Can Green Seal Deals to Improve Razorbacks Next Season?

Arkansas quarterback sees new faces in huddle while prepping for underdog Tech

Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green (10) breaks containment against the Texas Longhorns defense as Jelani McDonald makes a last-ditch effort at Razorback Stadium Nov. 16. Texas beat the Hogs 20-10. / Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

Meet Taylen Green, Arkansas' quarterback. Every Razorback fan knows he's big and fast and makes the occasional amazing throw, but there's much more Green has been asked to do in recent weeks.

He's a key guy tasked with convincing recruits to come to Arkansas. Part of that involves social media, part of it is helping host players, and maybe their families, when they visit Fayetteville.

That's all good with Green, because there's something else fans didn't know about the 6-foot-6, 231-pound speedster. Apparently, he's never met a meal he didn't like.

Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Taylen Green (10) is sacked by Missouri Tigers defensive end Johnny Walker Jr. (15) during the first half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Mo. / Denny Medley-Imagn Images

"Being the quarterback. I have to recruit, whether it’s on social media or seeing them in person," Green said. "I had a couple of dinners. I can’t say no to food, so I’m not complaining. It’s really cool to meet everybody and the families."

Green went through the recruiting process coming out of high school in Texas before chosing Boise State. After entering the transfer portal a year ago, he was recruited again and quickly decided to become a Razorback.

He sees that as an advantage when talking with players who are in the transfer portal trying to figure out which school is best for them. Green knows that's not a simple task and what it's like to face that pressure.

"I was in the transfer portal last year, so I know exactly what they’re thinking, and I know what my parents were thinking," Green said. "I try to answer as many questions as the parents have, too."

More than two dozen Hogs hit the transfer portal in recent weeks, thrusting many teammates with little experience into key roles for Friday's Liberty Bowl game in Memphis when Arkansas and Texas Tech square off at 6 p.m.

Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa catches a long pass from Taylen Green and scores a touchdown during the first quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas Sept. 28. / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

"It's been different with just new faces everywhere," Green said. "But everybody's getting their opportunity, and that's what I love. And they're stepping up with new targets like (freshmen receivers) C.J. (Brown) and Monte (Harrison), and (redshirt freshman tight end) Shamar (Easter) has been looking really good, too."

He also praised new No. 1 receiver Isaac TeSlaa, who'll be playing in his final college game, along with redshirt sophomore center Brooks Edmonson and freshman tackle Kobe Branham.

"Tes has been looking amazing," Green said. "So just everybody getting their opportunity ... I'm just excited to see what they can do, and they've been looking really good in practice."

Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Andrew Armstrong stops quickly to make a catch against the Texas A&M Aggies at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Sept. 28. Armstrong will not play in the Liberty Bowl as he wants to avoid the possibility of injury before the NFL draft. / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Asked if he's ready to be the go-to wide receiver, TeSlaa didn't blanch.

"I think I've had the mindset all year that that's the kind of guy I am," TeSlaa said. "I'll probably get a few more targets. I'm definitely the main guy now, I'd say. But I would say the mentality has always been the same throughout the year."

Green, who started 22 of 26 games at Boise State in his two years prior to transferring to Arkansas, said he hasn't made a big effort to help acclimate the young receivers to their new starting roles. After all, he said, it's just football.

"You know, I try not to over-complicate it and not over-teach it," Green said. "They've been playing football since they were little just like I have. And they have the instincts and the talent to do it, and they wouldn't be here if they didn't. ...

"And of course, I'll give a give them a couple tips, but coach (Ronnie) Fouch does a great job of coaching them, and of course (offensive coordinator and quarterbacks) coach (Bobby) Petrino."

Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Behren Morton passes against Colorado Nov. 9 in Lubbock, Texas. Morton will miss the Liberty Bowl due to shoulder surgery. / Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images

The Razorbacks (6-6) arrived in Memphis Monday and are favored to beat Texas Tech (8-4) by 1.5 points, according to FanDuel, which also give Arkansas a 56.3% chance to win.

The Red Raiders will miss quarterback Behren Morton, who is sidelined by shoulder surgery. He threw for 3,335 yards and 27 touchdowns, helping Tech upset Iowa State and Arizona State, a semifinalist in the College Football Playoff.

HOGS FEED:

• Pittman Identifies Additional Positions of Need for Arkansas

• Wagner slowly becoming focal point for Arkansas

• Razorbacks fans glad to see team back in Top 25, but teams behind Hogs story

• Hogs add beef to line with massive addition from Ole Miss

• Saga of ‘Flash Covington reveals how ridiculous transfer portal has become

• Subscribe and follow us on YouTube
• Follow HogsSI on X and Facebook