I think Arkin had troubles with the scheme change last year honestly. Really, all the guys had problems with it... and that isn't a surprise. It was way different than what Houck was doing in previous seasons.
By the end of last year, everyone on the line was playing much better and I think it was in large part because they were all finally getting down what Callahan was wanting from them. I've been saying since the end of 2012 that the line is going to have a big jump in production simply because it will be year 2 in Bill's system. I honestly think that added benefit is way, way underestimated around here and in the media.
As from Arkin himself... he has smarts, decent agility, and has been lauded for his tenacity and his mean, aggressive nature. It has been his strength and (IMO) his struggles with what he was being asked to do that has prevented him from producing on the field. Now, having been in an NFL strength program for a couple of years and having a year to learn Callahan's system, it honestly would be no big surprise for him to take a really big jump in performance and compete for a starting position.
Heck, I wouldn't be too shocked to see him starting. There have been offensive linemen from bigger schools that didn't have a lock-out their rookie season, and that didn't switch scheme's in their second year, who still didn't start until year 3 or 4.
If Dallas hadn't had so many injuries and have such a big need at G the last couple of years, then we fans might have actually had patience with him and allowed a small school OL a few years to mature, get stronger and learn to play in the NFL.
