FAYETTEVILLE - Inspired by an old linebacker and a new coach, Khalia Hackett plays like a new man as a slightly older man.
The University of Arkansas sophomore linebacker from Douglasville, Ga., lettering strictly as a special-teamer last fall while a true freshman, has operated first-team Sam strongside linebacker all four spring practices, the Razorbacks resuming drills Tuesday following last week's UA spring break.
The old linebacker, Martrell Spaight, the 2014 graduated weakside 'backer vaulting from obscure JC transfer to first-team all-SEC leading the Southeastern Conference in tackles, cast an influence on Hackett last year as he apprenticed under former Arkansas linebackers coach Randy Shannon.
Third-year Arkansas coach Bret Bielema and second-year Arkansas defensive coordinator Robb Smith both have said since the winter offseason that Hackett has reminded them of Spaight, coming to the Fred Smith Football Center on his own even on Saturday nights to watch film and study the playbook.
"Sitting behind him in meeting rooms and stuff and him asking questions," Hackett said after Tuesday's practice, "he was always in the film room watching and I am trying to take that approach because all that time he put into it, he produced on the field every game. He's a great player. So I am trying to follow in his footsteps and no offense to him, I am trying to be even better."
A new coach to impress, linebackers coach Vernon Hargreaves hired by Bielema after Shannon left in January to become co-defensive coordinator at Florida, has increased Hackett's obviously already intense desire.
Hargreaves isn't surprised. Not because he fancies he is always the answer, but because in 30 years of coaching he has seen many a player not playing much the previous year respond to a new coach in a new year.
"Whether it's psychological or whatever it is, you find that all the time," Hargreaves said. "You feel like you have got a new lease on life and you can kind of start over and get a jump on things and that kind of stuff. And maybe that's what it is. He is a talented kid always in my office trying to get better. We are all excited about him."
Hackett calls Shannon "a great coach who taught me a lot of life lessons," but said a freshman autumn with Spaight's help and a new coach for the spring has set him up to respond well.
"Coach Shannon is a hard coach, a great coach, but mentally I wasn't into it," Hackett said. "I was always in trouble and stuff. Martrell Spaight put me aside and he would just talk to me."
By the bowl practices, finally getting to practice at linebacker instead of just special teams, Hackett was ready to listen, especially to a new mentor upon Hargreaves' arrival.
"Coach Hargreaves is a very cool dude," Hackett said. He's very technical and wants you do to do this right there at that spot and he is going to tell you why it works. Last year I knew what I had to do but I didn't understand the whole concept of why and what it does and how it affects other people around me. It's easier for me to understand now."
Sports on 04/01/2015