How will Arkansas utilize it’s studs at tight end?

Fayetteville, Arkansas – When Arkansas finished the season with a 48-14 loss to Missouri, it appeared that the roster would be drained of talent through the transfer portal. The Razorbacks finished 4-8 and missed the postseason for the first time under Sam Pittman. Despite having every reason to leave, two outstanding tight ends chose to stay on campus, believing in a turnaround in 2024. Former 4-star signee Luke Hasz and redshirt freshman Ty Washington were important contributors to the offense last season. However, their playing time together was limited because Washington did not see the field until Hasz was injured.

Washington, a Georgia native, started the Razorbacks’ next four games and finished as the team’s fifth-leading receiver. He caught 11 catches for 170 yards and two touchdowns, but sustained a season-ending injury in the first quarter against Florida. His presence was badly missed for the rest of the season, as Arkansas was short on pass catchers at tight end.

Under the tutelage of renowned tight end coach Morgan Turner, Hasz was on his way to becoming a freshman All-American. Despite missing 4.25 games due to a fractured collarbone sustained against Texas A&M, the Bixby, Oklahoma native finished third on the team in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. Despite the setback, he was able to catch 16 receptions for 253 yards.

In 2024, the Razorbacks may anticipate both guys to start and compliment each other as weapons in the new Bobby Petrino system. Last week, there was a question about Arkansas feeding its superstars in the Petrino offense, and whether they had any. While the Hogs may be limited at receiver based on last season’s performance, Washington and Hasz are proven studs. “I’ve never really called a play just because, ‘Oh, this is a fancy play, let’s call it,'” Petrino stated when at Texas A&M. “I call plays for players.”

According to Petrino’s book, he like to locate his studs early and frequently in order to keep his teammates focused on the work at hand. “Great players play better if you get them the ball early,” Petrino wrote in an email. “Confidence and momentum really go together.” Hasz and Washington’s athletic skill sets allow them to consistently generate separation and get yards after the catch. Petrino makes extensive use of 12 personnel, which translates to one running back, two tight ends, and two wide receivers on a given play. This means that the defense cannot focus on a single offensive tendency because both tight ends can block or catch on any play call.

When Petrino returned to Arkansas, he was asked what style of offensive he would use next season. In usual manner, he stated that it is about the players, not the plays. “I honestly don’t think a lot has changed simply because I don’t think it’s about plays,” he added. “Many people will raise their eyebrows at that. Playcalling is overrated; it’s all about execution. It’s about how you utilize the players you have.”