Mbake Will Likely Get Chance to Make Up for Big Play Against Western Carolina

Receiver has caught Razorback coach Sam Pittman's eye with big plays that include one that never made it on the stat sheet

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas is in need of finding replacement wideouts after losing the top five from a production standpoint from last season. Following Razorbacks coach Sam Pittman's press conference after last Thursday’s practice, it sounds like redshirt freshman Sam Mbake is a possible candidate.

“Heck yeah, [Mbake] is going to be able help us,” Pittman said with a sly grin.

During the 2022 season, Mbake wasn’t called on much after being surrounded by so many older receivers. However, he's now practically the veteran of the group with so much turnover. He has shown patience while waiting his turn, and according to reports from practice, the receiver has impressed in fastball with several long touchdown hauls and remarkable catches in space.

“He’s a wonderful person,” said Pittman. “He’s someone who plays 90 miles an hour all the time. Mbake has improved in every aspect of his game,” Pittman said. “…The awareness of what he’s doing. Mbake will be on the field as much as anybody this year. I really like the kid. He’s a really hard worker.”

Those words are a good sign. Pittman has repeatedly harped on his desire to have his players reflect the hardworking, blue collar folks who pay good money to come see their Hogs outwork an opponent.

It's helped to have a familiar face at quarterback. When Mbake chose Arkansas over Power Five programs like LSU, Miami, Tennessee, Ole Miss, South Carolina and Wisconsin, he had just finished a senior season catching passes from 2023 signee, Malachi Singleton at North Cobb High School.

Pittman has been complimentary of the receiver room over the past few weeks. The steadiness of Isaac TeSlaa, development of Andrew Armstrong and speed possessed by Isaiah Sategna have been raved about during the offseason and fall camp.

Mbake worked to add his name to the list of players catching Pittman's eye with a versatile performance in the spring showcase this past April. He scored a touchdown on an 18-yard end around while also hauling in three receptions for 25 yards. 

However, that biggest play Mbake made that day is one fans who didn't see the game probably don't know about because it didn't ed up being an official stat. Back-up quarterback Jacolby Criswell hit Mbake with a 60-yard bomb that definitely raised eyebrows for both players. However, unfortunately for both, the play was blown dead right as Criswell launched the pass as he was ruled down after being touched by a defender. 

Reports out of North Carolina indicate Western Carolina has struggled with tackling. Thus, when Arkansas steps on the field against the Catamounts in War Memorial Stadium at 3 p.m. on Sept. 2, it could provide the perfect opportunity for Mbake to have his coming out party. And perhaps this time, not only will more people see a big catch, it won't get blown dead. 

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