Five Storylines: Spring practice right around corner for Razorbacks

Spring football is in the air in Fayetteville with practices set to begin for the Arkansas Razorbacks next week.

The Hogs will hold 14 practices before convening at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium for the annual spring game on April 13.

Head coach Sam Pittman will enter preparations for his fifth season on the job with an increased sense of warmth underneath his seat after back to back disappointing campaigns.

Here are five storylines to follow this spring that could ultimately make or break the future for the head Hog:

Petrino patrolling the sidelines

It was crystal clear by the end of last season Arkansas was going to have to find a way to generate interest and reinvigorate the fanbase moving forward.

Enter Bobby Petrino…

The unthinkable has happened in Fayetteville as the polarizing former head coach has returned to his old stomping grounds as Pittman’s offensive coordinator.

Think it was surreal seeing him at the podium for his introductory press conference a couple months ago? Wait until he’s roaming the practice fields and sidelines again in a few days.

Petrino’s task will be to revamp a unit that ranked 107th nationally in total offense last season and finished in the bottom tier of the SEC in both rushing and passing.

How it goes nobody knows, but all eyes will be on Petrino starting with spring ball.

Quarterback battle gets underway

Arkansas will have its first true quarterback battle of the Sam Pittman era this offseason.

Gone is three-year starter and record-holder KJ Jefferson to unite with Gus Malzahn at UCF.

The Razorbacks will have returning backup Jacolby Criswell, Boise State transfer Taylen Green and even redshirt freshman Malachi Singleton duking it out for reps this spring.

Criswell has the most experience — albeit limited — as a Razorback. Green has the most playing experience period — albeit in the Mountain West rather than the SEC. Singleton may have the highest ceiling, but he has yet to take a college snap.

How quickly will each of them adapt and grow comfortable in Petrino’s system. Does rapport with the receivers give Criswell an early advantage? Some of the questions will start getting answered this spring.

Will Mateos make the difference?

It doesn’t matter if Patrick Mahomes is taking snaps if Arkansas’ offensive line doesn’t show drastic improvement in 2024.

The Razorbacks allowed 47 sacks last season, which ranked No. 128 in the FBS ahead of only Wake Forest, Alabama, Northwestern, Colorado and Old Dominion.

Cody Kennedy is out, and Eric Mateos is in as offensive line coach. He will be tasked with the turnaround after the failed scheme of a season ago.

Some promising experienced pieces return in Joshua Braun, Patrick Kutas and Andrew Chamblee, but the Hogs will also lean on several newcomers to step in and make an immediate impact.

Returning Razorbacks on the rise

There are not many consolation prizes from a 4-8 season, but Arkansas does have some promising young talents who could be in line for a bump in production.

Sophomore running back Isaiah Augustave rushed 29 times for 181 yards and a touchdown in the final two games of the year. Tight end tandem Luke Hasz and Tyrus Washington has the potential to be a potent 1-2 punch.

What about Isaiah Sategna? Will his potential be realized under Petrino?

Is Brad Spence ready to make a leap and become a rotation regular in a thin linebacker room? How good can the defensive backfield be with the likes of Jaylon Braxton, Jaheim Singletary and TJ Metcalf back with reps under the belt?

First impressions coming soon from newcomers

One of the most exciting parts about spring practice is getting a first glimpse at all the newcomers who enrolled early.

What can be expected from SEC transfers in DB Doneiko Slaughter (Tennessee), DB Miguel Mitchell (Florida), OL Addison Nichols (Tennessee), LB Xavian Sorey (Georgia) and WR Jordan Anthony (Texas A&M)?

Arkansas has other key transfer pickups along the offensive line in Keyshawn Blackstock (Michigan State) and Fernando Carmona (San Jose State).

Former Utah running back Ja’Quinden Jackson is one of the most underrated additions of the offseason. As is former FCS sack-leader and Albany standout defensive end Anton Juncaj.

The transfer portal alone comes with a plethora of name to get familiar with, and that’s without even touching on which true freshmen could pop early and find their way into the fold.