Bobby Petrino returns for his second season as the offensive coordinator for the Hogs and sat down with the media to give updates. So far through fall camp, he likes where his offense is headed.
“I feel good about where we’re at,” Petrino said. “I feel like we’re much better right now than we were a year ago.”
Year Two with Petrino
Petrino’s return for another season as the OC already gives Arkansas a leg up this year. With returners familiar with the offense and the ability to fully recruit players who fit his system, things are running more smoothly.
A key returner and major factor in the offense is quarterback Taylen Green. Petrino has a track record of success with quarterbacks in their second year under his system, and he is high on Green’s growth since last season.
“His [Green] knowledge of defenses is way better,” Petrino said, “which allows you to make quicker decisions. His accuracy has really improved. Technique helps that. He’s an unbelievably coachable young man, and he works hard on his technique, and that’s helped him extremely.”
Offensive Line Improvements
Petrino has liked what he’s seen from the offensive line so far.
“I feel way more comfortable with the offensive line,” Petrino said. “You know, our size, our strength, our athletic ability.”
While position battles continue at certain spots, the left side appears set with transfer Corey Robinson II and Fernando Carmona Jr.
“I feel really steady about our left side with junior [Carmona] and Corey over there,” Petrino said. “Corey is a really good football player, and junior is at the right spot. His [Carmona] aggressive nature, his personality is more suited for a guard.”
Wide Receiver Battle
The wide receiver room has more question marks than most position groups this year due to turnover. However Petrino likes the competition it has created. The Hogs still need to identify their go-to targets, but the battle for reps has elevated the group’s performance.
“It’s a good problem,” Petrino said. “There’s great competition, they’re competing to get reps with the ones and reps with the twos. They’re competing to get out there. So, I think it’s a good problem.”
Petrino named several players who have shown flashes this offseason. Now, the focus shifts to finding the best fits as the season approaches.
Tight End and Running Back Progress
Before the offseason, not many knew much about transfer running back Mike Washington Jr., but since arriving on campus, he has been turning heads. Petrino even compared him to former Arkansas running back Knile Davis and praised his dedication to improvement.
“First of all, he’s nothing but serious,” Petrino said. “I don’t even know if you can make him smile, but he came in here and wanted to learn the offense.”
For returner Braylen Russell, the early offseason did not go as coaches hoped, but Petrino said he has made noticeable progress. With his big frame, Petrino wants Russell to embrace a physical style.
“I mean, he’s [Russell] an unbelievable athlete,” Petrino said. “We’re trying to get him to get the mindset that he’s the one, he’s the hammer, not the nail. He’s the one doing the explosion and the hitting.”
The tight end group has also taken strides, boosted by the additions of Jaden Platt and Rohan Jones from the transfer portal. Petrino intentionally sought different play styles in the portal, and the unit has benefited from Andreas Paaske’s continued development from last year.
“I feel like we have a really strong tight end group,” Petrino said, “with our ability to run, block, and catch the football.”
Looking Ahead
With fall camp in full swing, Petrino sees an offense taking shape that blends returning experience with fresh talent from the transfer portal. From improved quarterback play to deeper skill position groups and a more settled offensive line, he believes the Razorbacks are positioned to field a more efficient and explosive unit when the season begins.