NWADG College Football

6 NWA COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 9.20.2020 It's tIme for the professIonals ... T R E E S E R V I C E PR A I R I E GR O V E 4 7 9 - 6 0 1 - 5 5 9 1 4 7 9 - 8 4 6 - 43 3 3 Whether it's a clean-up from a storm or a spruce up from summer growth, turn over your tree trimming chores to Circle B Prairie Grove Tree. After all, they've developed a skill and intertwined a heritage of being the best at what they do. Strong work ethics and living life in rural Northwest Arkansas, owner and operator of Circle B Prairie Grove Tree, Nathan West is simply a cut above the rest. Carrying on a legacy built by his longtime friend, Ray Braly, Nathan West delivers what he promises. Tree Trimming done right.... you betcha!!!! • No more leaves, pine needles, debris or squirrels • The gutter that never clogs... GUARANTEED! • Patented one-piece system • Keep gutters running free and clear of clogs • With many attractive colors, you'll love the way it looks Call 479-234-4147 for Current Promotions Call 479-234-4147 or 1-800-LEAFGUARD TODAY for a FREE estimate and in-home demonstration www.leafguard.com and www.leafguardandmore.com Tackle Clogged Gutters with LeafGuard Best BestNWA.com of Northwest Arkansas the OFFENSE QUARTERBACK As Coach Sam Pittman said in the spring, the Razorbacks brought Feleipe Franks in for a reason and that's to win the starting job. Nothing has happened in camp to change that course with Franks almost a full year out from ankle surgery. Midway through camp he estimated his completion percentage at near 70%, which of course would be spectacular. Franks was very good as the Florida starter during a 10-3 season in 2018 in which the Gators finished No. 7. His stats from '18: 188 of 322 (58.4%), for 2,457 yards, 24 TDs, 6 INTs. The Razorbacks would drool over a 4-to-1 TD-to-INT ratio. He also ran for 350 yards and tied for the team high with 7 rushing TDs. KJ Jefferson made a splash in his debut. His passing accuracy needs to improve, but he's a solid second-team option with John Stephen Jones, Jack Lindsey and freshman Malik Hornsby the reserves. RUNNING BACK Senior Rakeem Boyd's decision to return was the single-most important personnel "addition" to the 2020 roster. A legitimate speedster who combines good vision with power and lateral agility, Boyd should be one of the nation's top backs after rushing for 1,133 yards, 8 TDs and averaging 6.2 yards per carry. He was fifth on the team with 19 catches for 160 yards last year. NFL teams want to see more pass blocking. Trelon Smith, a shifty 5-9, 185-pounder, appears to be just ahead of redshirt freshman A'Montae Spivey heading into the season, with Dominique Johnson and Josh Oglesby also in the mix. WIDE RECEIVER If pass blocking is improved and Franks is who the Razorbacks think, look for a solid statistical bump from the big three of Mike Woods (33 catches, 423 yards, 4 TD), Treylon Burks (29-475) and Trey Knox (28- 385, 3), who played with an ailing hip his last 8 games of 2019. Fighting off press coverage and getting separation has been a huge emphasis in camp. Veterans De'Vion Warren (4-19) and T.J. Hammonds (4-10), who split time at tailback and receiver last year, should get solid playing time. Tyson Morris (13-155, 1) was slowed by a hand injury early in camp but has come back strong. Koilan Jackson (3-38, 1) is a veteran presence whose numbers should rise. Darin Turner, a 6-3 speedster, is the next up-and-comer as the only true freshman scholarship player. Feisty Karch Gardiner has made some great catches in camp. TIGHT END This position was up for grabs after both major scrimmages. Clearly Hudson Henry is a top-notch pass catcher in the mold of his older brother Hunter, the 2015 Mackey Award winner. However, this staff will require the tight end spot to be as much of a blocker as a receiver, so Henry's physicality has to improve. Big Blake Kern (6-4, 269) has the tools to be an extension of the offensive line. Blayne Toll might've finally settled here after bouncing back and forth from defensive end twice. At 6-5, 234 pounds, he looks like how tight ends are drawn up. Redshirt freshman Nathan Bax has done some good things in camp. Also in the mix is true freshman Collin Sutherland, another prototype at 6-5, 251, and possibly O-line signee Marcus Henderson. LINE How can this unit not be better this fall? They have offensive line whisperers in position coach Brad Davis and head Coach Sam Pittman, and bring back four starters who helped pave the way for an 1,100-yard rusher. Myron Cunningham, now listed at 6-7, 325, is the anchor man at left tackle, but he might be the only returning starter holding down a starting job in the opener. Right tackle 2020 ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS POSITION ANALYSIS BY TOM MURPHY See POSITION, Page 20

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