Arkansas Football: 5 Razorbacks Who Will Dominate in 2012

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

A Cotton Bowl victory over Kansas State and the Razorbacks' first 11-win season since 1977 will be hard to improve on.

Still, Bobby Petrino's squad knows they have the ability to once again compete for an SEC championship and possibly a national title.  

With a favorable schedule, the Hogs could be the team to beat in the SEC West in 2012. These players will help boost the Arkansas Razorbacks to the next level.  

Tyler Wilson

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Wilson proved his toughness last year in his first full year as a starter.

After throwing for 3,638 yards and 24 touchdowns, Wilson showed he was the key piece to the Razorbacks' successful offense (and the best quarterback in the SEC).  

He opted to return to the Hogs for his senior season instead of entering the NFL draft, and he will see his choice soon pay off.

Wilson will be playing behind a more mature offensive line than the group that gave up 26 sacks last year.

It doesn't matter to whom he is throwing the ball, Wilson is a chain-mover and big-time playmaker who will lead the Hogs offense once again in 2012.

Cobi Hamilton

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

After a spectacular year for Arkansas' receiving corps, the Razorbacks are losing last season's top wideouts Joe Adams, Jarius Wright and Greg Childs to the NFL draft.  

That leaves Hamilton as the main option, who showed his potential as a big-play receiver last season.

The former Arkansas track star was fourth on the team with 34 receptions, and he averaged 15.9 yards a catch.  

Hamilton and Tyler Wilson's chemistry heated up toward the end of last year and will only continue going into 2012.

Look for Hamilton, Javontee Herndon and Marquel Wade to all have big seasons with Wilson under center.  

Knile Davis

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Remember Knile Davis?

The fearless runner who had 1,322 yards and 13 touchdowns as a sophomore in 2010?

He is coming back in 2012 after an ankle injury sidelined him for all of last season and vows to be better than ever.  

Davis' best attribute in 2010 was his ability to wear down defenses late in the fourth quarter, something that was obsolete for the Hogs last season.

Dennis Johnson and Ronnie Wingo Jr. filled in nicely last season but didn't have quite the impact and punishing nature that Davis has.  

A strong run game will be the perfect complement to Wilson and the passing game, and will ultimately lead to Arkansas once again having the best offense in the SEC.  

Alonzo Highsmith

Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

Highsmith had a great season in his first year with the Razorbacks.

The junior college transfer from Phoenix (Ariz.) College racked up 80 tackles and 12.5 tackles for loss.

In 2012, the Hogs defense is his for the taking, now that longtime middle linebacker and leading tackler Jerry Franklin has graduated.  

Highsmith will have a great year under new defensive coordinator Paul Haynes. The defense has lost some playmakers with Franklin, Jake Bequette and Tramain Thomas all graduating, so Highsmith will be asked to make plays on that side of the ball.  

Chris Gragg

Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

The X Factor of the Razorbacks offense, Gragg had his breakout game last season against Mississippi State, catching eight balls for 119 yards and a touchdown.

The homegrown talent comes from the wide-receiver factory that is Warren, Arkansas, along with the likes of Jarius Wright and Greg Childs.

At 6'3", 236 pounds, Gragg is a nice big target for Tyler Wilson to throw to, much like D.J. Williams was for Ryan Mallett during his time at Arkansas.  

Gragg will be a red-zone nightmare for SEC defenses this fall.  

Follow me on Twitter