Razorback Football: Freshmen to watch in 2023

A football program never wants to depend on the majority of a freshmen class to contribute right away. Luckily, the state that college football is in right now freshmen don’t have to do much unless they are uber talented like some on this list are.

Since the arrival of Sam Pittman in 2019 the Razorback Football program has recruited above average compared to recent head coaches. Pittman’s classes finish at 25th on average, according to 247sports composite rankings.

The 2023 class has plenty of budding stars that could contribute immediately. Many of these players were highly rated before dropping during the final evaluation period.

Here are a few freshmen Hawg Country believes can be reliable options as freshmen this season:

Cornerback Jaylon Braxton

The top overall signee of the 2023 class, Braxton flew around the field like a veteran this spring. He impressed the coaching staff so much that he could see the field right away. Which shouldn’t be that hard considering how awful the Razorback pass defense was in 2022.

At 6’0 180 pounds, Braxton was the 141st ranked prospect in the country, per 247sports. He was also the 8th best cornerback in the country and ninth overall player in the Lone Star State.

Arkansas went through another defensive backfield coaching change but it didn’t impact his decision to be a Hog. Braxton chose Arkansas over Baylor, Boston College, Cal, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Kansas State, LSU, Maryland Miami (FL), Michigan State, Nebraska, Northwestern, Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, Oregon State, Penn State, SMU, Stanford, TCU, Tennessee, Utah, Vanderbilt and others.

This is what Pittman had to say about Braxton during spring ball:

“Jaylon Braxton, I’m excited for him,” McGlothern said. “He’s a good player. He’s young and ready to learn.”

“He’s getting better every day since Day 1. Soon you’ll see a next DB behind Quincey, me and Snaxx.”

 

Defensive end Nico Davillier

It could be to time for the redshirt freshman defensive end. There’s plenty of depth in front of him and is possibly a third string guy. But, the way Arkansas used their ends last season they could possibly rotate the group of six rushers often.

The Maumelle, (Ark.) native was disruptive during spring ball and caught the eye of the head coach.

“Man, I really like him,” Pittman said. “I really have in the offseason. I think his mind is, ‘I didn’t get to play much last year and I’m sure going to this year.’ He’s chasing the ball as well as anybody that we have.”

Davillier was mostly a special teams contributor last season taking 66 snaps on special teams, per Pro Football Focus. The 6’4 273 pound lineman is quite versatile playing both positions along the line.

“I think we’re trying to get him ready, to be honest with you,” said Pittman. “To play that down guy and play that Jack position, that Buck position. Because he can run so well. Good pass rusher, as well.”

Tight end Luke Hasz

The Northern Oklahoma product was once the highest rated tight end in the country leading into the 2022 football season. There was never a true reasoning for his ranking to drop but he will surely be used as a freshman with the tight end room short on depth.

At 6’3 245 pounds, Hasz can lineup at any receiver position including being split out wide. The Bixby, (Okla.) product can be a matchup problem as a true freshman. As a senior, Hasz recorded 35 receptions for 597 yards (17.1 ypc) and nine touchdowns.

He was ranked as high as 89th in his recruiting class but a consensus four-star prospect as a whole. He’s apparently stood out right away this spring.

“The one guy that stood out the most in all of them is Luke Hasz,” Pittman said. “Really good football player. A guy that’s catching the ball extremely well, can run, can get open. That’s probably the guy of the young guys that has stood out the most.”

Wide receiver Isaiah Sategna

Look no further for a player ready to explode on the scene other than the hometown kid. The Fayetteville, (Ark.) product didn’t have the true freshman season he hoped but had an outstanding spring.

Sategna could be the fastest player on the team due to his track and field background. He made several huge plays during the live spring scrimmage in April making coaches, teammates and fans ooze with confidence going into the offseason.

He was a highly recruited receiver coming out of the Natural State and was once committed to rival Texas A&M and Oregon for a good amount of time.

During his senior year of high school Sategna recorded 100 catches for a nation-leading 1,908 yards and 17 touchdowns as a senior for state runner-up Bulldogs. His playmaking ability is something that hasn’t been seen in a while on “The Hill” should he have breakout campaign in 2023.

Tight end Ty Washington

Another redshirt freshman that’s on the verge of breaking out is Washington. The Leesburg, (Ga.) native recorded only one reception last year which was a 17-yard touchdown in the Liberty Bowl.

Washington chose Arkansas over South Carolina, Tennessee, Nebraska, UCF, Georgia Tech and others.

He’s not one of those vintage blocking tight ends and that’ll likely be taken care of in the transfer portal. However, he is a solid route runner and can get open on any play.

If you’re interested in reading who we believe can be impact transfers this fall you can check that out here.