The Arkansas football team is officially one week away from opening its season against in-state foe UAPB at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, and the Razorbacks' first official depth chart will be released soon.
Arkansas will have a new-look squad next Thursday against the Golden Lions of Arkansas-Pine Bluff. While some positions are locked down, such as quarterback, others remain up for grabs with time ticking down until the first snap.
After watching all of Arkansas' open spring and fall camp practices, I've projected the Hogs' three-deep depth chart and given reasoning behind specific decisions...
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FIRST TEAM
First Team Offense| Position, No. | Player | Height/Weight | Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| QB, #10 | Taylen Green | 6'6"/230 lbs | R-Jr |
| RB, #22 | Ja'Quinden Jackson | 6'2"/233 lbs | R-Sr |
| TE, #9 | Luke Hasz | 6'3"/241 lbs | So |
| WR, #2 | Andrew Armstrong | 6'4"/202 lbs | *R-Sr |
| WR, #5 | Tyrone Broden | 6'7"/200 lbs | *R-Sr |
| SWR, #6 | Isaiah Sategna | 5'11"/185 lbs | R-So |
| LT, #55 | Fernando Carmona Jr. | 6'5"/322 lbs | R-Jr |
| LG, #75 | Patrick Kutas | 6'5"/313 lbs | Jr |
| C, #63 | Addison Nichols | 6'5"/329 lbs | R-So |
| RG, #72 | Joshua Braun | 6'6"/338 lbs | R-Sr |
| RT, #54 | Keyshawn Blackstock | 6'5"/324 lbs | R-Jr |
* - final season of eligibility
Most of the first team offense can be written in Sharpie in at this point. Taylen Green has been the starting quarterback since he signed, Ja'Quinden Jackson is clearly the top running back, Luke Hasz is a star at tight end and the top three receivers are pretty clear.
ALSO READ: Petrino says Arkansas offense remains work in progress
On the offensive line, we saw movement at left guard and center due to Patrick Kutas having a back injury through most of fall camp. Redshirt sophomore E'Marion Harris is who I would start at left guard if Kutas isn't healthy. We did, however, see Addison Nichols move from center to left guard a few times with backup Amaury Wiggins also running at first team center and left guard briefly.
I feel like this first team offense is pretty much a set group unless injuries occur. For a group of 11 starters, this is pretty solid, in my opinion. I think they've got some depth issues, specifically on the offensive line and maybe at receiver, but the top tier players could end up being really good if things click under Bobby Petrino.
First Team Defense
| Position, No. | Player | Height/Weight | Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE, #40 | Landon Jackson | 6'7"/280 lbs | Sr |
| DT, #5 | Cam Ball | 6'5"/324 lbs | R-Jr |
| DT, #50 | Eric Gregory | 6'4"/320 lbs | *R-Sr |
| DE, #0 | Nico Davillier | 6'4"/271 lbs | Jr |
| LB, #22 | Brad Spence | 6'2"/238 lbs | So |
| LB, #10 | Xavian Sorey Jr. | 6'3"/225 lbs | R-Jr |
| Hog, #3 | Doneiko Slaughter | 6'0"/190 lbs | *Sr |
| S, #17 | Hudson Clark | 6'2"/191 lbs | *R-Sr |
| S, #8 | Jayden Johnson | 6'2"/205 lbs | Sr |
| CB, #15 | Jaheim Singletary | 6'2"/187 lbs | R-So |
| CB, #11 | Jaylon Braxton | 6'0"/190 lbs | So |
* - final season of eligibility
Unlike the first team offense, not all of these could be considered for sure starters on defense. I'd consider one spot at every position up for grabs, other than defensive tackle.
FCS All-American transfer Anton Juncaj is right on Davillier's tail at defensive end. The transfer duo of Stephen Dix Jr. and Anthony Switzer are also pushing to start at linebacker, where I think Xavian Sorey Jr. is a definite starter. I'd still give Brad Spence the edge as a starter, as of now.
ALSO READ: Jackson leads dominant defense in final scrimmage as Razorback
In the secondary, I'd count on Jaylon Braxton at corner and Jaydon Johnson at safety to be on the field for the first snap of the season. Hudson Clark should also start at safety, although we saw them mess around with that second safety spot in fall camp.
My personal preference at the second cornerback spot is Jaheim Singletary, but there are a few other names who could be there. Tennessee transfer Doneiko Slaughter will be solid at the Hog (nickel) spot, and he should be the starter.
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