FAYETTEVILLE -- Patrick Kutas is a talented sophomore offensive tackle who will very likely make his first start as a Razorback against Western Carolina on Saturday, Sept. 2.

Kutas, 6-foot-5, 313-pounds is set to replace Dalton Wagner at right tackle. He has been running first team since last spring and seems to be set to hold onto the spot. Gone are Wagner, Luke Jones and Ricky Stromberg from last season. Kutas was asked if the offensive line has something to prove?

"Definitely," Kutas said. "I do think we have something to prove. We’re just a young group on the outside. Having these experienced guys just tells a lot that they don’t move the older guys out. They trust us as the younger guys to play out there."

Arkansas does return center Beaux Limmer (moved from right guard) and left guard Brady Latham. Both are gaining some All-SEC attention. It appears they will be joined by Kutas, left tackle Devon Manuel and right guard Josh Braun.

Kutas and the tackles have had to go up against some very talented defensive ends in practice and the scrimmages.

"It was an odd transition," Kutas said. "You’re so used to the interior and having help from everybody, not being on the island as you are as an offensive tackle. So that was definitely hard to get used to. And just footwork, hands, eyes, communication — you’re the one getting the play call and you’ve got to echo it down the whole line, so you’re kind of the head of everything besides the center."

Among the ends are Landon Jackson and Trajan Jeffcoat, both candidates for All-SEC if the Hogs have a big season.

"Definitely some of the edge guys like Trajan Jeffcoat, John, Landon Jackson," Kutas said. "Each is just a different type of player. On the edge, you're on an island, and these guys can go power, they can go speed, you have to be ready for everything."

Kutas spent the majority of last season playing some guard and center. Was it Sam Pittman or Cody Kennedy that suggested tackle to you?

"It was both of them," Kutas said. "Really it wasn’t much of a conversation. It was more of an opportunity for me. Obviously I attacked that opportunity. It’s an opportunity to run with the 1s, get to play, so it was no question."

Kutas also talked about the learning curve for he and Manuel as well as Andrew Chamblee and the other tackles.

"There was a curve there definitely, but I think with Coach Kennedy and Coach Pittman always there for us and always getting us in the film room, technique on the field, just drilling the little things, it's been smooth," Kutas said. "The older guys, a lot of experience on the inside and they've definitely made that transition smoother."

Arkansas continues to practice each day waiting for the season opener. 

Photos Courtesy of Craven Whitlow CW3 Action Sports