Arkansas’ football staff made it a point in last year’s recruiting class to become faster and more athletic at skill positions. Midway through the Razorbacks’ preseason camp, those efforts appear to be paying off as freshmen continue to shine at running back, wide receiver and in the secondary.
Arguably the most exciting – and most consistent – young star has been tailback Chase Hayden.
In the Hogs’ first scrimmage, the former four-star talent from Germantown, Tenn., rushed 16 times for 112 yards, which included a 74-yard scamper against the first-team defense.
Hayden, the son of former Tennessee Vols and NFL running back Aaron Hayden, is currently battling South Carolina grad-transfer David Williams for second-team reps behind sophomore Devwah Whaley.
Hayden followed his first performance with 65 yards on 11 carries during last Saturday’s open scrimmage.
“I think he’s a running back that, when the answer isn’t there and it isn’t real clear, he can make something out of nothing,” Head Coach Bret Bielema said of Hayden. “He’s got the ability to bounce, jump-cut, make some plays. He’s got very good vision.
“I’ll tell you what, he’s a tough kid, too. You can label him as that small guy, a little bit undersized, but his dad is big as a house and was a big back. He taught him how to run big. He’s a productive player.”
At wide receiver, homegrown freshman Koilan Jackson continues to impress his coaches and teammates. The Little Rock native and son of former All-Pro tight end Keith Jackson beat Arkansas’ best defensive back, junior Ryan Pulley, for a one-handed 45-yard touchdown grab in the first scrimmage.
Jackson has a total of six catches for 89 yards and a score through the first two scrimmages.
“He’s a freshman who’s big and athletic,” Bielema said of Jackson. “Obviously mom and dad raised a great kid. He’s eager to please. I think [receivers’ coach] Mike (Smith) and Coach (Dan) Enos are very excited about what he can bring.”
Defensively, two more of Arkansas’ prized signees from last February have placed themselves in a position to play early and often.
Cornerback Kamren Curl, a Muskogee, Okla., product, has had his freshman mistakes but offers big-play ability. He showed it last Saturday on a diving interception against quarterback Ty Storey.
“Kam is one of those freshmen that’s very, very genetically gifted,” Bielema said. “He’s the size to play corner. He can play safety, but I think at corner he plays very, very smart. He makes lots of plays on the ball, he’s physical. There’s no doubt he can play from the line of scrimmage. I think we’re just scratching the surface of what he can be.”
Fellow cornerback Chevin Calloway, a blue-chip addition from Dallas, has been consistent in breaking up passes during fall camp.
“I think Curl and Chevin both have separated themselves defensively as defensive backs that will probably play for us,” Bielema said.
Other freshmen, such as receivers De’Vion Warren and Jarrod Barnes, linebacker Kyrei Fisher, defensive back Korey Hernandez and offensive lineman Shane Clenin, are pushing for spots on the depth chart, too.
Bielema, now in his fifth season as Arkansas’ coach, warned some of his upperclassmen last week that he won’t hesitate to start pushing the newcomers.
“I said, ‘Listen, this is a different time now,’” Bielema told his team. “‘We’ve been able to recruit better athletes, guys that can run and guys that can play, and I’m not going to sit them.
“‘If you’re a guy who’s in year one, year two, year three and you haven’t done it yet, there’s somebody on your heels.’”