When Bret Bielema Tweets People Listen

Hot on the spring recruiting trail today, University of Arkansas Razorbacks head football coach Bret Bielema and his staff have fanned out across the state to visit 35 high schools. Coach Chris Hauser called it Operation New Era, perhaps as in “not the old era” of Petrino?

9 Coaches in 29 Schools today! Excited to see #OperationNewEra in effect! Have Fun!! #1-0

— Chris Hauser (@ChrisHauserJr) April 15, 2013

Bielema tweeted the following:

First day of spring recruiting and priority #1 for us is Arkansas! All 9 of my coaches visit over 35 HS today, never been done before. #WPS

— Bret Bielema (@BretBielema) April 15, 2013

His comment quickly drew the ire of a few Arkansas State Red Wolves fans who pointed out last year the school’s football coaches conducted the “A-State Ambush,” hitting every high school with a football program in Arkansas. That effort was headed at the time by Gus Malzahn, who left after one year to take the head coaching job at Auburn.

Never one to back down from a Twitter swipe, Bret Bielema responded to one person’s correction.

“@damfar2323: @BretBielema stAte ambush last year has Arkansas State visiting every single football school in Arkansas. 0-1 losers”

In SEC.

— Bret Bielema (@BretBielema) April 15, 2013

And this from Bielema:

Had some others in SEC worried about having all my coaches out on road today, but all is NCAA compliant. Fun to rattle some cages. #WPS

— Bret Bielema (@BretBielema) April 15, 2013

Examples from the coaches throughout the state are below and will  be updated.

Always by the Rules!!! Able to get 9 coaches on the road today by the #NCAA 'Tag Rule' Bylaw 11.7.4.3#WPS pic.twitter.com/Q4nEXkiTBV

— Chris Hauser (@ChrisHauserJr) April 15, 2013

How about the tradition and success at Barton? Not too bad!! Great visit with Coach Paschal! pic.twitter.com/ZXWKjc14u2

— Coach Lunney, Jr (@BarryLunneyJr) April 15, 2013

Good morning Hogs!! #WPS pic.twitter.com/6ilMk6VpIU

— Charlie Partridge (@CoachPartridge) April 15, 2013

Go Hogs!! pic.twitter.com/UCBI3JxSAL

— Charlie Partridge (@CoachPartridge) April 15, 2013

Operation New Era is under way! #WPS#Hog Nation#Hog Country

— Cody Moore (@CoachCodyMoore) April 15, 2013

Great seeing @BarryLunneyJr today. First class man from a first class program. @BretBielema #WPS

— Randy Coleman (@Hurricane_92) April 15, 2013

Today's mission complete. #WPS pic.twitter.com/WeDVtvtgiM

— Charlie Partridge (@CoachPartridge) April 15, 2013

Today's travels got me even more excited for the support we will get Saturday for the game. #50KHogs

— Charlie Partridge (@CoachPartridge) April 15, 2013

Great start to spring recruiting today in the state.Still lots of schools to visit and practices to see over the next few weeks! #50KHogs

— Coach Lunney, Jr (@BarryLunneyJr) April 16, 2013