FAYETTEVILLE — Typically during the preseason the most often-asked-about player is a team's starting quarterback or star player on either side of the football.
For Arkansas this August, perhaps no one has been mentioned or brought up more in post-practice press conferences than Toledo transfer receiver Matt Landers. A close second might be Oklahoma transfer Jadon Haselwood or Terry Hampton, a new defensive lineman from Arkansas State.
Warren Thompson, who arrived at Arkansas prior to last season as a walk-on receiver from Florida State, may be on the opposite end of the spectrum. But in the few times reporters have inquired about the rangy receiver, rave reviews followed.
Offensive coordinator Kendal Briles said Friday after the team’s 13th practice of fall camp that Thompson has been as consistent as any of his receivers.
“He's done a really good job,” Briles said. “Warren, from last year to where he is right now, is a different guy — not anything from a character standpoint and how he's acting, but just his knowledge. He sees things. He's able to do some things on the field instead of just reacting because he really didn't know what's going on.
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“He's seeing things. He's talking about it.”
This preseason, Thompson is beating himself up over an occasional missed route or assignment, according to Briles. This time last year, he may not have realized a mistake was made.
“It's completely different where he's at,” Briles said. “And he's catching the football, and he's 6-3 and can run."
Toward the end of spring drills in April, Thompson said he had an “all right” season in 2021 and was making it his mission to improve and assist the Razorbacks in winning more games.
Capping the season with a win in the Outback Bowl in Tampa, Fla., was special to him in more ways than one.
“Just at that time with my baby being born and things like that, it was great to be down there with my family,” he said. “Even though I was in Tallahassee previously, I never really got to play in Tampa.
“That was a dream come true, for real.”
KJ Jefferson, Arkansas’ second-year starting quarterback, believes Thompson has developed most in the last calendar year in his ability to lead. He has enjoyed watching the redshirt senior take a number of newcomers under his wing.
Thompson caught multiple passes in six games last season, including three against Texas and four at Ole Miss. And three times he finished with a long reception of at least 40 yards.
But sprinkled in with that success were issues with drops and turning himself into a possession receiver. According to SECStatCat, a website dedicated to SEC football analytics, he had a team-high five drops and was 10th on the team in yards after the catch with 28.
The site also indicates his drops cost the Razorbacks 112 yards of offense. He was most successful on go routes (107 yards) and curls (54).
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Arkansas coach Sam Pittman spoke highly of Thompson and his potential on Aug. 11 after the team’s sixth practice.
“As improved as anybody,” he said. “I think he’s in a really good space. I think he’s comfortable. I think he went through a year last year where he didn’t know if he wanted to be here, go home, who’s my friends.
“He had a lot of things going on, I think, last year. You’d have to talk to him. But I think he’s in a good space. … He’s always been fast. He hasn’t always used it, but he is now.”
Thompson has been one of veteran safety Simeon Blair’s top players of the preseason, too. He finished last Saturday's first scrimmage with a 40-yard touchdown catch from Jefferson.
“Warren has came a long way in my eyes,” Blair said. “I feel like he’s taken the game to a whole new level mentally, really. He’s becoming a great receiver.”