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Pittman's Big Bet Shows Signs of Life in Arkansas Spring Game

Wide receiver core shows signs of growth from end of last season for new Razorback coach Ronnie Foutch

Daniel Shi

Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver CJ Brown during the Red-White game Saturday at Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, Ark.
Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver CJ Brown during the Red-White game Saturday at Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, Ark. / Michael Morrison-allHOGS Images

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A year ago, coach Sam Pittman went into the season with a receiving room that had a grand total of 12 receiving yards in SEC play. Only Isaiah Sategna had any catches in conference games.

Pittman brought in Andrew Armstrong, Isaac TeSlaa and Tyrone Broden from various levels of college football through the portal with varying levels of success. Now going into his fifth season, all four are back. Pittman's thinking is simple: This group, along with local freshman CJ Brown, can be productive in the SEC with new quarterback Taylen Green, offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino, and a revamped offensive line. It just took them an extra season to adjust.

The Razorback passing game came to a standstill in SEC play, averaging just 176 yards a game and putting up two sub-100-yard performances (Mississippi State and Missouri), but in the Red-White game, there are at least signs that a turnaround is possible.

Broden showed flashes of potential with his 6-foot 7 frame last year, including catching the game winner against Florida for Arkansas' only SEC win. However, he was largely ineffective and struggled to get consistent targets.

" I think getting comfortable [and] familiar with the offense," Pittman said. "It’s also about the maturity process of being a college student and understanding the difference in whatever ball you came from to SEC football. And how different programs run their programs.

Throughout spring practice and the Red-White game, Broden and Green made it a point to establish a connection with each other, including the first touchdown in the back of the end zone to open the scoring in a 38-12 win for the Red team, comprised mostly of starters.

Armstrong was by far the most consistent receiver, finishing last year 11th in the SEC in receiving yards (764) and looks to build on a successful first year in Fayetteville.

Broden and Armstrong finished the Red-White game with a combined eight catches for 112 yards and two touchdowns. Brown was the standout newcomer with a 75-yard touchdown catch from Malachi Singleton.

"He's from Bentonville but it was really neat to see his speed when he caught the ball down the home sideline going south," Pittman said. "He's really well-coached out of high school, but if you know his family, he come's from a mature, respected, respectful family. He came in here probably older than his age."

With spring football complete, the Razorbacks will now open its season against UAPB 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 29 after being moved up.

HOGS FEED:

• Razorbacks already picking up wins over Kentucky before season gets underway

• Arkansas unable to keep Smith's no-hitter going against Alabama in series opener

• Remarkable path to Fayetteville for one of Arkansas' new assistants under Calipari

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Daniel Shi
DANIEL SHI