Here’s a breakdown of the provided text, focusing on the key takeaways about the Arkansas State Red Wolves football program:
Overall Progress and Momentum:
Meaningful Improvement: The Red Wolves have shown a clear upward trend under Coach Butch Jones.
Seasons 1 & 2: 5-19 record.
2023: 6-7 record, Camellia Bowl appearance.
2024: 8 wins, 38-31 victory in the 68 Ventures Bowl.
Challenge Ahead: Improving for a fourth consecutive year will be arduous, especially for a Group of Five program.
Tough 2025 Schedule:
“We don’t buy our four wins.”: Coach Jones highlights the difference in scheduling for Group of Five teams, implying they have to earn wins against tougher opponents.
Grueling Start: The Red Wolves face six straight games to begin the season, including:
Two “formidable opponents.”
An SEC program: Arkansas (first-ever meeting,played in Little Rock).
A Big 12 powerhouse: Iowa State (the week after playing Arkansas).
Key Players and Strengths:
Offense: Optimism is high due to returning starters.
Quarterback: Layne Raynor (entering his third season as starter, 23 career starts, led team to 7-1 in one-score games in 2024).
Wide Receiver: Corey Rucker (preseason first-team All-Sun Belt). Kicker: clune Van Andel (preseason Sun Belt Special Teams Player of the Year, first-team selection).
All-Purpose/Running Back: Ja’Quez Cross (first-team all-purpose, second-team running back). Defense: More questions than answers.
Weakness: Allowed the most yards per game (462.1) in the Sun Belt last season.
New Coordinator: Griff McCarley promoted to defensive coordinator after Rob harley was fired.
Defensive Backfield: Lost every starter from 2024.
New Addition: Barnes, a special teams player in 2024, has earned a starting spot in the defensive backfield after a strong offseason.Team Philosophy and Mindset:
process-Oriented: Both Raynor and Barnes emphasize focusing on the present and winning each day rather than looking too far ahead to big games. “Being where our feet are.”: A key phrase used by Barnes to describe the team’s focus on the current day.
“Relationships over transactions.”: Coach Jones’ philosophy for building the program, emphasizing genuine connection.
Preseason Expectations:
Sun Belt West Division: Arkansas State was picked to finish third.
Favorites:
West Division: Louisiana-Lafayette.
East Division: James Madison.
Offseason Changes:
Roster and Coaching Staff: Significant additions and changes.
Athletic Director: Chris Pezman hired to replace Jeff Purinton.
Coach Jones’ Confidence: Despite the changes, Jones is confident in the foundation built.
the article paints a picture of an Arkansas State football program on the rise, showing significant improvement under Coach Jones. However, they face a daunting schedule in 2025 and have defensive question marks. The team’s leadership, especially from quarterback Layne Raynor, is focused on a day-by-day approach to planning and development.
