In Fayetteville, Arkansas, it was an unusually warm spring day at an empty Razorback Stadium. The usual sideline sounds filled the air: coaches shouting and players grunting, while off to the side, a few athletes endured a punishing workout as a consequence for their missteps.
A group of quarterbacks was running passing drills when an unfamiliar player threw a perfectly placed ball over the middle, catching enough attention to warrant a roster check. The name was Malachi Singleton, and it was soon clear that there’d be no need to look him up again. Each pass he threw had speed, gliding effortlessly through the air before gently landing in the receiver’s hands as if it were a delicate, priceless object.
So, when a bad snap flew off-target during his first snap, it was hard not to feel frustrated. As a journalist, remaining unbiased is key, but it was reminiscent of a previous game against Auburn where a similar snap disrupted Singleton’s performance, leading some fans to unfairly doubt him.
The poor snaps continued, forcing Singleton to focus solely on damage control rather than showcasing his abilities. However, on the game-winning drive, the snaps finally improved, allowing him to plant his feet and deliver the ball. His first successful pass, a quick 13-yard completion to Isaiah Satagna, brought calm and confidence to the team—signs of the promise Singleton had shown two springs ago as a freshman.
With that crucial first down secured, Singleton worked alongside fellow freshman running back Braylon Russell. Russell, who had been navigating his future as a Razorback just a year earlier, showed why fans were so excited about his commitment, contributing 62 yards on eight carries, including 35 hard-fought yards that set up Singleton’s game-winning touchdown run.
With a week and a half to potentially prepare as the starting quarterback, Singleton now has the chance to develop rapport with his center, build chemistry with the top receivers, and establish himself as the player coaches and media have seen in practice. Razorback fans may soon witness the talent that had been so evident that warm spring day when it became clear Singleton was destined for big moments as an Arkansas Razorback.
