FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — It’s easy to see why Arkansas Razorback fans are hopeful about their wide receiver position, particularly with Andrew Armstrong in the spotlight. He’ll receive much of the praise or blame for the position’s performance.
Unless Armstrong frequently drops passes or struggles to get open, it’s unfair to place all the responsibility on him. Football is a team sport where every position relies on others doing their jobs.
In the coming weeks, expect overwhelmingly positive reports, especially with SEC Media Days in Dallas starting tomorrow. Armstrong will face many questions when the Razorbacks appear on Thursday.
There will be no doubt about Armstrong’s potential, which is crucial for the Razorbacks, who haven’t had a standout No. 1 receiver since Treylon Burks left for the NFL’s Tennessee Titans. Quarterback KJ Jefferson’s performance dipped after Burks’ departure.
This season, Taylen Green, who arrived for spring practice in January, will be the quarterback. While he showed promise during practice, real games bring different pressures.
The current optimism is largely based on new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino, given his successful tenure from 2008-11. Everyone is discussing his impact, but it’s uncertain how this will translate to actual games. This uncertainty is a constant concern for Arkansas coach Sam Pittman.
For now, predictions are just educated guesses. Although Armstrong led the team in receptions, being a top receiver is about more than just stats. He needs to turn bad plays into big ones, anticipate pressure situations, and adjust his routes accordingly. Getting open has been an issue in recent years.
By September, we’ll have a clearer picture of the situation.
