FAYETTEVILLE — Through nearly three weeks of preseason practices, Arkansas receiver Treylon Burks has been described as a player talented enough to be a go-to target on a number of programs across the country.
Cornerback Montaric Brown even likened Burks’ mix of size and speed to Atlanta Falcons star Julio Jones. Burks, a Warren native, is the toughest cover on the Razorbacks’ roster, Brown said.
Junior receiver Mike Woods has also received fairly consistent praise. On Day 2 of camp, Woods told reporters during a Zoom conference call that he caught three touchdowns from projected starting quarterback Feleipe Franks.
And after the team’s first scrimmage of the fall, a team spokesman said Burks and Woods each had touchdown catches from Franks. The duo has gotten most of the spotlight at receiver to this point.
Meanwhile, Trey Knox, another talented pass catcher and assumed starter, has somewhat quietly been putting together a solid preseason of his own, according to coaches.
“He’s doing well. He’s making some plays,” Arkansas coach Sam Pittman said Tuesday via Zoom. “Obviously, we are making a big emphasis on our wideouts in their blocking. We’ve gotten better there. He’s always been a physical guy. We continue to have to work on getting off man press and getting open. Part of the sacks and things we’ve had are we’ve got to get people open. And he’s done a good job of that.
“He’s a good one-on-one ball catcher. He’s done a nice job. He practices extremely hard and his skills are getting better each day.”
Despite a five-game stretch to end last season in which Knox caught only two passes for 28 yards and a touchdown, he finished his freshman year with 385 receiving yards — third on the team — and three touchdowns, one shy of the team lead. Knox was one of only three Razorbacks with multiple receiving touchdowns in 2019.
As a sophomore, Knox would like to get back into the groove he found in Weeks 2-4 last season. Against Ole Miss, Colorado State and San Jose State, Knox hauled in 20 of his 28 catches for 261 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Arkansas offensive coordinator Kendal Briles likes Knox’s ability. There are parts of his game, though, that he would like to see improve over last season.
“The thing that I’ve talked to Trey about is just trying to play more explosive,” Briles said Wednesday. “(I want to see him) beating people at the line of scrimmage, using his long limbs to his advantage.”
A bright and fun personality in the Razorbacks’ locker room, Knox has done everything the coaching staff has asked of him, Briles said. Coaches often harp on consistency with players, stressing to them the importance of being their best day in and day out.
Knox has checked that box, too.
“I really feel comfortable with where he’s at,” Briles said. “He catches the ball really well. I’d say he’s probably one of the smartest players on the field. He’s really intelligent, and that helps when you’re playing with tempo.”
Briles is rightfully confident in his top three at receiver. He’s also counting on Knox, Burks and Woods to tutor those behind them to foster depth at the position.
Players such as De’Vion Warren and T.J. Hammonds have SEC experience, but roles beyond the first unit appear to be up in the air. Friday’s second scrimmage could go a long way toward determining the pecking order.
“We’re going to have to keep developing some of these younger guys and get them where they need to be,” Briles said. “But I do think that is a very good group. It’s a strong group for us, offensively. We’ve got some really good leaders in there.
“Trey Knox, Mike Woods, Treylon Burks - those guys are really strong leaders.”
Knox understands there will be ample opportunities to make plays in Briles’ scheme. In an interview with Hawgs Illustrated this summer, he labeled the new offense “skill-position friendly.”
“This offense is great,” Knox said. “It’s designed to catch people off balance. There is a play for every situation, to do what we need in any way. There is a run for every situation, and a pass.
“One week the offense might be one way, the next week (could be) totally different. It will fit what we need for every opponent. I love it.”