Arkansas Receiving Corps Could Be Best In School History

When it comes to receivers, the University of Arkansas does not have a long, illustrious history. Sure there have been standouts: Chuck Dicus in the ‘60s, Bobby Duckworth, who played in the NFL in the ‘80s, and Anthonys Eubanks and Lucas in the ‘90s.

Don't say Lance Alworth or Gary Anderson, however. Alworth, who is enshrined in the Pro Football Hall Of Fame, played running back at Arkansas, as did Anderson, mostly.

Yes, there were a few Arkansas receivers who played in the NFL way back like Preston Carpenter, but only a handful of Hog pass catchers have ever scratched the 50 mark in receptions for a season.

In fact, the Razorbacks have been such groundhogs since Frank Broyles went ultra-conservative in the early ‘70s that there have been eight seasons when the Hogs leading receiver had fewer than 20 catches for a season.

Whoa Nelly!, as the former voice of college football might say. Just like Bill Murray of the film Groundhog Day, Hog fans have awakened from having the same experience over and over, watching predictable, "play not to lose" offenses for years.

Even though the 2008 season was not a stellar one, it was exciting seeing a football in the air downfield for something other than a punt, for a change. The Groundhog Day offense is no more with a head coach who doesn't call plays as if he's scared of his own shadow only to crawl back in his hole for six weeks.

Tight end D.J. Williams jumped from five catches in 2007 to 63 in 2008, earning himself a spot on the Mackey Award watchlist.

However, with the development of several of the wideouts, Williams may not be called upon quite as much in 2009.

Sophomore Joe Adams, athletic enough to be recruited as a corner by USC, where he was committed until Petrino's hiring, had 31 catches as a frosh even though he tailed off in the 2nd half of the season.

Adams, who Petrino called "electrifying" in the spring, is just one of the wide receivers poised to make big strides in 2009.

Greg Childs, a 6'3” 220 man-child, had 88 yards receiving in the season opener last year, but like most freshman was inconsistent in much of his first season of college football.
Petrino is reportedly quite pleased with Childs' improvement in fall camp along with that of Childs' high school teammate at Warren, AR, Jarius Wright.

Wright came on strong in the 2nd half of the 2008 season with long touchdown receptions against South Carolina and LSU.

London Crawford who made big catches against Ole Miss and the game winner vs LSU, may be ready to play up to his considerable potential consistently as a senior.

Lucas Miller, when he comes back from his recent injury, and Carlton Salters are sure-handed possession receivers.

True freshman Cobi Hamilton, who the Hogs signed after a late charge by Texas, has made waves in camp and looks as if he will get a chance to reconnect with his former Texarkana, TX battery mate, Ryan Mallett this season.

With the injury to converted wide reciever Chris Gragg at tight end and Ben Cleveland's history of injuries, Colton Nash has been moved to TE, along with converted quarterback Jim Youngblood, to backup All-SEC candidate D.J. Williams. Look for former walk-on Joseph Henry to see some playing time, also.

There is talk of running back DeAnthony Curtis being used some at wideout with the glut of running backs. The lack of proven depth at TE is the only minus in the Hogs suddenly robust receiving crew.

With rocket-armed Ryan Mallett at QB and a coach committed to the passing game instead of making annual promises to open up the offense, only to revert back to the same old same old, the Arkansas Razorbacks could break most of the single season passing records at UA in 2009.

That, along with a much-improved running game and hopefully a defense to match, should add up to a return to bowl action this season, not to mention an energized fan base.