Arkansas OC Dan Enos using Austin Allen as an example this spring, talks backup QB battle
It didn’t take long for Austin Allen to emerge for the Razorbacks last year. Entering his first season as the team’s starting quarterback, Allen opened 2016 with back-to-back fourth quarterback comeback drives that ultimately led to the team’s 2-0 start. While Allen didn’t have a flawless season by any means, he did manage to throw for 3,430 yards and 25 touchdowns his first year as the team’s starter. Now after finishing the season as one of the league’s breakout stars, his offensive coordinator has seen a different player this spring.
During his Thursday media availability, Dan Enos spoke very highly of his starting quarterback. He starting by going into detail regarding Allen’s progression this spring.
“Just an overall calmness and attention to detail,” Enos said. “The poise, the drops, the quick feet, the mechanics, the quick decisions.”
The Arkansas coordinator then went on to explain how having such a successful and detail-oriented player can be a blessing for a coaching staff, as his example set is something all the younger players on the team could learn from this offseason.
“This spring I’ve already used him a lot as an example to the younger players, our young quarterbacks, they look at Austin, look at the way he’s (preparing),” Enos said. “I don’t remember doing that a lot (last) spring. I see a guy that’s poised and ready to take off and have a great year, not only as a player but as a leader for this team as well.”
As for the team’s best option behind Allen? That’s something that is still to be determined. Apparently, Arkansas has a lengthy list of talented arms waiting to play behind the senior quarterback.
“Ty (Storey) and Cole (Kelley) have been splitting the reps,” Enos revealed. “Ty has had two really good days and Cole’s had two good days. Carson Proctor is getting some reps, Daulton Hyatt, really like him. I think Daulton Hyatt is a guy that has a really big ceiling… There’s really no favorite right now.”
According to Enos, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the team let the battle behind Allen carry into the fall.
“This is something that will probably go on all the way through spring and into fall camp, but we like both of them,” Enos admitted.
Judging by the production Enos has been able to coax out of Austin and his older brother Brandon in 2015, there’s little doubt the Arkansas coordinator has a true eye for arm talent and is capable of getting the best out of each and every quarterback on the roster if need be.
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