Three unanswered questions for Arkansas football after spring practice

FAYETTEVILLE — Spring observe is not fairly completed for Arkansas soccer. The Razorbacks hosted the closest factor they’d should a spring sport on Saturday: A scrimmage open to media, recruits and households.

Because of the upcoming Garth Brooks live performance at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, Arkansas held its scrimmage every week earlier than the conclusion of spring observe. The Razorbacks will maintain practices this week, however they’re going to be closed. 

However as spring practices wind down, Arkansas’ 2022 workforce is slowly coming into focus. Not each query might be answered in spring ball, however there are a number of key questions lingering for coach Sam Pittman and the Razorbacks.

SPRING SCRIMMAGE:Three observations from Arkansas soccer’s thudded spring scrimmage

NEW STANDARD:What Sam Pittman wished to maintain the identical whereas altering Arkansas soccer’s normal

Who will likely be KJ Jefferson’s major goal at large receiver?

Arkansas’ passing gamedidn’t look nice within the scrimmage, which Pittman acknowledged. However he additionally stated quarterback KJ Jefferson has had a great spring.

“The most important enchancment that I’ve seen is simply data of seeing the sport earlier than it occurs, pre-snap seems to be, issues of that nature,” Pittman stated. “He is significantly better in his reads proper now than what he was at any time final yr.”

Now, Jefferson wants receivers. Pittman stated after Arkansas’ spring scrimmage that NFL Draft prospect Treylon Burks had been Arkansas’ “bell cow” within the passing sport. He stated the Razorbacks have been nonetheless on the lookout for somebody to guide the herd.

Sophomore Ketron Jackson Jr. and redshirt senior Warren Thompson appear to be the main returners at wideout. Backup quarterback Malik Hornsby additionally obtained reps at large receiver with the first-team offense.

However Oklahoma switch Jadon Haselwood is the identify Pittman dropped when speaking about Arkansas’ potential new chief at receiver. Haselwood stated after the Razorbacks’ eighth spring observe that Burks’ success was a part of what drew him to Arkansas.

“Treylon Burks is certainly one of a sort,” Haselwood stated. “I do know everyone expects me to fill his footwear, however like I stated, he is certainly one of a sort. I am simply making an attempt to get in the place I slot in and make performs with the workforce.”

Who will emerge as Arkansas’ chief off the sting?

Pittman stated at the beginning of spring ball that the Razorbacks have been emphasizing their go rush, and Arkansas appeared to be getting extra strain in practices. However Pittman stated after observe No. 7 that he nonetheless did not know who would emerge as a pass-rushing defensive finish.

A part of that’s as a result of probably the most promising gamers have not actually practiced. LSU switch defensive finish Landon Jackson was out for a lot of spring whereas recovering from harm. The sophomore obtained some restricted motion late in spring however hasn’t been capable of present his full skillset. Pittman appreciated what he noticed from Jackson’s mild work final week, nevertheless.

“I thought he seemed good,” Pittman stated. “He is nonetheless a methods away, however to let him go do some change of route and place, I am positive that he feels good about it.”

One other switch, Jordan Domineck from Georgia Tech, will likely be one to observe at defensive finish. He dedicated to Arkansas in early March and will not be on campus till summer season. The incoming redshirt senior had 38 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and three compelled fumbles for Georgia Tech final season.

How will the working sport be balanced?

Arkansas’ working again room is crowded with expertise. The SEC’s main dashing assault final season returns two heads of what it dubbed its “three-headed monster” in backs Raheim “Rocket” Sanders and Dominique Johnson. The third, Trelon Smith, transferred to TCU.

Johnson missed spring observe whereas recovering from an harm. Sanders and sophomore AJ Inexperienced obtained a lot of the first-team reps at working again, and Pittman expressed satisfaction with each of their progress. However the monster could possibly be gaining an additional head with the emergence of freshman Rashod Dubinion.

Pittman repeatedly touted the three-star working again’s abilities in spring, and he stated there will likely be 4 backs within the combine for Arkansas this fall.

“He’s actually a shifty runner,” Pittman stated. “There’s little question in my thoughts he’ll assist us subsequent yr in video games. Not simply particular groups, however he’ll be one of many backs toting the mail as a result of he’s a great participant.”

Now, although, Pittman and place coach Jimmy Smith should decide steadiness the carries for his or her key gamers.

“It’s exhausting to have Rocket and AJ and now Dubinion and Dominique Johnson and preserve all of them,” Pittman stated. “There’s obtained to be A1, and he’s obtained to hold the ball greater than the two, after which the two has to hold the ball greater than the three…. I believe the best factor we’ve in that room is competitors.”

Christina Lengthy covers the Arkansas Razorbacks. You’ll be able to e-mail her at clong@swtimes.com or observe her on Twitter @christinalong00.