Arkansas’s Fayetteville — Arkansas’ attack will have a chance to become more dynamic than it was in 2024 now that offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino is returning for another season.
One of the main causes is the possession of some modern weaponry.
The Razorbacks were ranked No. 10 in total offense and No. 3 in the nation with 246 plays of 10 yards or more. Petrino concentrated on acquiring shiftier receivers through the transfer portal, including Raylen Sharpe (Fresno State) and Kam Shanks (UAB), but he was occasionally able to take advantage of opposing defenses by using his current roster.
“They are definitely speedsters,” Quincy Rhodes, a defensive lineman, stated on Tuesday. “Their vision is excellent. Just being aware that you are assigned to a defensive end position, setting edges, and doing other insane stuff.”
Sharpe, a former high school quarterback, showed off his flexibility last season with the Bulldogs, averaging 17 yards per carry on just four tries. Shanks is a versatile player who can be a threat on return teams. In 2024, he averaged nearly seven yards per carry on eight attempts.
During a spring session on the outdoor practice fields in Fayetteville, Arkansas, wide receiver Raylen Sharpe of the Arkansas Razorbacks makes a grab. / Nilsen Roman -Hogs on SI Pictures
“If you’re not where you’re supposed to be when they’ve got the ball, they will make you miss and they will score,” Rhodes stated. “Excellent vision and speed. At the point of touch, extremely physical. The future is bright for those guys.
Despite averaging just under 15 yards per reception the previous season, Arkansas’s receivers were not utilized much as an extension of the run game. In their very few backfield appearances last season, returning junior Jordan Anthony and former wideout Isaiah Sategna combined for an average of just seven yards per carry.
Braylen Russell, the running back for the Arkansas Razorbacks, takes off during spring exercises at Razorback Stadium. Source: HitThatLine.com/Andy Hodges
Running back Braylen Russell remarked, “I have to lead block for them sometimes, because they beat me to the spot.” “I have to perform my job and get there before they do because they move quickly. They will be quite effective with this offense.
