Arkansas Sports 360 - ArkansasSports360.com

With the Sun Belt Conference champion Red Wolves headed to the GoDaddy.com Bowl looking for an 11th win, quarterback Ryan Aplin now knows what the program is capable of achieving. So, when new Arkansas State coach Gus Malzahn — hired Wednesday to replace Hugh Freeze – began talking about turning the program into a consistent Top 25 program, the Red Wolves starting quarterback wasn’t caught off guard. read more >

His team is 4-2 and undefeated in the Sun Belt Conference after two road victories; attendance is robust and national television exposure is just around the corner. Why isn’t Arkansas State coach Hugh Freeze satisfied? Freeze outlined his championship-caliber expectations and areas that could use improvement on Monday as the featured speaker at the Little Rock Touchdown Club. In his first year as head coach Freeze discussed the philosophy that has helped the Red Wolves (4-2, 2-0) get to where they are and will, it is hoped, lead them to a conference championship and New Orleans Bowl. read more >

If you’re going to take over a program, Arkansas State's Hugh Freeze said, it helps to already have a quality quarterback in place, and Ryan Aplin’s numbers scream quality. After playing as Corey Leonard’s backup in 2009, Aplin took the reins last season, Freeze’s first on the ASU staff, and delivered school records in total yards (3,416), passing yards (2,939), touchdowns (21) and pass attempts (410). read more >

Arkansas State’s NFL draft streak continues. Offensive tackle Derek Newton extended the Red Wolves’ consecutive years for a player selected to five. The all-Sun Belt Conference tackle was picked by the Houston Texans in the seventh round at No. 214. read more >

Offensive lineman Derek Newton could become the sixth consecutive Arkansas State player taken in the NFL Draft when it begins Thursday. ASU has a streak of five players taken, a figure that places them second in the Sun Belt Conference in total drafted players since 2000. Rivals.com breaks down the numbers for all teams in all conferences in a recent draft preview. read more >