The last of the SEC teams to begin spring practice does so today: Arkansas. The Razorbacks hit the field Tuesday for the first of 15 spring practices, culminating in the annual Red-White spring game on April 29. What should folks keep an eye on in the coming weeks? Here are three things to watch:

1. New defensive coordinator, new defense

Former Iowa State head coach Paul Rhoads takes over as defensive coordinator after Robb Smith, the Razorbacks' defensive coordinator the last two seasons, left for Minnesota. Along with the change in coaches is also a change in alignment: the Razorbacks will operate primarily out of a 3-4 front rather than a 4-3, which they used in recent years. That's helpful considering how much experience the Razorbacks lose up front (three starters and four members of last year's defensive line two-deep are gone).

Just because the Razorbacks promoted from within the defensive staff – Rhoads served as the Razorbacks' defensive backs coach last year – doesn't mean there will be continuity in the defense. Bret Bielema said Monday that the team is scrapping everything from last year, including defensive terminology, meaning everything is new. In addition to learning those ins and outs, figuring out where everyone fits in is crucial this spring.

2. Pass catching jobs up for grabs

There are a lot of bodies, not a lot of experience at receiver. Jared Cornelius (32 receptions last year) figures to be a lock for one receiver job. The rest of last year's major contributors (168 catches worth) are gone. Who will grab the other spots? Among the candidates: junior college transfers Brandon Martin and Jonathan Nance, sophomores La'Michael Pettway, T.J. Hammonds and Deon Stewart and redshirt freshmen Kofi Boateng and Jordan Jones.

And who will succeed Jeremy Sprinkle as the starting tight end? There are numerous options: Jamario Bell, Austin Cantrell, Cheyenne O'Grady, Will Gragg and Grayson Gunter. O'Grady caught a touchdown pass in the Belk Bowl last season, playing in place of Sprinkle (who was suspended for the bowl game), but one of these guys will get a chance to win that job and since the Razorbacks play multiple tight ends, a few of these players will earn the right for some playing time this season.

3. Offensive line questions

Dan Skipper, last year's left tackle, is gone, so Arkansas must turn to a new face. Colton Jackson, who practiced at the position last spring before moving over to right tackle, will work at left tackle again this spring and figures to be the favorite to start there. How will that work out? The Razorbacks return four of five starters, but the unit gave up 35 sacks last season, second-worst in the SEC. While the unit have plenty of experience, improvement is the most important thing here. One bit of good news: One of those returning starters is Frank Ragnow, who was dominant at center last season.