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By now, you’ve no doubt heard about and likely seen the video (below) of the standout, contested catch that Arkansas senior wide receiver Tyrone Broden made in the Razorbacks’ first practice on Wednesday.
If you want, you can debate whether too much has been made about a rep in a non-padded practice.
Honestly, too much probably has.
However, the excitement over that one play just shows how hungry Arkansas Razorbacks fans are for the upcoming football season that is still weeks away.
There is no doubt last season left a bad taste in Hog fans’ mouths, but what needs to be remembered is that this new season, a new team, and a mostly new offensive coaching staff.
Last year does not have to be worn like shackles.
Razorback coach Sam Pittman let go of what did not work last year and retained what did.
Taylen Green ➡️ Tyrone Broden pic.twitter.com/ESgbK0f9Rq
— Anthony Kristensen (@AMFKristensen) July 31, 2024
I’m looking forward to seeing how Arkansas defensive coordinator Travis Williams, his staff, and his stop troops perform in his second season. Last season the Razorback defense was hung out to dry by a less-than-effective offense.
Despite the Hogs record a year ago, the defense statistically played well until all four tires blew out on the offense in a dreadful 7-3 loss to a poor Mississippi State team.
While the Razorbacks will have three new starters on the offensive line, a new starter at quarterback, and perhaps running back, my expectation is for the unit to be vastly improved under offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino.
After a terrible offensive year, the entire offensive staff turned over other than tight end coach Morgan Turner, who returns for his second year.
The coaches that exited did not mesh together for whatever reason. It doesn’t mean they weren’t capable men; it just meant Pittman needed to make changes, and he did.
That gives me reason for some optimism, but that’s my general feeling this time of year.
While the Razorbacks will be counting on a bevy of new faces on offense with Boise State transfer Taylen Green at quarterback, Ja’Quinden Jackson along with returner Rashid Dubinion at running back as well as Tennessee transfer Addison Nichols (6-5, 329) at center, San Jose State transfer Fernando Carmona (6-5, 322) at right tackle, and Michigan State transfer Keyshawn Blackstock (5-5, 319) at left tackle, Turner has three promising returners populating his tight end room and a powerful newcomer from Eastern Michigan in Andreas Paaske (6-6, 265).
Sophomores Luke Hasz (6-3, 241) and Ty Washington (6-4, 249) had solid seasons last year before suffering season-ending injuries. They are both healthy now and are working with junior North Texas transfer Var’Keyes Gumms (6-3, 245) to give Petrino and Green plenty of options in the passing game.
The Hogs have two, and three tight-end sets in Petrino’s offense. There will be plenty of opportunity for the young men to get the ball in their hands. Turner, who came to Arkansas after working 10 years as tight ends coach at Stanford where he developed a long list of NFL talent. Expect his knowledge, experience, and teaching ability to begin to pay off for the Razorbacks this season.
It’s not far-fetched to expect Hasz to be in the hunt for all-SEC honors this season and maybe more if he can stay healthy and the Razorbacks have a good year.
We know Petrino is adept at dialing up plays for and getting his best players open. Former Hog and NFL tight end D.J. Williams starred for Petrino in his first three seasons (2008-2010) as Arkansas’ head coach and won the 2010 Mackey Award, which honors the nation’s top tight end.
Petrino’s motto is feed the studs, and it seems the Razorbacks are loaded at the tight end spot. The trio of Hasz, Washington, and Gumms should make life easier for Green when he throws underneath or over the top.
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