Five True Freshmen to Make Improve on ...

Five True Freshmen to Make Improve on …

Arkansas’s FAYETTEVILLE In 2020 and 2021, Arkansas didn’t really establish a practice of using their freshmen skill, but in 2022, something changed. Luke Hasz, a tight end, couldn’t afford to be denied playing time early last season by Sam Pittman.

Based on his play through four games prior to his injury, Hasz was selected a freshman All-American. Jaylon Braxton, a defensive back, was another player who thrived in the secondary. Even in his rookie season with the Razorbacks, Brad Spence bit.

In their second season, redshirt freshmen such offensive lineman E’Marion Harris, tight end Ty Washington, and left tackle Andrew Chamblee saw significant playing time or even starts. In 2024, the Razorbacks will probably rely on a many of talented freshmen; here are five to watch.

Shaw, Bradley

The Hoover, Alabama linebacker, who entered the 2024 class late, is ranked No. 101 among the best players in the nation for this class, according to 247sports.

Shaw might see some playing time alongside former Georgia signee and 5-star prospect Xavian Sorey, since Arkansas is seeing a lot of turnover at the position.

Wyatt Simmons and Justin Logan, two more senior linebackers who were offered by other prestigious programs, were also signed by the Razorbacks.

Bridges, Selman, DB

The product from Temple, Texas was consistently listed in the top 100 at one point. Following a few spikes in the rankings, he dropped to No. 111.

At 6-foot-3 and 170 pounds, he will be a huge threat in the secondary due to his size. He could be the next freshman to break into the rotation because of his ability to jar smaller receivers at the line of scrimmage and his large wingspan.

Bridges will need to gain more muscle if he wants to play in the SEC as a rookie. Under first-year defensive coordinator Travis Williams, the secondary saw significant improvement, ranking No. 32 in yards per game at 202. He now joins that group.

Bethel-Roman Ashton, WR

Having already established himself as one of the team’s fastest players, the native of Missouri City, Texas, has the potential to significantly impact Arkansas’s game right away. The 6-foot-1, 170-pound receiver spent his last two seasons at Ridge Point High School averaging 21 yards per reception and 17 touchdowns. With 30 throw plays of more than 20 yards or more in the regular season, the Razorbacks were among the least prolific attacks in the vertical passing game.

It’s expected to get better with Bobby Petrino, the new offensive coordinator, calling plays. The Aggies rose from No. 11 in the SEC in explosibility during the 2022 season to No. 4 with 56 such plays in his two seasons with Texas A&M. Anticipate a greater focus on speed with the return of track speed players like Dazmin James and Isaiah Sategna. In the spring of 2023, Bethel-Roman recorded a 200-meter dash time of 21.51 seconds, demonstrating his own track speed.

With 77 tackles for loss during his time in high school in the Natural State, he shown his ability to be a disruptive presence on the defensive line. Kavion Henderson, one of the best players in Alabama, is also added by the Razorbacks to their recruiting class for 2024. When combined, those two have the potential to be exceptional bookends for Arkansas’ defense going forward.

Russell Braylen, RB

At 6-foot-2 and 230 pounds, the star tailback from Benton has the kind of build that Sam Pittman adores. Russell amassed 4,005 running yards and 66 touchdowns at the end of his prep career. With 957 yards and 10 touchdowns received through the air, he was also a proficient passer.

It appears that Arkansas may be a little crowded with the arrival of Utah transfer tailback Ja’Quinden Jackson, returning Rashod Dubinion, and true freshman Isaiah Augustave. Russell has a good chance of getting reps early in his college career given his physical attributes.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Related News

You may have missed