Arkansas Football: 6 Razorbacks Defenders Who Will Give SEC Teams Trouble

While defense isn't the first thing you associate with the Arkansas Razorbacks, the 2012 squad isn't totally devoid of talent. 

Although the unit will miss defensive end and team leader Jake Bequette, who was drafted by the New England Patriots, there are some key defenders who have the ability to take over the unit.

With a pair of strong defensive tackles and a couple of impact linebackers, the Razorbacks have a chance to improve on last year's 51st-ranked defense.

Let's take a look at six impact defenders who should cause havoc in the SEC.  

Austin Flynn, DE

With star pass-rusher Jake Bequette gone to the NFL, Austin Flynn will be tasked with replacing the All-American.

The bearded wonder comes to Arkansas after starring for two seasons at Los Angeles Harbor College.

A unanimous All-Central West Conference selection in 2011, Flynn racked up 11 sacks, 21 quarterback hurries and three pass breakups in only 10 games.

With his impressive size (6’4”, 260 pounds) and speed (4.75), the former JUCO star should be an impact player on an underrated defensive line. 

Alonzo Highsmith, LB

The Razorbacks’ top returning linebacker suffered a pectoral injury in the spring, but if he’s healthy, he’ll be one of the top players at his position in the SEC.

A 13-game starter in 2011, Highsmith posted 80 tackles, including 12.5 for loss, and 4.5 sacks.

Like Austin Flynn, Highsmith is a former JUCO star, but unlike Flynn, Arkansas’ best linebacker has some impressive bloodlines.

His father starred at the University of Miami and played seven years in the NFL, and his brother A.J. plays quarterback for the Hurricanes.

With a strong senior season, Highsmith should cement himself as one of the better linebackers in the loaded SEC.  

Byran Jones, DT

Standing a stout 6’2”, 312 pounds, defensive tackle Byran Jones is a load to move.

The junior isn’t a household name, but his 2011 production reveals that he’s a better player than given credit for.

After being named to the SEC All-Freshman Team in 2010, Jones recorded 47 tackles, including 4.5 for loss, in 13 games last season. 

A former top recruit, Jones has a chance to emerge as one of the better interior linemen in the SEC. 

DeQuinta Jones, DT

The other half of Arkansas’ defensive tackle duo, 6’5” DeQuinta Jones is a young man who just keeps on growing.

After coming to Arkansas as a 3-star defensive end, Jones has grown into a 307-pound force.

Although he had a poor 2011 season, the large-framed defensive tackle needs to reclaim the form he showed from 2009-2010 when he recorded 62 tackles and 2.5 sacks in 24 games (11 starts).

If Jones plays closer to his freshman and sophomore campaigns, it’ll be tough to block the Razorbacks’ pair of defensive tackles. 

Tevin Mitchel, CB

After just one season, cornerback Tevin Mitchel is already one of the leaders of the Arkansas Razorbacks’ defense.

The former 4-star prospect made an instant impact as a freshman last season, recording 56 tackles in 13 games.

However, the talented corner failed to get his hands on the ball, finishing with a big goose egg in the interception column.

If he’s able to improve his ball skills, the 6’0” Mitchel will be one of the better defensive backs in the conference. 

Tenarius Wright, LB/DE

Besides being named a team captain, Tenarius Wright has one more line to add to his resume: college linebacker.

The 6’2”, 252-pounder entered 2011 as a designated pass rusher with 7.5 career sacks in 26 games (one start).

However, the former Whitehaven High star had his junior year interrupted by an arm injury and finished with only 1.5 sacks in eight games.

With Alonzo Highsmith sidelined for the spring with a pectoral injury, Wright was shifted to linebacker, where his toughness, hitting ability and pass-rush skills should be a great fit.

If healthy, Wright could help Razorbacks fans forget the loss of Jake Bequette to the NFL.