FAYETTEVILLE — Four seniors have been named captains on Arkansas' football team for 2020.
Quarterback Feleipe Franks, running back Rakeem Boyd, defensive tackle Jonathan Marshall and linebacker Grant Morgan were chosen as captains during a team vote this week.
It is the first time the Razorbacks have had permanent captains since 2017. Captains were primarily chosen on a game-by-game basis under former head coach Chad Morris.
Franks, Boyd and Marshall are presumed starters at their position this season, while Morgan is jockeying for one of the team's starting linebacker positions. Prior to the announcement of captains, Morgan spoke about being a leader at his position during a Zoom interview Tuesday.
"I like to say I want to lead and I am the leader," Morgan said, "but I'll tell you right now we have people that aren't afraid to talk and aren't afraid to voice their opinion in our room, which is really good. The more minds that can come together as one is the best we can do."
During his radio show last Wednesday, first-year Arkansas coach Sam Pittman spoke about the importance of leadership at the quarterback position. Pittman hasn't named Franks — a graduate-transfer from Florida — a starter, but all indications point toward him being first on the field when the Razorbacks are scheduled to host No. 4 Georgia next week.
“Just recently he has really come into his own,” Pittman said. “This week I’ve seen him be more vocal with the football team. Expectations of your team have to start with your head coach, but it has to trickle down, and one of those positions has to be your quarterback.”
Pittman has also spoken highly of Marshall throughout the offseason and preseason. Boyd served as a captain for the Razorbacks' game against Colorado State last season.