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Arkansas was a run-game powerhouse last season. Running backs Jonathan Williams and Alex Collins ranked fourth and fifth in the SEC, respectively. If football could be won with just a strong running game, the Razorbacks would be all set.
However, that’s not the case and everyone knows it. The Razorbacks know it as well. They ran the ball three-fourths of the time on standard downs, allowing themselves to become predictable. They ranked 11th in passing offense out of the 14 teams in the conference. When they found themselves in third-and-long situations, they often struggled.
Coach Bret Bielema knows he still has that same strong rushing offense going into 2015, which is why his focus has shifted toward development of his wide receivers. Keon Hatcher is the only legitimate weapon returning at receiver right now. While tight ends Hunter Henry and Jeremy Sprinkle will no doubt play a role in the passing game again, Bielema is looking for more depth specifically at wideout.
Enter wide receiver Dominique Reed. At Coffeyville Community College, he was the receiver who ran deep, expected to outrun and outjump coverage. At 6-foot-3 and possessing sub-4.4 speed, he was an ideal candidate to do both and excelled at it.
Hatcher is a steady option at receiver, likely to lead Arkansas in catches. But he’s not an explosive playmaker. It’s that ability that the Razorbacks have been missing.
So far during preseason camp, Reed has made a big impression on both coaches and teammates.
“Reed is doing well. He’s picking up the system pretty well. He’s putting himself in a situation to get into the rotation,” said wide receivers coach Michael Smith, according to Hawgs247.
Said Arkansas cornerback D.J. Dean commented on Reed’s speed after going 1-on-1 with the wide receivers during preseason practices, according to another Hawgs247 report. “He’s one of the hardest guys to guard right now,” Dean stated in another report from Hawgs247.
Reed impressed quarterback Brandon Allen on the first day of practice.
“He’s so fast. I think reps that he’s going to get over camp are going to be extremely beneficial for him moving into the system,” Allen said, according to the Arkansas News.
Reed has established himself as one of the fastest guys on the team, and is projected to be the second-most utilized wide receiver behind Hatcher. If what he’s exhibited in the first week of practice is anything to go by (see video highlight below), the Razorbacks have found the weapon needed to elevate their offense to the next level.
#UncommonMentality pic.twitter.com/3Yo2I6u8vn
— Razorback Football (@RazorbackFB) August 11, 2015
Christine Wang is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. She covers Auburn, Arkansas and Ole Miss.
