Arkansas Sports 360 - ArkansasSports360.com

11/10/2010 at 9:27pm

FAYETTEVILLE — Zach Hocker is off to an impressive start as a freshman kicker. He’s hit 10 of 11 field-goal attempts, including a long of 51 yards last week against South Carolina.

Naturally, folks want to know what Hocker’s range is. Hocker, who began the offseason at punter, isn’t putting a limit on how far he can kick the football.

“Anything that Coach [Bobby Petrino] puts me out there for. I am not going to put an exact number on it,” Hocker said. “If he has confidence in me, then I have got confidence to go in there and make the kick.”

So far Petrino has shown plenty of confidence in Hocker. This season Hocker has attempted six field goals of at least 40 yards, hitting five of them. Hocker leads the SEC in field goal percentage.

Hocker hit both of his attempts on Saturday. Besides the 51-yarder, he also connected from 41 yards.

Besides Hocker’s leg strength, Petrino has been impressed with the freshman’s demeanor. Hocker has also shown great consistency in his approach.

“He has ice in his veins,” Petrino said. “He just goes out there with great confidence and like a great golfer, he hits the ball almost the same way every time.”

Minute Man
Arkansas Coach Bobby Petrino was asked on Wednesday’s SEC teleconference to recall his interview with Mike Price in 1982. Petrino worked for UTEP’s current coach at Weber State as a graduate assistant and quarterbacks coach.

What Petrino remembers most was something that happened after the interview.

“He pulled over and stopped at the bookstore and went in and picked up a book called 'One Minute Manager.' He handed me the book and said, ‘Read this. This is what I believe my philosophy is.’

“And I’ve always remembered that book, and I always remember I don’t like to be asked things twice because it wastes your time. That’s the No. 1 thing I remember from the 'One Minute Manager.'”

Got it? Don’t ask Petrino the same question twice.

Injury Update
Freshman defensive tackle Byran Jones is still day-to-day with an ankle injury. He missed last week’s game against South Carolina after being injured early in the Vanderbilt game on Oct. 30.

“He has got to prove to us he can continue to go full speed one day into the next. It will be a day-by-day decision on Byran,” defensive coordinator Willy Robinson said.

Staying Positive
Cornerback Ramon Broadway has been an emotional leader for the Razorbacks this season as a team captain. His encouraging nature is something teammates had grown accustomed to.

Apparently, it hasn’t changed even with Broadway undergoing a season-ending ankle dislocation last week.

“He’s smiling around us and staying positive,” defensive back Rudell Crim said. “We see him as our brother. We just let him know he’s still part of the brick squad. He’s always our brother. He’s doing well with everything.”

Speaking Out
“I came in with a lot of those guys. We’ve grown together over the years, and it will be hard to see those guys going through the A one last time. It will be an emotional night.”
—Linebacker Jerry Franklin on Saturday being the final Fayetteville game for the team’s 21 seniors. Franklin is a redshirt junior.

Tagged: South Carolina, Bobby Petrino, Zach Hocker