NWADG College Football

16 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 8.27.2023 From your heart to your home, I'm there for you every step of the way. 3218 North Thompson • Springdale, AR • 479-751-2233 Mon.-Fri. 8:30am-4:30pm • Sat. 8:30am-12:30pm • www.shopstraights.com NO Down Payment • First Payment Within 30 Days See store for details and disclaimers LOW INTEREST RATES WITH APPROVED CREDIT — ON NEW GRASSHOPPER EQUIPMENT — The "Mighty" Grasshopper, fi nest mower on today's market. See our ad in Other Financing Plans Available Midmounts 37-40 HP Gas or Diesel Decks 41"-72" Out Fronts 24-40HP Gas or Diesel Decks 44"-72" 313210-1 RAZORBACKS POSITION-BY-POSITION PREVIEW A LOOK AT ARKANSAS FOOTBALL IN 2023 QUARTERBACK KJ Jefferson has placed himself among the top talents in the Southeastern Conference regardless of position as he enters his third season as Arkansas' full-time starter. Jefferson accounted for nearly 3,300 yards of offense and 33 touchdowns in 2022 and was a preseason All- SEC second-team pick in July by media members who cover the league. Razorbacks coach Sam Pittman lauded the quarterback prior to preseason practices for being a team leader, not only the voice of the offense. Jefferson's composure and confidence in training camp was evident, and it has made an impact in his position group, which is deeper than in years past. Arkansas' coaches feel comfortable with the ability of transfer quarterback Jacolby Criswell should Jefferson miss time with injury as he did in 2022. e Morrilton native and North Carolina transfer consistently ran with the second-team offense in camp. Freshman Malachi Singleton and redshirt senior Cade Fortin also showcased good qualities in the preseason. But the motor of the offense is Jefferson, who has grown in footwork and mechanics under the guidance of first-year coordinator and quarterbacks coach Dan Enos. Jefferson could be under center more in 2023, but still expect plenty of snaps in Shotgun and Pistol formations. Arkansas averaged 38 points and went 7-3 in 10 games in which Jefferson was healthy last season. With him in the lineup, the Razorbacks will be competitive week in and week out. RUNNING BACK Raheim "Rocket" Sanders is the clear-cut No. 1 option in a position group that may be the deepest on the Arkansas roster. e junior in 2022 averaged 111 rushing yards per game, the highest mark by a Razorbacks tailback since Alex Collins in 2015. e preseason All-SEC first-team selection now stands at 6-2 and 242 pounds aer an offseason of work with new strength coach Ben Sowders, and coaches say he is faster than last season. Expectations are sky-high for Sanders, who could aer this fall declare for the 2024 NFL Dra. AJ Green, a Tulsa native, and Rashod Dubinion bring speed and shiiness to the group. e duo combined for 211 rushing yards in the Liberty Bowl against Kansas aer Sanders exited with an injury. Coaches say Green is a complete college tailback entering 2023, and Dubinion has a knack for making something out of nothing on a carry and making defenders miss. Dominique Johnson is back in the fold as well aer missing last season due to a second ACL injury to his right knee. Position coach Jimmy Smith relishes the challenge of dividing carries amongst a gied bunch. Freshman Isaiah Augustave, a former 4-star prospect from Naples, Fla., is also looking to crack the rotation. WIDE RECEIVER A pair of NCAA transfer portal additions in Matt Landers and Jadon Haselwood led the Razorbacks' receiving corps in 2022. With the duo out of the picture now, two more transfers — Andrew Armstrong and Isaac TeSlaa — are expected to step in and fill those roles. Armstrong and TeSlaa were two of the more talked-about players on the roster during the preseason on account of their play-making ability, sure hands, speed and work ethic, quieting some concerns about their respective leaps up in level of competition. Armstrong previously played at Texas A&M-Commerce, and TeSlaa comes from Hillsdale (Mich.) College. Bowling Green transfer Tyrone Broden pushed in camp to make an impact aer missing much of the spring with an injury. Former Fayetteville High School star Isaiah Sategna figures to take on a larger role in the passing game, too, aer redshirting. Jaedon Wilson and Bryce Stephens are back and provide depth and potential deep threats. Wilson broke his leg in a spring-time car accident but is back in the mix. Sam Mbake, an expected contributor who received praise early in camp for his play, will miss the season with an injury suffered Aug. 12. Freshman Davion Dozier could see playing time right away at 6-4 and 205 pounds. KJ Jefferson File Photo Rocket Sanders File Photo Andrew Armstrong File Photo SCOTTIE BORDELON HAWGS SPORTS NETWORK

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