[Tuck4Bama]

Immediate reaction to Thursday's column was very similar to the late responses.

Pointing out that Tulane's Rick Dickson might be the favorite to succeed Frank Broyles as director of athletics at the University of Arkansas was met with : E-mail, 6:36 a. m.: Who ? Phone call, 3:05 p. m.: Who ?

In between there were dozens and dozens of similar communications. That is not a bad thing.
Outside of Jeremy Foley at Florida and Frank Broyles at Arkansas, try to name five athletic directors.

Foley was catapulted into the limelight after Florida won back-to-back championships in basketball and one in football during the past two years. Broyles has earned national attention for his ability to make Arkansas one of the most facility friendly schools in the country without spending a penny of tax money.


Usually, though, ADs are guys who stay behind the scenes. They are guys who know if they are going to have athletic success, they must check their egos at the door. So asking "Who?" about Rick Dickson is not a bad thing.

In fact, it is probably a good thing.

John Pelphrey has not coached a real game - those were exhibitions in Cancun, Mexico, last weekend - but his popularity continues to grow.

The new coach of the Razorbacks basketball team was the center of attention at a reception Wednesday evening at Pleasant Valley Country Club. Those attending were a who's who that ranged from former Razorbacks players to CEOs of international companies.

Word is everyone was impressed with Pelphrey and Rob Evans, a top assistant for the Hogs this season.

WholeHogSports.com - LIKE IT IS : Best ADs are often behind-the-scenes guys