Year 2 of the Chad Morris era is officially underway in Fayetteville.

It’s been an important spring for Morris and the Hogs. It’s not easy bouncing back after a 2-10 season, but the foundation is laid during spring ball.

Morris’ Razorbacks participated in their annual spring game Saturday, and here are three (OK, maybe four) quick thoughts on the scrimmage:

Defense looked great: Defense has dominated all of spring practice, and that continued in Saturday’s spring game. Typically, the defense is well ahead of the offense, and that’s certainly true in Fayetteville. The defense came close to suffocating the offense. Except for a big play to Trey Knox and a Devwah Whaley TD, John Chavis’ unit can walk away happy with Saturday’s result. The defensive line should be a plus.

First look at Ben Hicks: Arkansas fans got their first look at SMU graduate transfer Ben Hicks. Hicks and Texas A&M transfer Nick Starkel should be one-two at the position prior to the Hogs kicking off the season. Starkel isn’t on campus yet, and Saturday was Hicks’ opportunity to get an early lead on the job. He doesn’t have the biggest arm, but he understands Morris’ offense. He’s also accurate, which is a major plus.

Hicks did some good things Saturday, and he made some good decisions. He made a really nice throw to Trey Knox on his 45-yard TD. Is he the guy that can lead the Hogs to a bowl game? That’s the question Chad Morris has to answer when picking his starter. Starkel will certainly be pushing for that job come fall camp.

Trey Knox is a threat: At 6-foot-5 and nearly 220 pounds, Trey Knox could be a force. The early enrollee was the third-highest ranked signee for Arkansas in 2019. Knox caught a 45-yard TD where he made a nice grab and made one cut and housed it. He showed two things on that play: 1. He can make tough catches in traffic and 2. He can make one cut and take it to the house. The Hogs severely lack playmakers on the outside, and Knox can certainly give them a weapon. You didn’t see that play all of last year for Arkansas.

Other early enrollees: DB Devin Bush also added what would have been a pick-six, and WR Shamar Nash caught a long pass late in the fourth quarter. Knox, Bush and Nash will be the foundation for Morris’ era in Fayetteville.