Taylen Green making strong first impression with Razorback teammates

Many assumed there would be a tightly contested quarterback battle taking place for the Arkansas Razorbacks this spring, but it seems Boise State transfer Taylen Green has a pretty firm grasp on the starting job and has impressed his new Hog teammates with his work on and off the field.

Over the last two seasons, Green has thrown for 3,794 yards, 25 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in 26 games while adding 1,024 yards and 19 touchdowns with his legs. While his numbers, particularly his 59.4% completion rate, may not jump off the page, he carried plenty of momentum into the offseason after knocking off former Razorback DC Barry Odom and UNLV in the Mountain West Championship, where Green earned MVP honors after accounting for 316 yards of offense and four touchdowns.

The 6-6, 223-pound Lewisville (Texas) native has an intriguing skill set, one that oBobby Petrino looks to get the most out of while taking the reins of the Arkansas offense. But aside from his

“I just think his leadership is tremendous compared to any other quarterback that I’ve had,” Sophomore tight end Luke Hasz said. “I get the privilege… He’s in my locker room area, so just hearing him every day. He’s obviously a leader on the field but also in the locker room. He’s very vocal, and we just talk about each other’s lives. I just love everything about him.”

The Razorback offense also features three new starters on the offensive line to go with returners Josh Braun and Patrick Kutas. San Jose State transfer Fernando Carmona Jr., who is projected to start at left tackle, has enjoyed the opportunity to build a bond with his new teammates and credits Green with jumpstarting that process.

“He’s a great guy,” Carmona said. “I think he’s really pushed football onto a lot of people. He wants to bring people in to watch film all the time. And then on top of that, he’s just going around the locker room trying to get everybody involved. I think that’s the biggest thing is just how friendly he is and how much of a true teammate he is. As a quarterback, that’s all you can really ask for.”

The Razorbacks will return to the practice field on Thursday morning, followed by a press conference with head coach Sam Pittman. Arkansas’ spring game is set for April 13th at noon (CT) inside Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.