What stood out during Arkansas’ football scrimmage

The Arkansas football team held a 105-play scrimmage at Reynolds Razorback Stadium on Saturday, showcasing exciting moments on both sides of the ball. The session featured strong performances, impressive highlights, and some key takeaways as the Razorbacks look ahead to the 2025 season.

Offensive Standouts

Quarterback Taylen Green showed off his dual-threat ability, completing 15 of 21 passes (71%) for 173 yards and 1 interception. Green also rushed 8 times for 50 yards and a touchdown, although the scrimmage did not feature live tackling. His best throws included a 33-yard completion to Charlotte transfer O’Mega Blake, an 18-yard pass to Blake, a 31-yard completion to Texas A&M transfer tight end Jaden Platt, and a 17-yard toss to Fresno State transfer Raylen Sharpe. Green also made several runs of over 10 yards, extending drives.

However, Green’s lone interception came at a crucial moment in a clock-killing situation. He was picked off by linebacker Xavian Sorey during a drill designed to simulate a late-game scenario.

Backup quarterback KJ Jackson had a solid showing, completing 13 of 18 passes for 126 yards and 2 touchdowns, both of which went to sophomore receiver CJ Brown, who finished with 7 receptions for 64 yards. Jackson’s touchdowns were a 10-yard completion on fourth-and-2 and an 8-yard strike on first-and-goal.

Madden Iamaleava, playing with the third team, also impressed, completing 7 of 12 passes for 132 yards. He developed strong chemistry with Kam Shanks, a UAB transfer, connecting 3 times for 48 yards.

On the ground, Rodney Hill, a redshirt junior running back, had a standout day with 102 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns on 5 carries. Hill ripped off a 47-yard touchdown run on a first-and-10 play, showcasing his speed. He later added a 44-yard touchdown run on third-and-2, using a powerful lower-body run to break tackles before bursting into the open field.

O’Mega Blake, who ranked second nationally in 2024 with 24.84 yards per reception, displayed the big-play ability that made him a prized transfer. His receptions averaged 25.5 yards, reaffirming his deep-threat potential.

Defensive Highlights

The first-team defense had a strong day, with linebacker Xavian Sorey leading the charge. Sorey, who had 6 tackles, 3 sacks, and several quarterback pressures, was a key force throughout the scrimmage. His interception off Green in a late-game drill was a significant play for the defense.

Quincy Rhodes, a standout defensive end, was also dominant. He stuffed Braylen Russell on a third-and-1 for a 1-yard loss, forcing a punt. Rhodes finished with 5 tackles, including 3 solo and 2 tackles for loss.

The linebacker trio of Stephen Dix, Sorey, and Bradley Shaw combined for 14 tackles and 4 tackles for loss. Shaw was particularly active, blowing up a fourth-and-goal option play to stop AJ Green for a 6-yard loss.

Defensive plays also came from Selman Bridges, who had a pass breakup on third down, and Cade Fields, who caused a strip fumble. Sacks were also recorded by Ian Geffrard and Charlie Collins.

Special Teams Concerns

The special teams units had a mixed performance, particularly at kicker. Freshman Scott Starzyk struggled, hitting just 2 of 6 field goal attempts, with his longest make being from 36 yards. He missed from 52, 47, 46, and 46 yards, though special teams coordinator Scott Fountain expressed confidence in Starzyk’s development, noting the importance of getting him comfortable with mid-range field goals.

Blake Ford, a North Texas transfer, was much more consistent, going 3 for 4 with a long of 54 yards. He also made kicks from 36 and 43 yards but missed from 42 yards. Charlie Von Der Meden, a redshirt freshman, missed his only attempt from 39 yards.

On a positive note, Shamar Easter, a tight end-turned-receiver, blocked a punt from Gavin Rush during the scrimmage. Fountain highlighted Easter and Donovan Whitten as two players to watch on special teams, particularly in the area of blocking kicks.