Arkansas Football: 3 Commits Bret Bielema Couldn't Live Without

Bret Bielema’s first class has already signed their letters of intent with the exception of Alex Collins.

But even though Arkansas needs to shore up the running back position, there are two other areas where the Hogs might be more desperate.

Recruiting information via 247Sports.com.

Damon Mitchell, QB

The first position that the Hogs need depth is quarterback. Tyler Wilson has graduated, and the current front-runners for the starting job are Brandon Allen and Brandon Mitchell.

Allen was the candidate that replaced an injured Tyler Wilson in the game against Alabama in the 2012 season. His performance left something to be desired. He didn’t throw any touchdowns and was intercepted twice.

Brandon Mitchell is a fan-favorite at the quarterback position, but he spent the last season as a wide receiver and will have an adjustment period were he to win the Razorbacks’ starting job.

Damon Mitchell is the No. 12 ranked dual-threat quarterback in the country. He is a 4-star recruit.

Whoever takes the snaps for Bielema will have to learn a new offense regardless, and it may be in the Hogs’ best interest to go with a freshman that is a dual-threat, unlike Allen, and doesn’t have to relearn the position, like Brandon Mitchell.

And let’s not forget the Johnny Football Effect. A freshman scrambler running all over SEC defenses was just the beginning of a trend that could continue with Damon Mitchell at Arkansas. Especially if the Hogs want to be current.

Denver Kirkland, OG and Reeve Koehler, OG

The second position the Hogs will need depth is offensive guard. The Razorbacks have two offensive guards listed on their roster. Alvin Bailey entered the NFL draft, leaving Mitch Smothers.

Denver Kirkland and Reeve Koehler are both 4-star recruits that will be able to see playing time as freshmen at Arkansas. Bielema doesn’t have a lot of options at the position, and there is always the possibility that someone gets injured. They may both have the opportunity to start.

Whatever kind of offense Bielema and new offensive coordinator Jim Chaney ultimately decide to run, they’ll need a quality dual-threat quarterback to stay current and an offensive line to protect him.

And that offense will be a lot more difficult to execute without Mitchell, Kirkland and Koehler.