Young Guns Showed Out In Arkansas’ Opener

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The talk throughout Arkansas’ fall camp was how well a lot of the freshmen were performing. Today they were able to put that on display to the general public with contributions in a dominant victory.

True freshman linebacker Brad Spence was last seen laying the hammer multiple times during the final scrimmage leading up to the 2023 season. Once was a video of the Houston, (Tx.) native connecting a vicious hit on Raheim Sanders. Another was him tackling another ball carrier for a loss.

Spence received limited duty in Saturdays’ game against Western Carolina. However, his presence was felt recording 2 tackles and returning an interception 85-yards for a touchdown. The Hogs forced 5 turnovers throughout the season opener which is the most in a single game since 2020 against Ole Miss.

With the suspension of LB Chris Paul for next week it is possible to see more from Spence in a limited role against Kent State.

“Coach [Travis Williams] preached to us all week, turnovers, turnovers, turnovers,” said Jaheim Thomas.

Isaiah Sategna played a key role on special teams as a dangerous return man. He flashed an electric ability and finding creases for extra yardage. The Fayetteville, (Ark.) native had four different returns recording 97 yard nearly scoring on two of them.

“We have a return man. He’s dangerous,” said Pittman. “I felt it and the crowd felt it when he has the ball in his hands. He’s very dangerous.”

Not to forget a solid contributor on Saturday but Isaiah Augustave showed his ability to be a running back that invites contact while also moving the pile. The freshman’s legs never stopped moving on any of his runs while collecting extra yardage after first contact. The Florida native only recorded 20 yards on 4 carries but was the spark to a struggling Razorback run game to that point.

True freshman receiver Davion Dozier was delightfully listed on the depth chart ahead of the matchup. He scored on his first reception as a Razorback on a beautifully placed ball by transfer backup quarterback Jacolby Criswell.

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