case scenario is the NCAA follows up on how long McFadden and the agent have been acquainted and Arkansas ends up forfeiting all games he played in.

Oh and on Felix, it will be interesting to see how well he works in Petrino's offense. Petrino likes running the ball as I'm sure everyone remembers Michael Bush being a Heisman hopeful along with Brohm until he broke his leg. The difference is that Petrino likes using bigger backs in his offense whereas Felix is not that. The Hog return game also takes a hit if Petrino doesn't platoon the backs like Nutt did because Jones won't be returning anymore in order to keep his legs fresh for 25-30 carries a game.

[razorhead]

He can finance the car based on potential future earnings or use his insurance policy as collateral for the payments if the dealership is willing. The agent is what throws even more flags up.

Worst case scenario is the NCAA follows up on how long McFadden and the agent have been acquainted and Arkansas ends up forfeiting all games he played in.




Actually you cannot buy anything based on future earnings as a professional athlete. It is a NCAA rule violation.

[iacolb12]

Here's my take. So far Jones is a lot like Reggie Bush. Blazing fast and elusive. But they both ran sweeps, tosses and counters to make up for their size. Both USC and Arkansas had big backs to handle middle plays. Though I think we all agree McFadden is better than White was.

So that's the only rub on Jones. Is he a tackle breaker or just elusive? You can certainly make a killing at the college level that way. So that is another thing he has to prove to the pro's.

I could have made the comparison to AU's Brown and Williams. But they were both tackle breakers.

[adamsputnik]

Good to know that he wont be leaving the RB stocks at Arkansas relatively bare - I think he'll do pretty well and it will certainly do him some good to come out from under the rather large shadow cast by McFadden. Should be a very dangerous player.

[Winemonkee]

I am truly praying that this sticks. I've been hoping all year that Felix would seriously consider this as an option to shed a little more light on his ability. I do not agree with the arguement that Felix only posted his numbers due to the attention being moreso on Mcfadden. Did it help? Of course, but his numbers should be less skewed now by the number of touches he will receive.

I have a creeping suspicion that Petrino would utilize Felix's burst ability by placing him over in more of a non-traditional RB-Flanker position. Running him as well as tossing those little 6yd shuttles to him. Kind of like Jamarcus Russel and LSU destroyed us with 2 years ago. I remember screaming at the top of my lungs for Nutt to give that same play a try with Felix Jones on the receiving end...

Time will tell. For now, next season may be looking brighter than even before.

Oh, and let's not discount M. Smith. That kid can be a beast, and is more than able to keep the defense's attention moving off tackle. He and Jones could be a pretty good tandem if utilized.

All this being said, I will truly believe he is staying when it is officially announced and he's got a Hogs jersey on next year. I have to think he would at least want to see his draft grade after the bowl game. Emotions run high this time of year, and a microphone in the face can elicit a premature decision from even seasoned interviewees. I'm crossing all my fingers and toes, though, I've been a die hard Felix man from day one.

[WDavE]

Actually you cannot buy anything based on future earnings as a professional athlete. It is a NCAA rule violation.

You sir are correct!

The biggest problem on proving an NCAA violation however is proving his loan application approval was swayed just by the school he went to (dealership owner) or that his application by merit alone was no better then what anyone else could have gotten. IE Payment schedule or terms and the ability to pay them back.

[razorhead]

My guess would be the loan was solely based on his ability, not the fact that he is a Razorback. Dealerships are having a hard time unloading the big gas guzzlers right now. They were probably glad to see him coming.

Banks loan money like this to medical students all the time for cars, homes, etc. The difference is future doctors don't have to worry about the NCAA. It is very much unfair to the athlete. However, rules are rules and he could have waited another week for the Caddy.

[the Prodigy]

I have heard many crazy things about the McFadden Escalade issue. The first is that it is in his mother's name, which she denies in addition to denying that McFadden bought one. The second, Mike Conoly is his agent and that he was present for the sale, which HE denies and says that he isn't even an agent. I haven't heard anything from the dealership or from McFadden himself. I think the whole thing is a misunderstanding. Just my opinion. There are too many 'shady' accusations there.

As far as Jones is concerned, I still believe that he will stay, more so because he is a person known around campus for being an excellent and dependable student. I use those terms because what people actually say is, "the dude is f*#!ing smart." I think he wants to stay, in addition to other things, such as being the feature back, because he wants to get his degree. I think he would benifit from another year, and I think that HE thinks that the same is true.