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Does Arkansas State football need more time to grow?

By Michael Hanich

Sep 18, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Arkansas State Red Wolves linebacker Jeffmario Brown (28) celebrates with linebacker Jaden Harris (11), safety Jarius Reimonenq (6) and defensive lineman Terry Hampton (97) after intercepting a pass against the Washington Huskies during the third quarter at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Arkansas State Red Wolves linebacker Jeffmario Brown (28) celebrates with linebacker Jaden Harris (11), safety Jarius Reimonenq (6) and defensive lineman Terry Hampton (97) after intercepting a pass against the Washington Huskies during the third quarter at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 18, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Arkansas State Red Wolves quarterback James Blackman (1) throws a pass against the Washington Huskies during the second quarter at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Arkansas State Red Wolves quarterback James Blackman (1) throws a pass against the Washington Huskies during the second quarter at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

Can the Red Wolves’ offense become less one-dimensional?

The Red Wolves entered last season hoping to be one of the top-scoring teams in the Sun Belt. While their passing offense ranked 11th in the nation (313.9 passing yards per game), the Red Wolves were flat in creating a rushing offense as they were one-dimensional all season. Arkansas State relied too much on their passing offense as they were ranked 87th in the nation in points per game (25.2). They return five of their full-time starters, including the leaders of their passing offense.

This past season, Jones and offensive coordinator Keith Heckendorf were juggling between former Florida State Seminole James Blackman and Layne Hatcher as the Red Wolves’ starting quarterback. There were questions of stability within the leader of the offense last season.

There is no question going into the 2022 season with Hatcher transferred to Texas State. Blackman will lead the offense behind his talented, strong arm. Last season, he completed 109-of-183 of his passing attempts for 1,344 yards, eight touchdowns, and four interceptions. He aims to be more consistent this 2022 season.

The rushing game for the Red Wolves was virtually abandoned as they focused on the passing game. Arkansas State was ranked 128th in the nation in rushing yards per game (82.4) last season as they also averaged 28.9 rushing attempts, the sixth-fewest in the league. They will be without their main rusher in Lincoln Pare, who also transferred to Texas State. This could be the season that former Iowa State transfer Johnnie Lang could have his breakout year with the Red Wolves. There could be a surprise winner in bulk, along with Marcel Murray.

The strength of the Red Wolves going into the 2022 season lies with their talented pass catchers. Despite losing leading receiver Corey Rucker, who transferred to the University of South Carolina, the Red Wolves are loaded with talented receivers. Leading the receiver corp is Tre’Vailance Hunt, who caught 52 receptions for 758 yards and six touchdowns last season. Jeff Foreman, Dahu Green, and Adam Jones are other receivers that should have a huge responsibility for Arkansas State should they remain a pass-heavy offense. Sophomore Emmanuel Stevenson provides a dynamic set of playmaking abilities as the returning tight end.

The offensive line could bring the passing offense of the Red Wolves down. Last season, the offensive line of Arkansas State gave up 48 sacks all season, the most in the Sun Belt and fourth-most in the nation. Athlon Sports ranks Arkansas State as the worst offensive line going into the 2022 season. Their inability to create a push at the line of scrimmage and consistency against pass rushers stalled several drives.

The Red Wolves return one key starter in sophomore center Ethan Miner, who may play some left guard. Freshman Noah Smith and Makilan Thomas are battling for the starting left tackle position. Ernesto Ramirez could be the only senior starting on the offensive line, but where is the serious question.

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