The Commander Up From: Fernando Carmona Jr

FAYETTEVILLE, A.R. (KNWA/KFTA) – When Xavien Sorey Jr. didn’t have a ride home from practice earlier this season, there was one person who didn’t think twice when it came to offering the linebacker a ride home.

That was offensive lineman Fernando Carmona Jr..

From being described as the lineman who shows brotherly love, to having a swagger on the field. It’s the Las Vegas native’s leadership qualities that echoes from his teammates, all the way to his head coach.

“he plays extremely hard. He’s a good run blocker,” Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman told reporters earlier this week. “He’s certainly a leader of, you know, one of the leaders up there on the O-line.”

Carmona’s journey to the Hill saw him starting at tackle for a few seasons at San Jose State. When it came time to leave the Spartans, Carmona had schools like UCLA, BYU, and even Auburn calling his name. But the Hogs’ timing was too good.

“when I touched down here and I met, Coach Matteo’s, I was actually introduced to Blackstock at the time, and everything just felt right,” Carmona said. “Everything felt right in the moment. And, you know, my, my coming here, I still will say the same. It’s been the best decision I’ve ever made. I love this place. I love Arkansas.”

Now with the Hogs, Carmona is trying to erase the bad taste that last season’s loss to the Tigers left. He already has experience playing in Jordan Hare Stadium from his time with the Spartans in 2022.

The redshirt junior is hoping that the pain Hog fans felt never happens again.

For the full story on Fernando Carmona Jr., head to the video next to the headline.