declare for the 2008 NFL Draft. The team also lost three quarterbacks in the off-season. Brian Reader stated he would transfer to Monterey Peninsula College, Nathan Emert left the team to pursue a career as a minister, and Clark Irwin left the team to pursue a career in finance and real estate. Placekicker Brian Vavra also decided to leave the team to pursue other opportunities. Citing lack of playing time, fullback Hezekiah Smith transferred to in-state UAPB. After spring training began, redshirt freshman linebacker Tim Dial announced that he was leaving the team to transfer to East Central University. The Razorbacks also lost linebacker Freddie Fairchild when he was dismissed from the team on June 11, 2008. Transfers In January 2008, former five-star quarterback recruit Ryan Mallett transferred from Michigan to Arkansas. Due to NCAA transfer rules, Mallett would redshirt his sophomore year and would be able to compete in the 2009 season; however, he would be allowed on the scout team in the 2008 season. Recruits On National Signing Day, February 6, 2008, Arkansas received 25 letters of intent by the following players listed below: Regular season Schedule Personnel Coaching staff Roster Game summaries Western Illinois The game was played at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium and marked the first meeting between the two programs. The game started with a Taylor Rowan field goal to give the Leathernecks a 3–0 advantage. Joe Adams of Arkansas pulled in a 10-yard pass from Casey Dick with six minutes remaining in the second quarter. WIU's Herb Donaldson then scored twice, once before halftime, and once after. Dick followed with a 23-yard TD scamper, cutting it to a 17–14 WIU lead. Leatherneck fullback Javid Milton ran the ball from one yard out to give Western Illinois a 24–14 lead. Freshman receiver Greg Childs then caught a Dick aerial at the 7:58 mark in the fourth quarter, with Dick running in the game winning score with only 1:49 remaining. Western Illinois was ranked 22nd in the Football Championship Subdivision entering the contest. Louisiana–Monroe Arkansas is undefeated in the series, with the last game against the Warhawks in 2006, when Arkansas defeated Louisiana–Monroe 44–10. The 2008 game was played at War Memorial Stadium and marked the 8th time the two programs have played each other. Michael Smith began the scoring with a 13-yard run to paydirt for the Hogs, but Alex Tejada missed the extra