Arkansas’s Fayetteville — During spring workouts, position adjustments are frequently tried to test how an athlete reacts. According to the Razorbacks’ most recent roster, at least one Arkansas tight end who saw limited action is expected to transition to wide receiver on a full-time basis after practicing there during Liberty Bowl preparations.
Shamar Easter, a redshirt sophomore and a 4-star prospect from Ashdown, inked a contract with the Razorbacks in the 2023 recruiting cycle. In the 2024 season, he played in two games and caught one pass for 16 yards in the second half of Arkansas’ 70-0 victory over UAPB in Little Rock.
As a junior in 2021, Easter caught 30 catches for 519 yards with five touchdowns, solidifying his status as a top college recruit. Now is a better time than ever for the 6-foot-5, 228-pound athlete to find playing time as a pass catcher because of the uncertainty in the receiving rotation.
After losing three tight ends via the transfer portal, Arkansas reorganized its personnel room. Easter’s move was aided by the Razorbacks’ addition of Jaden Platt (Texas A&M), Jeremiah Beck (Chaffey College), and Rohan Jones (Montana State).
Quentin Murphy, an incoming freshman, chose to remain in-state despite receiving numerous offers from Power Four conferences. His ability to play a variety of positions on offense and defense once in college led to his recruitment as an athlete from Little Rock Parkview.
Trey Knox (7), a tight end for the Arkansas Razorbacks, celebrates after he scores a touchdown against the Liberty Flames in the fourth quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Liberty prevailed 21–19. While playing for the Hogs in 2022, Knox switched from wide receiver to tight end. Photographs by Nelson Chenault-Imagn
Murphy, who played quarterback all through high school, will begin his career at wideout and offers a multifaceted dynamic. He ran for 697 yards and seven touchdowns on 85 attempts and completed 61 of 136 passing attempts for 892 yards and 13 touchdowns.
A.J. Green, who spent a season with Oklahoma State, will play running back when he returns to Arkansas, despite mixed reports. He returned to the Razorbacks in 2024 after missing time with the Cowboys due to an Achilles injury, and he will wear number 20.
At Lincoln Financial Field, Jason Peters, 71, an offensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles, tries to block Trey Flowers, 90, a defensive end for the Detroit Lions. When Peters was at Arkansas in the early 2000s, he was used as a tight end. / Image Source: Eric Hartline
TE Chris Gragg, LG Hjalte Froholdt, WR Robert Johnson, and TE Trey Knox are among the other noteworthy position changes at Arkansas over the years. When they make it to the NFL, several Razorbacks have switched positions and gone on to have successful careers, such as George Wilson (WR to S), Jason Peters (TE to LT), and Matt Jones (QB to WR).
