FAYETTEVILLE — This is the fifth in a series of 10 questions facing Arkansas football headed into fall camp, which begins July 27.
Jared Cornelius is Arkansas’ clear-cut No. 1 receiver.
The senior caught 32 passes for 515 yards and 4 touchdowns despite missing 2 games as a junior. He has the talent to be a potential All-SEC selection as Austin Allen's go-to target this fall.
The rest of the Razorbacks’ returning receivers combined for 3 catches, 44 yards and a touchdown.
The graduation of Drew Morgan, Keon Hatcher, Dominique Reed and Cody Hollister leaves plenty of playing time up for grabs. In the spring, a group of receivers emerged as potential contributors.
10 Big Questions
Looking at some of the key storylines as Arkansas prepares to kick off fall camp July 27.
http://www.wholehog…">Who is the backup QB?
http://www.wholehog…">Is there enough depth at LB?
http://www.wholehog…">Will another DL playmaker emerge to join Sosa Agim?
http://www.wholehog…">How much better will the OL be?
Sophomore Deon Stewart probably lined up with the first-team offense more than any other non-Cornelius receiver in the 2 spring scrimmages. His numbers — unofficially 5 catches for 44 yards — weren’t huge, but he is quick and has the trust of the coaching staff.
All signs indicate sophomore Brandon Martin integrated himself into the program well in the spring. At 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, the former No. 1 junior college receiver prospect gives Arkansas a big, physical presence outside. He was impressive while showing off his frame a number of times during the scrimmages, catching 9 passes for 92 yards and a score. He has the talent to make an impact if he immerses himself in the playbook.
Sophomore La’Michael Pettway (6-2, 216) is another big receiver who can potentially use his size to create an advantage against smaller corners. The coaching staff praised his improved work ethic in the spring and he totaled 5 catches for 57 yards and a touchdown in the scrimmages.
Redshirt freshman Jordan Jones may have as much big-play potential as anyone on the roster. The 6-1, 184-pounder used his speed to make plays after the catch a few times during spring ball. He caught 4 passes for 99 yards and a score in the first scrimmage, but was held without a catch in the second. Becoming more consistent and improving his grasp of the playbook will be important for him this summer, which will in turn be important for an offense that can use his talent.
Sophomore T.J. Hammonds grew increasingly comfortable at receiver as spring practice wound down after playing in the backfield as a freshman. He may have the best combination of quickness and elusiveness on the roster, traits the coaching staff will take advantage of provided he continues coming along.
That’s the theme with most of the younger receivers: how much they can help depends in large part on how much of the playbook they can handle. Early, they will be reliant on their physical talent to help compensate for their inexperience.
How effective that is remains to be seen. There are others who may make bids for playing time in August, including JUCO receiver Jonathan Nance, who was slowed late in spring ball with an injury. But Stewart, Martin, Pettway, Jones and Hammonds seem like the best bets to be in the rotation with Cornelius at this point. Arkansas needs at least 2 or 3 of those to step up.
Of course, true freshman Koilan Jackson may play his way into the rotation once he gets on campus. The 6-foot-3, 212-pound Little Rock native is an impressive athlete who could impact quickly. Fellow true freshmen Maleek Barkley, Jarrod Barnes and De'Vion Warren will have opportunities to impress.
The Hogs are deep at receiver, but that depth isn’t battle-tested. A position of strength a year ago is now a question mark. They have the benefit of catching passes from arguably the best quarterback in the SEC in Allen, but they have to prove they can get open on a consistent basis against SEC secondaries.
If they adapt quickly, Arkansas’ offense could be tough to defend.