Markuson Has Decisions To Make
Sunday, August 4, 2002

Column By Harry King

Arkansas News Bureau

Recruiting in Cartersville, Ga., Mike Markuson was fascinated by a Colin Powell quote on the wall of a high school coach's office.

Arkansas' offensive line coach liked it so much that a copy now hangs on the wall of his office in Fayetteville. After fall practice begins, when it comes time to decide who will start, Markuson might have to refer to Powell for some strength. Early in his book, "The Leadership Secrets of Colin Powell," the secretary of state says being responsible sometimes means making people angry, although he used stronger language.

In Markuson's situation, that could be some young men and their parents.

All summer, head coach Houston Nutt has said he is very comfortable with the right side — guard Mark Bokerman, tackle Shawn Andrews and tight end Jason Peters.

The left side is another story. At the end of spring, the depth chart listed Scott Davenport and Bo Lacy as the leaders at guard and tackle. They are trying to replace guard La'Zerius White and tackle Shannon Money, who along with center-guard Kenny Sandlin, were three seniors who combined to start 105 games.

If Davenport and-or Lacy don't cut it, Markuson will be on the spot. Forget for a moment that blocking is vital to running the ball. Arkansas' passing game must be more efficient and a protection breakdown on the left side can mean a whack in the back of an unsuspecting quarterback.

"Good leadership involves responsibility to the welfare of the group, which means that some people will get angry at your actions and decisions," Powell said. "It's inevitable, if you're honorable.

"Trying to get everyone to like you is a sign of mediocrity: You'll avoid the tough decisions, you'll avoid confronting the people who need to be confronted, and you'll avoid offering differential rewards based on differential performance because some people might get upset," Powell said.

Any moves in the offensive line could hinge on junior college transfer Gene Perry and the skill of incoming freshmen, including huge tackles Tony Ugoh and Zac Tubbs. Remember that the 2001 offense turned around after Andrews became a starter. But, Andrews was the rare freshman who could handle Southeastern Conference competition immediately.

With his body type, Jerry Reith could be a guard. At the end of the spring, the 6-foot-3, 301-pound Reith was the No. 2 left tackle. Another potential left guard is Caleb Perry, who was the No. 3 right guard at the end of spring. He is also a possibility at center even though Josh Melton has started 21 games at the position. Melton lost his job last year when Bokerman moved to guard to make room for Andrews and Sandlin slid over to center.
Redshirt freshman Kyle Roper also could figure at center. Jared Hicks, Andrews' backup, could be a tight end. And, there is always Nathan Ball, who started nine games at tight end last year but can play anywhere in the offensive line, including center.

"We'll just have to see how it goes during two-a-days," Markuson said.

He also said Davenport has heard the criticism on radio talk shows and is well aware that he has much to prove. "In his way, he has really taken it to heart," Markuson said. The 6-foot-2 Davenport has lost some weight and strength coach Don Decker has raved about Davenport's conditioning during the summer.

After Money was injured, Lacy played more than 80 snaps in the seven-overtime victory at Mississippi. Lacy has had his ups and downs, but Markuson says his confidence is at a new high. "When you feel good about yourself and what you're doing, as a coach, that's what you want," Markuson said.

Certainly, in a short-yardage situation, Arkansas would favor the right side in general and Andrews in particular.

But, Markuson said, "Defensive guys watching on Sunday have to see you running to the left. Otherwise, people will load up on you."