Arkansas football in position for sustainable rebuild in 2020
Feleipe Franks looking to give offense fresh look
This offense has been known for creating something out of almost nothing.
In the 2005 recruiting class, the Razorbacks grabbed the top prospect from Arkansas and seventh running back in the nation in Darren McFadden and the 10th-rated athlete in the nation in Felix Jones. Not long after, the Razorbacks recruited Michigan transfer quarterback Ryan Mallett. The Razorbacks know how to utilize great offensive players.
Pittman knew that the right offensive coordinator could turn these undervalued players into a high-caliber offense. The Razorbacks hired former Baylor, Houston and Florida State offensive coordinator Kendal Briles for the same position. He coached the Bears to be the top-scoring offense (48.1 points per game) and total offense (616.2 total yards per game) in 2015. Briles also brought the Cougars to be the fifth-ranked scoring (43.9 points per game) and eighth-ranked total offense (512 total yards per game).
While it will take time for Briles to replicate the same results at Arkansas, they have the right coach for the job.
The Razorbacks find themselves in a great position at quarterback for this season. Their starting quarterbacks from last year in Ben Hicks running out of eligibility and Nick Starkel has transferred to San Jose State. Both quarterbacks were not consistent in leading the offense as they were ranked 110th in the nation (13th in the SEC) in points per game (21.4) and 103rd in the nation (11th in the SEC) in passing yards per game (192.2).
Former Florida quarterback Feleipe Franks decides to spend his last year of college football starting a campaign to build the Razorbacks’ offense. In 2018, Franks threw for 2,457 yards, 24 touchdowns and six interceptions on 188 completions (out of 322 passing attempts). He was on the road to becoming more explosive this past season until he broke his ankle in the fourth game of the season.
Bringing in a healthy Franks, who has the dynamic ability to be a good passer and a great runner, to an offense coached by Briles can turn then the Razorbacks own a top 25 passing offense.
Arkansas’ top offensive playmaker from last season in running back Rakeem Boyd returns. Last season, he rushed for 1,133 yards and eight touchdowns on 184 carries for an offense ranked 85th in rushing yards per game (147.2).
Having a backfield with Franks and Boyd can create a whole set of dynamic systems for the offensive playbook. The first set of plays could be useful for Briles are the RPO. Boyd can be a more efficient playmaker if utilized in the passing game. The biggest boost for Boyd, who was named Athlon Sports’ preseason second-team All-SEC, is a more experienced offensive line.
The Razorbacks return their top wide receivers from this past season that were underutilized in the passing game. Last season as a sophomore, wide receiver Mike Woods caught 33 passes (tied for team-high) for 423 yards (second on the team) and four touchdowns (team-high). True freshman Treylon Burks caught 29 passes for 475 yards (team-high) but no touchdowns. Trey Knox returns as the starting slot receiver for Arkansas after starting every game last season as a true freshman.
Last season, the offensive line was one of the most underperforming position groups overall. The Razorbacks were ranked 121st in offensive efficiency (35.7 percent) this past season.
In 2020, the Razorbacks return four starters on the offensive line. They have more experience under their belt which will help them better for the upcoming season. Only left tackle Myron Cunningham and center Ty Clary return are projected to start as seniors. Shane Clenin to start at the left guard position after well in limited time last season.