FAYETTEVILLE — Giovanni LaFrance is nearing a full recovery from a broken right hand he suffered during 7-on-7 last month.
Once healthy, the true freshman linebacker from Louisiana will be added to Arkansas’ 105-man roster when a spot becomes available. He’s scheduled to get his cast off next week after fracturing his hand while jamming a tight end. If a spot on the 105-man roster doesn’t open up, LaFrance will have to wait until school starts Aug. 22 to join the team.
“I was kind of mad but stuff happens for a reason,” LaFrance said. “God probably did this for some reason. I was just shocked when it happened. I'm good.”
Sophomore weakside linebacker Dre Greenlaw and senior middle linebacker Brooks Ellis have those spots locked down, but the third position is up for grabs and LaFrance could also contend for a backup role. Sunday, Bielema provided added clarity to LaFrance’s absence from the 105-man roster, which wasn’t explained when it was released Thursday.
“He could be with us as early as tomorrow or the next day,” Bret Bielema said. “He’ll be the next linebacker in if somebody gets injured. … He had a great summer academically and on the football field.”