SEC Football: Most important newcomers for each team in 2021

10. Arkansas Razorbacks

If there was one positive for Arkansas when Sam Pittman took over as head coach for Chad Morris, there was some talent on the team. The 2019 recruiting class featured Treylon Burks, Hudson Henry, and Trey Knox. So, the cupboard was not bare in Fayetteville. As a result, the Razorbacks return a lot of talent from last season.

There are a few holes that need plugging, and those are primarily for depth. The Razorbacks are a bit thin at the defensive line and only have one scholarship quarterback with any experience. While it is difficult to say if any newcomer the Razorbacks bring in will make a difference this season, here are some players that could contribute for Arkansas this season:

• AJ Green, ATH/RB: Though Green was recruited as an athlete, he played running back in high school. Arkansas is deep at running back, so Green might play elsewhere. However, the Union High School standout is fast, and speed gets you snaps. Green could get a look at running back in certain situations. The four-star can catch the football, so the slot is a possibility as well. Green could move to defense but has expressed a desire to be a collegiate running back. As athletic and fast (Green was also a track stand out) as Green is, he’ll get snaps and shine anywhere on the field.
• Jalen Williams (JUCO), DL: Coaches like to sign players from the junior college ranks who can plug and play or be part of a rotation. Williams can do both. At 6-foot-3 and 315 pounds, Williams is a mountain of a young man who is hard to move. Williams is a good athlete who can rush the quarterback as a three-technique tackle or defensive end in a 3-3-5 formation. Williams can also play directly over the center as a zero-technique nose tackle. That versatility alone will get the Mississippi native on the field. He doesn’t lose much explosion and can handle double teams from anywhere on the defensive line does not hurt either.
• Ty’Kieast Crawford (transfer), OT: As a former offensive line coach, Sam Pittman has to be excited about the prospects of developing a 6-foot-5, 335-pound offensive tackle. Crawford originally signed with Arkansas but decommitted and signed with Charlotte. Looked at as the top tackle in the transfer portal, Crawford has the size and the tools to be an outstanding tackle at the Power Five level. The ceiling is high for the East Texas-native, and he could get some snaps just based on his raw ability.