Some Arkansas players know TU well

BY MIKE AVERILL World Staff Writer
Thursday, November 01, 2012
11/01/12 at 5:34 AM

Arkansas' Alvin Bailey and Eric Bennett are among several Razorbacks who will be facing a familiar, close-to-home opponent when they play the University of Tulsa on Saturday.

Bailey, a third-year junior offensive guard, was a standout at Broken Arrow where he started three seasons for the Tigers - he recorded 116 knockdowns and didn't allow a sack his senior year.

Last season he earned All-America honors from Pro Football Weekly and started all 13 games as part of an offensive line that allowed the Arkansas offense to break 16 school records.

"For me, the highlight so far is the success we've had as a team, starting off when I first came in and the improvement we've made each year and the successes we've had overall," Bailey said.

Bennett was a standout at Booker T. Washington where he played quarterback and some defensive back.

At Arkansas the junior has made the transition to safety where he's a starter.

"My best moment is everyday, waking up being a Razorback. I'm fulfilling my dreams since I was a kid," Bennett said. "I always wanted to play Division 1 football so I'm living my dream."

While both players enjoyed success the last couple of seasons, this year has been a disappointment. The team was picked to be a top-10 team in many preseason polls, but is off to a 3-5 start and is 2-3 in conference play.

"Me and my teammates, we've been a winning team since I've been here. We pride ourselves on getting better," Bailey said. "We going to come out and try to get four more wins."

Bennett said the losses have been hard to swallow.

"We work so hard everyday. We're not used to losing. This is the most games I've lost in a season in my career. That's hard to get used to," he said.

Bailey said the team has room to improve on all aspects of the game and by playing hard and winning out the team will be better for it next year.

"I tell my teammates we have nothing to lose. Everything is in front of us," he said. "The more we can accomplish right now, the better we'll be when the next (season) comes around."

Bailey and Bennett both spent their bye week at home relaxing with their families.

Bennett also went and watched his cousin play third-grade football at the North Mabee Boys and Girls Club.

"It was fun because it brings back a lot of memories. I used to play there so it was fun to see everyone from the Boys and Girls Club," Bennett said.

As for playing the college team from his hometown, Bennett said: "This is going to be a really big deal."

"I'm going to be playing against a lot of people I know and a lot of people I wanted to playing against in college," he said. "I know a lot of (TU) players and a lot of people who never get to see me are going to come to the game."

ARKANSAS PLAYERS WITH LOCAL TIES

Alvin Bailey, Jr., Broken Arrow, OG, 6-5, 312

Austin Beck, RS Fr., Nowata, OT, 6-7, 307

Eric Bennett, Jr., Booker T. Washington, S, 6-0, 206

Jared Collins, Fr., Booker T. Washington, CB, 6-0, 160

Keon Hatcher, Fr., Owasso, WR, 6-2, 205

Jarrett Lake, Jr., Jenks, LB, 6-3, 223

Donovan Roberts, Fr., Norman, RB, 6-0, 200

Robert Thomas, Jr., Muskogee, DT, 6-3, 308

Terrell Williams, Sr., Union, LB, 6-3, 232

Original Print Headline: Arkansas players familiar with TU

Mike Averill 918-581-8489
mike.averill@tulsaworld.com

Associated Images:

Arkansas offensive lineman Alvin Bailey, who played at Broken Arrow, is one of several Razorbacks with local ties. University of Arkansas / COURTESY