[Tuck4Bama]

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas ’ defense has had just five players start at the same position in the first three games this season.

Seven defensive linemen have started at least one game.

Senior Michael Grant has started at free safety and cornerback. Senior Marcus Harrison has gone from starting end to backup tackle. Sophomore Adrian Davis is back in the starting lineup at end after being a backup last week.

Junior weakside linebacker Elston Forte has moved up to the first team this week.

Overall, 16 players have started at least one game on defense.


Some of that is reflective of one-game disciplinary suspensions served by Harrison and junior tackle Ernest Mitchell, and because Arkansas opened in a nickel package with five defensive backs against Troy.

But a lot of the moves have to do with the Razorbacks ranking 81 st nationally in total defense (420. 3 yards per game ), 97 th in passing defense (268. 7 yards ), 65 th in rushing defense (151. 7 yards ) and 104 th in scoring defense (36. 3 points ) and starting 0-2 in SEC play after losing at Alabama 41-38 and to Kentucky 42-29.

“We’ve tinkered and tinkered and moved guys and moved guys and moved guys trying to get this thing right,” Arkansas defensive coordinator Reggie Herring said. “We’ve looked spectacular at times and we’ve looked awful at times.” In Arkansas’ season-opening 46-26 victory over Troy, quarterback Omar Haugabook completed 6 of 24 passes for 40 yards combined in the first, third and fourth quarters against the Razorbacks, but completed 9 of 19 for 164 in the second quarter.

Hogs shuffling to get flush on D