FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Andrew Armstrong Highlights Impact of New Offensive Coordinator Bobby Petrino on Arkansas’ Offense
When asked about the influence of Arkansas’ new offensive coordinator, Bobby Petrino, Andrew Armstrong kept it concise: “We’re trying to be explosive this year,” he said.
This statement was perhaps the most optimistic note from Thursday’s SEC Media Days in Dallas, where Arkansas led off the final day. The event featured head coaches and three players from four teams each day.
Armstrong, a Dallas native and Arkansas’ top receiver last year, expressed his honor and excitement at attending Media Days. “Being my senior year, SEC Media Days in Dallas. I told my mom it’s very ironic, so I’m very excited that I’m here,” Armstrong said. “I get to see the people, get to see the view from the Omni (Hotel). I really appreciate that from my head coach.”
Key to Success: Taylen Green
For Petrino’s offense to thrive, quarterback Taylen Green must be efficient, punctual, and accurate. Armstrong believes the Petrino-Green combination could be thrilling for Razorback fans. Green, a 6-foot-7 dual-threat QB who transferred from Boise State, has impressed Armstrong with his positive attitude and leadership.
“Taylen Green is one of the most happy guys I’ve been around,” Armstrong noted. “He’s ready to play. He loves when he messes up because it helps him. It builds him, and he’s that leader that a team needs.”
This has been particularly evident in Green’s interactions with the receivers. “Everybody can go to him, ask him a question about a route, and he knows everything,” Armstrong said. “You can tell he’s been in the playbook, and he’s locked in.”
Armstrong’s Role and Supporting Cast
Last season, Armstrong led the Razorbacks in receptions (56), yards (764), and touchdowns (5), though it was still considered an underwhelming season. He aims to make a greater impact this year, leading a largely unproven receiving corps. “I feel like our receiving room as a whole has been, like, great,” he said.
The second most proven receiver is tight end Luke Hasz, a 4-star recruit who had a strong start last season before breaking his collarbone and missing the rest of the year. Hasz’s absence was felt, but Armstrong is confident others will step up this season, specifically mentioning senior Tyron Broden and sophomore speedster Jordan Anthony, a transfer from Texas A&M.
Anthony, who redshirted as a four-star recruit at Kentucky in 2022, excelled on the track team, breaking school records in the 60- and 100-meter sprints. “He is an absolute cheat code because he has 9.8 speed, and you can say down, set, hut, and throw the ball, and he is just going to run under it and catch it,” Armstrong said.
Surprisingly, Armstrong identified Broden as the fastest receiver on the team. “We have Tyron Broden, 6-foot-7, fastest dude on the team,” Armstrong said. “You don’t see that a lot [when a guy is that tall]. He’s good at getting down on his breaks and catching the ball in traffic and good at going up and catching the ball. He has been extremely, extremely, extremely locked in this year.”
Broden, who transferred from Bowling Green, had a modest season last year but is expected to make significant contributions this year. Armstrong also mentioned other receivers on the depth chart, including Isaiah Sategna, Jaedon Wilson, Davion Dozier, CJ Brown, Dazmin James, and Jordan Anthony.
How well the Razorbacks’ passing game performs could determine their success in 2024, and Armstrong hopes to be at the center of it all.
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