Offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino seems to be pleased with several areas of the Hogs’ offense after their last scrimmage. He met with the media to discuss the offensive progression as the season opener approaches.
Offensive Line
Petrino mentioned that the pass protection during fall camp and the scrimmages was the strength of the offensive line. He did note some areas that need to be addressed following the last scrimmage.
“Pass protection-wise, I thought we had a very good day in the scrimmage,” Petrino said. “But I think we need to just be more consistent in the run game than we were.”
With position battles still taking place on the right side of the offensive line, Petrino and the staff would like to sort that out to build more cohesiveness.
Wide Receiver Room
One of the most intriguing aspects of this year’s team is the wide receiver room, which had practically a full overhaul from last season. Petrino named three players who stood out in the last scrimmage.
“Monte [Harrison] had another big day out there,” Petrino said. “He made a lot of catches, did a good job running routes after the catch. So I was happy with him. CJ [Brown] had a big touchdown for us and a run after the catch. It was great to see something that we’re looking for. Jay [Jalen] Brown had a big day. I thought he felt good about it. He looked fast out there.”
Kam Shanks was banged up and saw limited action during fall camp, but Petrino was impressed with his recent performance.
“He’s little, but he doesn’t play little,” Petrino said. “You can actually throw him open, and he’s able to elevate and turn and make those catches.”
Petrino expects the position battles in the wide receiver room to begin working themselves out this week with more situational drills and game-planning.
Taylen Green’s Development
There is no quarterback controversy going into the season. Taylen Green is entering his second year as the starter at Arkansas, and Petrino likes the strides he made in the last scrimmage.
“The best thing I saw from Taylen was his technique on his release,” Petrino said. “It was the best day he had getting it up and over the top, and his accuracy was way up. He threw the ball a couple times before the receiver broke on their route, so his timing was really good. I thought it was a huge step forward for him.”
Tight Ends Impressed
Petrino is optimistic about what he saw from the tight ends in the last scrimmage. Jaden Platt, Rohan Jones and Andreas Paaske have taken control of the position group and shown promising signs.
“I thought all three tight ends had big days for us,” Petrino said. “I think a combination of those three guys, you can put the two big guys in and block. You can put Platt and Rohan in together and have speed down the field. I felt good about it.”
Running Back Improvements
The overwhelming theme of the offseason and fall camp has been Mike Washington Jr. emerging as the guy. He has stood out since arriving and is not only elevating himself but the rest of the running backs as well.
“He’s [Washington] been a great influence on them,” Petrino said. “First on Braylen [Russell]. He’s practicing harder and more physical.”
Petrino feels confident in his top three running backs Washington, Russell and Rodney Hill as they provide versatile skillsets.
Looking Ahead
As the Razorbacks inch closer to kickoff, Petrino’s assessment suggests the offense is beginning to take shape. With improvements across multiple position groups and leaders emerging in key spots, Arkansas looks to enter the season opener with a more confident offensive identity.