Arkansas football: Projecting the 2021 starting lineup
The focus in the college football offseason is typically on which seniors won’t be back.
But this year, it’s about which ones will.
The NCAA granted an extra year of eligibility to all players because of the uncertainty that COVID-19 created for 2020. Arkansas benefitted greatly from this ruling, as 7 Razorbacks seniors have already announced their return.
It looks like quarterback Feleipe Franks and defensive tackle Jonathan Marshall will be the only players departing this offseason. Starters such as linebacker Grant Morgan, offensive linemen Myron Cunningham and Ty Clary, and receiver De’Vion Warren all return.
The Razorbacks were one of the surprise teams in college football in 2020, snapping a 20-game SEC losing streak and finishing 3-7. With all of the returning production, they have a chance to continue their gradual ascension in 2021.
They were a middle-of-the-pack team in the conference this past year, ranking 8th in both total offense and points per game. They ranked 11th overall in total defense. I would expect both those numbers to rise over time.
That was hopefully just a preview of what’s in store for the Razorbacks in the Sam Pittman era. Here’s a look at how the starters could shake out and what to expect in 2021:
QB: KJ Jefferson
RB: Trelon Smith
WR1: Treylon Burks
WR2: Mike Woods
WR3: Jaquayln Crawford
LT: Myron Cunningham
LG: Brady Latham
C: Ricky Stromberg
RG: Ty Clary
RT: Dalton Wagner
TE: Hudson Henry
Arkansas returns all but 1 starter on offense, though the player they lose is the most important one.
With Franks gone, I expect Jefferson to step into the quarterback role. Jefferson got 1 start in 2020 when Franks was injured, and he performed admirably, throwing for 274 yards and 3 touchdowns. He was a 4-star prospect and the No. 4 dual-threat quarterback in the 2019 class, according to 247Sports.
Thankfully, he won’t have to worry about a lack of talent to throw to. Burks and Woods return after great seasons, while speedy Oklahoma transfer Crawford joins the mix. The Razorbacks offered him out of high school, and I expect him to overtake Warren as the 3rd receiver.
Aside from Jefferson, the key here will be the progression of the offensive line, as well as Henry. Big things were expected from the line under Pittman, so seeing them take a leap forward in his 2nd year would be encouraging.
Now let’s take try to predict the starters on defense:
JACK: Zach Williams
DE: Eric Gregory
DT: Taurean Carter
DT: Isaiah Nichols
MIKE: Grant Morgan
WILL: Bumper Pool
CB: Hudson Clark
SS: Jalen Catalon
BS: Joe Foucha
CB: Montaric Brown
NICKEL: Greg Brooks Jr.
The Hogs also lose only 1 starter defensively, that being tackle Jonathan Marshall. It is undoubtedly a big loss, as Marshall was their most effective defensive lineman, but it isn’t crushing. Look for Carter, who played behind Marshall in 2020 and finished with 11 tackles, to take over.
The more important news is that Morgan will be back. He, Pool and Catalon all finished among the top 5 tacklers in the SEC this past season. They should only get better and cause opponents an even harder time finding space.
I’m also excited to see how Clark performs in his 1st year on scholarship. He broke onto the scene with 3 interceptions against Ole Miss and spent the year as a starting cornerback.
Brown and Foucha bring plenty of experience as well. With so many players returning, I will be shocked if this unit isn’t better in 2021.
Final thought
When Arkansas takes the field in 2021, it will essentially be the same squad from 2020.
Jefferson is the No. 1 difference, and how he performs will determine whether the Razorbacks can take another step forward. He has looked solid in the limited sample size that we have, but we can’t go entirely off that game. What kind of player he is will not only impact Arkansas’ potential this year, but in the future as well.
All in all, the returning production has them on pace to continue their upward trajectory.
Hudson Clark won’t be starting.
Right, but you would have to actually watch him play to know this. Which, of course, the author didn’t do. We are still clicking though and that’s all that matters.
Chandler do you even follow the Razorbacks?
no one at SDS actually follows the Razorbacks. If they did they might mention that Xavier Kelly has declined the option to return next season (at this time)
Michael Bratton follows and covers the Hogs very well. Other than that, not so much from SDS.
We get to read cutting-edge commentary about how Bo Nix is the 6th best QB going into next season.
I wonder if these guys are hiring, I can write better than 80% of there stories.
I’m pretty sure they are. Only requirement is knowing and understanding the difference between their and there.
their
Most of us could do a better job.
Ten players have said they’re returning, not seven. LaDarrius Bishop has taken Clark’s starting spot already, moving Clark to a backup at safety. Dorian Gerald will start on the defensive line, and most likely so will Jalen Williams. Jefferson has the experience edge, but Hornsby has a great shot at winning the job. And, Kern was actually the starter at tight end.
Other than that, CV is spot on.
I think Clark would be best served at nickel. Agree on Jalen Williams beating out T. Carter. Gerald will only start until he gets hurt again. I would add that Limmer could beat out Latham at Guard.
The focus will be on the oline with all returning. Franks was sacked over 30 times last year with these guys. Not all are oline fault. But KJ will need better protection to be able to execute the offense and get a productive running game.
On D the LBs and secondary will need to be better as the front four won’t be as good.
“‘they have a chance to continue their gradual ascension in 2021.”
For a team that went from their worst two teams in 3 different Centuries and played the hardest schedule for anybody in 3 different centuries to the middle of the pack in the SEC this is the best description you could manage?
Maybe the SEC just isn’t that good after all.
Actually the Dline needs to better. The secondary and LB did exactly what they needed to do. The Dline couldn’t get any pressures on qb. Marshall was very effective but everybody else was average. There pass rush was below average. If this is cleared the defense will take huge jump.
With almost every starter coming back it is highly recommended that the 2nd and 3rd teamers get a lot of reps to close the gap so there won’t be much of a drop off.