If the summer improvements Arkansas football strength and conditioning coach Ben Sowders mentioned in his recent press conference are any indication, the Razorbacks will boast formidable SEC speed in 2024.
In his pre-camp interview with media a year ago, Sowders called out four Hogs who had clocked sprint times greater than 22 miles per hour. Fast forward to the present and that number has nearly tripled.
“Last year, we had four guys that ran 22 (mph),” Sowders said. “I think we are up to 11. Some of that is recruiting. Some of that is development as well. We brought really good guys in from the portal. I think we have 11 guys who can run 22, so we’ve doubled that number from last year.”
Among the standout speedsters mentioned were projected starting wideouts Tyrone Broden and Andrew Armstong, track star Jordan Anthony and defensive backs TJ Metcalf and Doneiko Slaughter.
Another notable addition to the “22 MPH Club” was quarterback Taylen Green, which is a near certainty to get the creative gears turning for offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino.
“Broden can run. Andrew Armstrong can run. TJ Metcalf,” Sowders said. “Some other guys hitting 22, Doneiko Slaughter hit 22 multiple times this summer. Dazmin James, another wideout, hit 22.49. Tyrone Broden, 22.56.
“Jordan Anthony, 22. He’s finally now starting to get healthy going into camp. He’s a world class speed guy. Taylen Green hit 22.”
Sowders was also pleased by the team percentages in players surpassing the 20 or 21 mile per hour mark and used the noticeable improvements in the tight end and linebacker room as an example or where the difference could be felt on Saturdays.
“Twenty-three of 59 guys we have Catapults on can run 21. So, that’s roughly 40 percent,” Sowders said. “The biggest jump that we’ve had… 40 of the 59 guys can run 20 or higher.
“So, the tight ends can now run in the 20s. The linebackers can run in the 20s. Sorey is a 21.6, 21.7 miles per hour at linebacker at almost 230 pounds. So, 68 percent of our team can run 20 or higher.”
Arkansas will kick off the 2024 campaign on Thursday, Aug. 29 when it travels to War Memorial Stadium for a 6:30 p.m. (CT) kickoff against UAPB.