Gilbow Dismissed From Team

FAYETTEVILLE -- Arkansas' offensive line was short-handed last spring after being hit by a series of nicks and bruises that, at one point, temporarily left the thin unit with just five healthy bodies.

It didn't sustain a permanent loss until Tuesday afternoon, when Arkansas coach Houston Nutt dismissed sophomore tackle Matt Gilbow from the team.

The university's reasons for cutting ties with Gilbow weren't disclosed, but coach Houston Nutt said in a statement released by the university that the sophomore had not maintained the "focus and commitment" required of student-athletes.

"Matt Gilbow has been dismissed from our football team," Nutt said. "While at times Matt has shown his potential in the classroom and on the field, he has not maintained the focus and commitment necessary to remain a part of the program."

Nutt couldn't be reached for further comment. Neither could Gilbow.

The Jonesboro native played in 10 games and earned two starts as a redshirt freshman in 2004. His first start came at Auburn in place of Zac Tubbs, who sustained a season-ending broken ankle during an off-week practice. Gilbow got his second start against Georgia when Tubbs and left tackle Tony Ugoh were sidelined.

Gilbow worked with the first-team offense during the spring in place of Ugoh, who participated with Arkansas' track and field team. The sophomore missed a few practices with a knee injury, but, when healthy, was often punished for off-the-field trouble by running extra sprints and performing conditioning drills after workouts.

Arkansas has three scholarship tackles (Tubbs, Ugoh and sophomore Nate Garner) returning next season without Gilbow. Sophomore Robert Felton, who is listed as the starting right guard heading into spring practice, also has experience at the position.