Dual-threat passer Malik Hornsby Signs with Arkansas

The most coveted unsigned quarterback prospect in the country came off the board Wednesday in dual-threat Texan Malik Hornsby.

The Razorbacks won out over Baylor on National Signing Day. 

At the helm of Texas High School football powerhouse Fort Bend Marshall, Malik Hornsby brings a competitive edge to a rejuvenated Arkansas fan base after signing with the program Wednesday. 

The electric Hornsby plays with his tail on fire; He’s likely the fastest player on the field at any given time. I’d love to see him in an RPO system, although a more compact throwing motion would be a necessary adjustment. Still, plugging Hornsby’s wheels and arm strength into a Kendal Briles offense that D’Eriq King ran to perfection for Houston in 2018 (throwing for 36 touchdowns to 6 picks and 14 rushing touchdowns) is an exciting proposition. 

Hornsby is most dangerous with the ball in a mesh point, but thanks to good coaching, he’s learned to keep his eyes downfield until his last option is exhausted. Hornsby’s made his fair share of throws on the run, but I wouldn’t count on him developing a Patrick Mahomes-style arm anytime soon. I’m thinking less shortstop, more track star, pointing back to my concern about him in an RPO offense that can, at times, demand more exotic arm angles.

Hornsby led the Fort Bend Marshall Buffalos to the Texas 5A state championship game, put up 250 total yards, three total touchdowns and zero turnovers, but fell short to Aledo by a score of 45-42. His gutsy performance at the highest level of high school football bodes well for him in terms of projecting his capacity for “handling the moment”, which will come in bunches in the SEC.

Hornsby joins Feleipe Franks, a grad-transfer from Florida, as new arms to the Arkansas QB room this year. 

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