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One of the team's most important players, Robert Felton's versatility on the offensive line was invaluable for the Razorbacks. He earned starting assignments at all four guard and tackle positions.
"When they (NFL scouts) come in and talk to us and ask those questions, they're taking notes going, 'Versatility and unselfish,' " former Arkansas offensive line coach Mike Markuson said. "That's what it's all about. Robert Felton is willing to play, whatever it takes. He'll play hurt. Those are things that factor in because those guys, you pay them a lot of money. They've got to be able to go play and be able to withstand some pain."
Felton is well-liked by his teammates and he is known for his outgoing nature, keeping everyone "loose" with his funny and charismatic nature, but he is also one of the team's brightest players. Already he earned degrees in Criminal Justice and Sociology and is a few credits shy of a third in Communications.
A tireless worker in the weight room and on the practice field, his keen grasp of the playbook and knowledge of the game allowed the coaches to switch his assignments even during the flow of the game.
Felton's abilities allow him to switch positions and his attitude doesn't hurt. "I'll play anywhere," he said. "If that's where the team needs me, it's where I'll be. Who doesn't want to stick in one spot? But if that's my role on the team to play everywhere, that's my role."
Not only is Felton coachable, he is capable of snapping and he's agile at 328 pounds and shows off his agility by doing cartwheels. That agility has NFL scouts interested in allowing Felton the opportunity to play at the pro level.
At Cypress Creek High School, Felton was a three-year starter at offensive tackle, following in the footsteps of NFL linemen Sam Adams, Dan Neil and Josh Williams, who all starred at the school. He was rated the 54th-best player by Heartland Recruiting and rated the 39th-best offensive guard in the nation by Rivals.com. Max Emfinger Recruiting ranked him as the 23rd-best offensive tackle in the prep ranks and he was also named to the Prep Star All-Region IV team.
Felton enrolled at Arkansas in 2003, turning down scholarship offers from Arizona, Wisconsin and Kansas. He spent the season on the scout team, working tirelessly in the weight room to improve his overall strength. In 2004, he saw limited action in the team's first five games, but when injuries depleted the front wall, he was more than capable of filling the void.
That year, he played in nine of 11 games, earning a starting nod in the Hogs' final five games. He started the season as an offensive guard, but was switched to offensive tackle after injuries to left tackle Tony Ugoh and right tackle Zac Tubbs. He started the Georgia game for Ugoh at left tackle and then started the final four contests at right tackle after Tubbs was injured and lost for the season. He finished the season with 41 knockdowns, including 32 in his final five contests.
As a sophomore, Felton started all 11 games at right tackle, posting 45 knockdowns while grading 82% for blocking consistency. He led the way for the Razorbacks' SEC-leading rushing attack that ranked 12th in the nation with an average of 216.9 rushing yards per game.
In 2006, Felton started 13 of the team's 14 contests at right offensive guard. He delivered 57 knockdowns and received an 84% blocking grade. He was part of an offensive front that finished second in the nation in sacks allowed per game (0.64), yielding only nine sacks for the season. The Arkansas front wall that cleared the way for the SEC-leading and the nation's fourth-best rushing attack averaging 228.5 yards per game.
Felton started the team's first 11 games at right guard before shifting to left tackle for the Razorbacks' final three games. He graded a career-high 85.7% with 51 knockdowns, earning second-team All-American and first-team All-Southeastern Conference accolades. He opened huge holes for a rushing attack that led the SEC and ranked fourth nationally, allowing 286.54 yards per game on the ground while the offense averaged 450.0 total yards per contest.
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