Arkansas’s Tyler Wilson has a theory about what it takes for a quarterback to truly gain his teammates’ respect.

Throwing for 510 yards in a game is certainly a start, which Wilson has done this season in setting a school record in the comeback win over Texas A&M.

The same goes for managing an offense effectively, moving the ball and scoring points on a consistent basis and being a strong leader at all times.

But those quarterbacks who have the courage to stand in the pocket and take a hit and are willing to sacrifice their bodies if it means converting a key third down or getting into the end zone are the ones their teammates play the hardest for.

In six games as a starter, Wilson has proven a lot of things.

He’s an extremely accurate passer. He doesn’t give up on plays, and he’s well-equipped to run Bobby Petrino’s offense.

He’s also one tough customer.

“He started that off early in the year on some of the runs he made, some where you’d say, 'Slide, slide,' and he’d show his competitive spirit, working to get into the end zone, and he dove into the air one time,” Petrino recounted.

“He’s a young man that is very tough and very competitive. That’s what has really shown, just how competitive Tyler is, how much he cares and how much he wants to do everything he can to help us win. It certainly helps us as a team because his teammates watch it, and it lifts their game and lifts their competitive spirit.”

That competitive spirit was never more apparent than the Alabama game earlier this season, which was also Arkansas’ only loss.

The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Wilson took a wicked beating against Alabama’s relentless pass rush, but kept getting back up and competing. Even some of the Alabama defenders marveled afterward at Wilson’s toughness.

“Obviously, a win would have validated it a lot more down there,” said Wilson, who leads the SEC with 1,779 passing yards. “But you’ve got to be willing, in my mind, to stand in there and take shots to earn guys’ respect.

“As a quarterback, you don’t go out there and practice every day and bang and hit and go through what some of the other positions go through on a daily basis. So in order for us to gain our respect and that toughness value, we’ve got to display it in the game and show courage standing in the pocket and delivering the ball down the field while taking a shot and getting right back up.

“That’s the way I’ve always believed it should be.”

As the No. 9 Hogs, who were off last week, dive into the second half of their schedule this Saturday at Ole Miss, there’s no question that Wilson’s teammates believe in him.

It’s one of the big reasons nobody’s counting Arkansas (5-1, 1-1) out of the Western Division race or a second straight appearance in a BCS bowl.

“His confidence is at an all-time high,” said Arkansas senior receiver Jarius Wright, who’s been Wilson’s favorite target this season.

Wilson has thrown 12 touchdown passes and only three interceptions. He’s completing 64.9 percent of his passes and was named this week as one of 10 finalists for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.

“I think this might be the healthiest we’ve been since we’ve gone at it, which is a great time to be healthy going down the stretch,” Wilson said.

A fourth-year junior, Wilson also has a healthy understanding of what Petrino expects out of his quarterbacks -- perfection.

Wilson jokes that playing quarterback for Petrino isn’t for everyone, but is adamant that it’s made him a better player, a tougher player and a smarter player.

“He wants you to be perfect and execute on every single play,” Wilson said. “It’s tough at times, especially as a first-year starter, and you’re not always going to be perfect in the SEC where guys on the other side are getting paid, too, as far as coaching staffs scheming things up.

“What it’s done for me is that I’ve learned to be as hard on myself as he’s hard on me. I think back to the Auburn game and we won 38-14, but I didn’t play very well. I’m looking up to coach at the end of the game not feeling very good about my performance. So it’s really rubbing off on me.”

And here’s the best news for Hogs fans: Wilson feels like the best is yet to come.

“I haven’t played my 'A' game yet and have some games down the road to prove otherwise,” Wilson said.

Reminded that he’d already set the school record for passing yards two games ago and is the only NCAA quarterback to throw for 500 yards in a game this season, Wilson was as quick with a response as he is to hit an open receiver.

“Having a fully rounded great game at the quarterback position is what I’m talking about as an 'A' game -- getting us in the right run-game checks and just operating the entire offense better,” Wilson said. “Hopefully, there are a few more yards in the tank, but it’s about what we do as a team from here.

“That’s where I set my standards. I feel like if I have a good game, then we’re going to have a good game.”

Tyler Wilson and Arkansas will be featured on the Oct. 26 episode of “Depth Chart,” which airs on ESPN at 7 p.m. ET.