Arkansas players remain energetic about facing Texas Tech despite reduced roster

BY DUDLEY E. DAWSON

FAYETTEVILLE – There may a tremendous amount of angst from Arkansas football fans over transfer portal losses, injuries and Liberty Bowl opt outs, but the remaining Razorbacks are only concerned with who’s left.

In fact, offensive lineman Francisco Carmona is feeling positive vibes and energy despite some 25 players who won’t be available when Arkansas (6-6) faces Texas Tech (8-4) Friday night, Dec. 27 at 6 p.m. in Memphis.

“It’s been nice man,” Carmona said. “It’s been a different energy. It’s been really positive energy. Lot of guys are stepping up and taking these new roles and just running with them, so it’s been a lot of fun at practice because you see a lot of these new faces but they’ve been hungry all season. Now they’re getting their chance. Lot of new energy.

Arkansas tailback Rodney Hill (5-10, 186), the only Razorback running back left who has seen significant action this season, expressed some of the same sentiments.

“It is a lot of good energy,” Hill said. “You can see a lot of leadership coming into play with all the players that were second (team) or something like that, we all coming back in and trying to be more positive and stuff like that, just leading the team and everybody that didn’t get any reps.”

Razorback wideout Isaac TeSlaa offered up his thoughts on the reduced roster, which no longer has Arkansas’ top 3 pass catchers this season after the trio hauled in 141 receptions for 1,955 yards and six scores.

“I don’t know if it feels much different other than there’s less guys in the locker room,” TeSlaa said. “Obviously, you lose some guys that bring a certain energy to the locker room, but I mean, at the end of the day we’re not too worried about who’s here…We’re worried about the people that are here.” 

Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green has lost several offensive options due to the defections, but likes what he is seeing from receivers CJ Brown, Monte Harrison and converted tight end Shamar Easter to go along with vet TeSlaa.

“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 CJ, Monte and Shamar has been looking really good, too. And Tes.”

Teslaa also likes what he has seen from those receivers and included redshirt freshman Dazmin James.

“Obviously a lot of people are going to need to step up,” Teslaa said. “From what I’ve seen, CJ is doing a really good job. Dazmin has really stepped up. Monte, unfortunately got a little lingering hamstring, but before that obviously he’s played a big role.

“I think there’s just going to be a lot of guys, like you said, that are going to need to step up. So far, it’s looking like everyone is really embracing that opportunity.”

Easter (6-5, 228) and his conversion from tight end to wide receiver seems to be going well since bowl practice started Friday.

“Yeah, I’d say it’s a really good fit for him,” TeSlaa said. “Obviously he was kind of a backup guy, scout team guy all throughout the year playing tight end, but I feel like he’s really found his groove here in the offense playing the X receiver.

“Obviously for a tight end he’s a little bit smaller, but for a receiver he’s a nice big guy who is good in and out of his breaks and has got some good speed. I think it’s been a really good switch for him.

TeSlaa, who has 25 catches for 325 yards and 4 touchdowns this season, says he is ready to become Green’s main weapon.

“I think I’ve had the mindset all year that that’s the kind of guy I am,” TeSlaa said. “So, maybe, 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 is happy to see TeSlaa still around.

“I have full trust in him and the way he sees the field.” Green said. “The different routes that we have, I have complete trust in him. We’ve seen it (against) Pine Bluff with the one-handed catch over the middle. I still don’t forget that. He’s a heck of a player and I’m excited for the opportunity that he has.”

Hill, who has rushed 20 times for 205 yards and two scores and also caught 8 passes for 68 yards this season is also excited about his expected extended role for the Liberty Bowl.

“My style right now, I really don’t really like it because I truck a lot,” Hill said. “I’m trying to get some jukes, more juke moves with how the way I play, but yes, sir, I like to run hard because I’m a small guy, so I got to go in and run as hard as I can.”

The 6-foot-5, 322-pound Carmona joked that he has been trying to show Hill some elusive moves.

“He tries to truck people,” Carmona said. “I’ve been trying to teach him how to juke and kind of work on some spins, but he’s a really fast dude, so I’m always thinking if we’re able to get him out on the edge, he could go the full 99.”

Green is a fan of Hill, who transferred from Florida State.

“Just a guy that gets it,” Green said. “He gets everything. He can catch passes out of the backfield and of course y’all have seen what he can do running.

“He’s stepped into like a leadership role off the bat. That’s props to Rodney, and Bird (Tyrell Reed) has been doing a good job of stepping in his role too.

“They both are like yin and yang, you know, they both are a two-punch crew. I’m excited to see what they’re going to do in the bowl game.

TeSlaa is excited to see Hill step into the spotlight.

“I think it’s going to be a great opportunity for him really just getting the spotlight,” TeSlas said. “You’ve seen what he can do at running back and even as a kick returner, obviously against La. Tech having that (95-yard) kick return for a touchdown that unfortunately got called back.

“But that dude is just a crazy athlete. Hands, routes, running the ball — he can do it all.”

KJ Jackson is now the back-up quarterback since Malachi Singleton entered the portal.

“Yeah, KJ is playing his tail off,” Carmona said. “ He made a pass today where I was just like … I was baffled. But he’s been playing really good. He’s been like this all year. He’s been consistent, consistent and he’s been waiting for his opportunity. It’s been showing in practice.

 Hill has been impressed as well with Jackson.

“He’s just like a sponge,” Hill said. “Like he soaks up, like he watches tape and he pretty much soaks everything that he gets and Taylen gives him good knowledge. He’s going to be a great quarterback here at Arkansas.”

The offensive line will see extended action from freshmen Brooks Edmonton and Kobe Branham and senior Joe More, who will step in with Josh Braun, Addison Nichols and Patrick Kutas no longer with the team.

Branham has especially impressed Carmona.

“I feel confident in saying it right now, he’s going to be one of those Arkansas greats,” Carmona said. “That kid is a hard worker, he’s a big body and he’s really coachable. Those things lead to those great players and he’s been playing extremely hard.

“He’s just a big body and he’s just so physically gifted. I’m just excited to see how he plays in this bowl game because he’s been waiting on this opportunity and he’s ready to seize it.”

Photo by John D. James