Arkansas’ defense to play without three starters in 2014

A key defensive lineman from Arkansas and one of its most accomplished recruits has left the Razorbacks in the spring with the loss of his senior year, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

The junior safety, who is a six-year starter, left the team on a scholarship with a scholarship offer, according, a source familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.

A junior safety for the Razorback defense, he led the team with 12 interceptions last season and also was a two-time team captain.

He was considered the best player in the state of Arkansas, the source said.

The other three starters, linebackers Nick Allen and Tommie Williams, are graduating next spring and will likely graduate soon.

The Razorbacks also lost three of their top four tacklers last season.

Sophomore safety Jovon Robinson, who started 11 games in 2014, transferred to Texas A&M and has yet to play a game.

Freshman guard Brandon Davis was dismissed from the team last year for unspecified reasons.

Arkansas also has four senior offensive linemen: junior college transfer Kofi Tufay, senior quarterback Matt Davis, junior college signee Nick Marshall and senior guard Brandon Moore.

The 2017 class was the third of the season and the second of the SEC in recent years to lose a starting quarterback.

Last season, quarterback Trevor Knight was a first-team All-SEC pick and the SEC Offensive Player of the Year.

Arkansans are one of the most successful teams in the SEC and had a breakout season last year, leading the league in total offense and scoring defense.

It was also the first season since 2013 that the Razorbirds finished the regular season ranked in the top 10 nationally in total defense.

Arkers had won at least eight games in seven of the last eight seasons.