Tight end a surprise for 2023?

Since the arrival of Sam Pittman in 2020, Arkansas has been plenty light in the tight end room. 2022 was the most productive year for anyone at that position. Whether it be by offensive design or lack of actual pure talent, the Razorbacks needed help and in a big way going into 2023.

After bringing in two impressive true freshmen in Luke Hasz and Shamar Easter, the Razorbacks also brought in freshmen all-American transfer Var’Keyes Gumms from North Texas. Despite this group being young and unproven they make up for that with pure talent, size and athletic ability.

“They can run, they can catch and they’re bigger and more physical than we’ve had at that position,” Pittman said. “We’d like to use them, because they can run. I believe we’ve got 2-3 of them who are going to be matchup problems if we can get them on the field.”

Former converted tight end, Trey Knox moved on to South Carolina following his position coach, Dowell Loggains. The former Arkansas assistant is now offensive coordinator in Columbia. Knox did have his moments as he was fourth on the team in receptions with 26 for 287 yards and 5 touchdowns. He also had his faults with multiple dropped passes forced into interceptions in key drives of big games.

Hudson Henry finished up his playing career following a 4 catch, 27 yard campaign in 2022. He simply didn’t live up to the hype surrounding his recruitment in 2019. But, he was a legacy player that you couldn’t afford to miss on.

Nathan Bax returns to the Razorbacks for his fifth season of eligibility. The former walk-on displays heart and will block his rear off in the run game. He has never made much of an impact in the passing game. So, the addition of the others mentioned above will carve out a role there.

Louisville transfer, Francis Sherman joins the Razorbacks as an impact blocker in different personnel groupings.

“Are we going to be serviceable? Are we going to be pretty good? Are we going to highlight them?” Pittman said. “I don’t know what the answer is yet.”

But, the answer should be known soon with the talent pool in the room being much deeper than it has been.