In less than two weeks, Bret Bielema begins his 5th season as the head coach for the Arkansas Razorbacks.

A big key for success this season involves the level of improvement in Arkansas’s defense.

During the 2016 season, the Razorbacks surrendered 31.1 points per game, 205.5 yards per game on the ground 221.2 yards per game through the air and 428.6 yards of total offense.

To solve the issues on defense, Bielema promoted Arkansas defensive backs coach and former Auburn defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads to be his defensive coordinator.

One of the players on defense that could make an impact for the Razorbacks is senior defensive back Kevin Richardson II. Richardson suffered a pectoral tear in the season opening victory against Louisiana Tech last season.

“I really didn’t have any worries coming back out there. I was ready to play immediately.” Richardson said.

The veteran defensive back also discussed the potential changes that Paul Rhoads could bring in Arkansas’s defensive scheme, how his injury affected the defense last season, how losing the presence of running back Rawleigh Williams affects the team and his role for the upcoming season.

Arkansas begins the 2017 season August 31 in Little Rock against Florida A&M out of the MEAC.

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