Hogs' Money back on line

SCOTT CAIN
ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE

FAYETTEVILLE -- For the first half of the season, Arkansas offensive tackle Shannon Money tripped over one obstacle after another.
First it was a strained hamstring and then a sprained ankle. By the time he was able to limp back onto the field, somebody had taken his position.
Money regained his left-side starting job for the last five games and made the best of his return.
"He has finished real strong," offensive line coach Mike Markuson said. "If he'll finish and keep getting better in the weight room and practice, he's got a real chance. But he's got to be consistent. Good offensive linemen are consistent."
Former Razorbacks Brandon Burlsworth and Bobby Williams, second- and third-round NFL Draft choices, were consistency personified, especially in their senior seasons, Markuson said. Money has the tools to take a stab at professional football but only if he can show the scouts that he can play at a high level throughout his senior year.
"He'll need a great year to get a chance," Markuson said.
For now, the NFL is TBA. It's a year and a world away from where Money finds himself as Arkansas prepares to play UNLV in the Las Vegas Bowl on Dec. 21.
Money, a junior from Conway, is glad to be upright and mobile.
The strained hamstring happened Aug. 11 during the annual conditioning run for players who did not make all their summer workouts. He was unable to finish. "I would have passed the test," Money said that day.
He worked his way back onto the field quickly but severely sprained his ankle Sept. 16 in the Boise State game.
Sophomore Nathan Ball took over at left tackle. Money recovered enough to play but had to wait because Ball was playing well.
"He tried to come back early and play on it when he was still hurting," right tackle Gary Hobbs said. "It's hard to play when you've got an ankle hurt, especially against those defensive ends out there."
Shakeups at other positions forced Ball to be moved again for the Auburn game, clearing the way for Money to return.
"My ankle was really messed up there for a while," Money said. "It's still not a hundred percent. From barely being able to walk, now it's a world of difference. I think I played really well the second half of the season."
Affirmation came last week when The Sporting News named Money to its All-SEC second team.
"I was kind of surprised because I was hurt for a few games," Money said. "It was nice."
An ankle sprain is one of the worst injuries Money could have because he relies on his mobility.
The first strength Markuson lists on Money is his ability to move on quick and nimble feet, even at 310 pounds.
"He's a gifted athlete," Markuson said. "When he gets his body in good position, he's a good pass-blocker. He could get better in run-blocking, but he's a good zone-blocker."
Despite the injuries, Money said he doesn't count many disappointments this season.
"I still played decent when I was hurt, but I didn't play up to my ability," he said. "Next season I definitely want to be healthy and have a good year."

This article was published on Thursday, December 14, 2000

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