Razorback Roundtable: Receivers

Arkansas receiver Jared Cornelius makes a catch Tuesday, March 28, 2017, during spring practice at the UA practice facility in Fayetteville.

— Four questions for four writers previewing Arkansas' receivers heading into 2017.

Over/under: Jared Cornelius finishes with 1,000 receiving yards.

Clay Henry: Cornelius will have every opportunity to be the go-to guy among the wide receivers with Drew Morgan and Keon Hatcher gone. He's got to stay healthy. He's battled knee and hamstring issues in the past. If something keeps him short of 1,000, it will be his physical stature. He's not a huge player and hasn't always held up for an entire season.

Jimmy Carter: Under. Arkansas hasn’t had a 1,000-yard receiver during Bret Bielema’s tenure. Drew Morgan came the closest when he finished with 843 in 2015. It wouldn’t be surprising if Cornelius bettered that. He’s the clear No. 1 option for Austin Allen and should lead the Razorbacks in catches and receiving yards this fall.

Dudley Dawson: I expect Cornelius to be the main target of Austin Allen this fall and expect him to double his numbers from last season - 32 catches, 515 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Matt Jones: I'll take the under. He's capable of some big games (like Texas A&M and Alabama last season) but I don't think he'll string enough together for that type of season. Plus, I think Arkansas will run the ball more this season, which will take away some receiver targets.

In each of Dan Enos’ 2 seasons, Arkansas has had 3 WRs finish with at least 24 catches. Assuming Cornelius is one, who are the other two in 2017?

Henry: There really are several candidates to step up as the next two reliable targets for Austin Allen. My bet would be that Deon Stewart will be one of them. I'd say Brandon Martin, Jonathan Nance, Jordan Jones and La'Michael Pettway would be in the next group. But, don't be surprised if Kolian Jackson or Jarrod Barnes step up as true freshmen. I'd think it might be a long shot to expect both of them, but someone is going to emerge from this group as a surprise.

Carter: I’ll go with Brandon Martin and Deon Stewart. Martin spent the spring learning the system, but his physical ability was apparent and separates him from the rest of the receivers on the roster. I feel confident picking him. Stewart is undersized, but runs good routes and has the coaching staff’s trust. He worked alongside Cornelius with the starters in the spring. La’Michael Pettway, Jordan Jones and Koilan Jackson may have something to say about this.

Dawson: While Deon Stewart and La'Michael Pettway look ready to step into bigger roles, one would have to think junior college additions Brandon Martin - who looks like an NFL guy at - and Jonathan Nance will see plenty of passes thrown their way as well.

Jones: If Brandon Martin lives up to his JUCO reputation, I think he could be one. Because I think Arkansas will attempt to get the ball in his hands multiple times each game, I'll say T.J. Hammonds is the other.

Who is the most intriguing non-Cornelius WR on the roster to you?

Henry: Jordan Jones might be the most talented player in the group, a true difference maker. If and when he decides to assert himself with playbook study and intense attention to detail, Jones might pass everyone in this position group.

Carter: Jordan Jones has the speed and big-play ability to potentially be a difference-maker. He was responsible for some of the most impressive plays made by a receiver in spring ball, but has to become more consistent and learn the ins and outs of the playbook in order to gain the staff’s trust. True freshman Koilan Jackson is intriguing because indications are he is talented enough to come in and play right away.

Dawson: Redshirt freshman Kofi Boateng, sophomore tailback/wideout T.J. Hammonds and incoming freshman Maleek Barkley are also options to round out a rotation of six that receivers coach Michael Smith likes to have ready.

Jones: All of them? We don't know much about the receivers past Jared Cornelius and none have much experience against SEC competition. The whole group intrigues.

How much of a step back, if at all, will the receiving corps take this year after losing all the experience it did from the 2016 team?

Henry: Dan Enos said the most critical aspect for the offense is for Austin Allen to get on the same page as the wide receivers over the summer. He said there were times in the spring Allen hesitated or waited for the receivers to finish their routes. That's too late to decide to turn loose of the football. It leads to inconsistency and possibly interceptions. Enos said Allen had to coach the receivers this summer and make sure they are on the same page. The ball has to come out of Allen's hands during the route, not after it is done. So that's something to watch for in August camp, did Allen and the receivers mesh over the summer. If not, then the Hogs won't have the same passing game as last season. There is more talent in this wideout group than last year, but the experience drop is obvious. So this is a big question that has to be answered in August. There has to be at least a little doubt right now.

Carter: Physically, I don’t think there is a big drop-off, if there is one at all. But you can’t just replace the experience and knowledge of the playbook Keon Hatcher, Drew Morgan, Dominique Reed and Cody Hollister had. It would be highly impressive if there wasn’t a bit of a regression, but there probably will be, especially early in the season.

Dawson: I don't think there is any doubt that losing Drew Morgan and Keon Hatcher hurts from both experience and leadership roles. But from listening to the younger receivers this spring, J-Red really stepped up as a strong figure head in the receiving room this winter and spring.

Jones: I think there is going to be a step back because of the inexperience. Keon Hatcher and Drew Morgan are two of the better receivers who have come through the program the past several years, and it took them some time to grow into those roles. I don't know if there any receivers who are going to be able to match their 2016 production in 2017.