Taylen Green’s 2024 knee injury was worse than previously reported, per strength coach
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Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green played through a knee injury over the second half of the 2024 season.
That much was known — Green was on the receiving end of a questionable tackle in Arkansas’s win over Tennessee last October. Green then took the bye week to recover and was able to finish the season as the Hogs’ starter, but his injury was apparently worse than the public knew at that time.
That’s according to Arkansas strength coach Ben Sowders, who spoke with reporters in Fayetteville on Thursday.
“Y’all don’t understand how bad Taylen was hurt last year,” Sowders said. “This year, especially the last half of the season, I’d watch out. I mean, the kid’s worked his butt off. We’ve kind of kept it in house, but he’s a tough sucker. What he dealt with the last 7 games of our season, in the bowl game, a lot of people wouldn’t even play. I’ll just keep it like that. I’m not going to let his info out. Long story short, he’s a tough kid.”
Sowders also said that Green has added 10 pounds of good weight this offseason. He also said Green’s speed is “trending up” as the Razorbacks begin fall camp.
“His speed is only going to get better, too,” Sowders added.
Green had a breakout season at Arkansas last season despite suffering what was apparently a significant knee injury against the Vols. He was excellent as a passer over the second half of the season as he averaged 8.6 yards per attempt and led Arkansas to wins over Mississippi State, Louisiana Tech and Texas Tech.
However, Green’s rushing production did take a dip after suffering that injury against Tennessee. In the first 6 games of the year, Green averaged 13.5 rushing attempts per game. Over the final 8 contests, that dropped to about 10.5 carries per game. His efficiency also took a hit, particularly against SEC opposition.
Arkansas will hope to get a healthier version of Green for the full 2025 season this fall.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
