Kenny Guiton addresses development within Arkansas wide receiver room
The Arkansas Razorbacks‘ wide receiving core took some major losses this offseason, losing their top four pass catchers from a season ago (excluding star running back Rahiem Sanders).
The Razorbacks will now have to rely on newfound production in 2023, and during fall camp, wide receivers coach Kenny Guiton spoke about a few wideouts that have shown improvement and could make an impact this season starting with Jaedon Wilson.
“Jaedon, kind of the same as Tyrone [Broden], the difference with Jaedon is he’s been here for two years before so we kind of know who he is and everything. But man I feel like he’s gotten a lot stronger in his body and he’s just such a natural route runner,” Guiton said.
Wilson missed spring practice for the Razorbacks following an unfortunate car accident in March, but according to Guiton has made up for lost time by coming back even stronger during fall camp.
“He’s catching the ball smoother, I think the move we made with him going inside and letting him work in space more is really really been really good for him,” Guiton said. “And it’s been awesome to see his progression, his first few days of fall camp have been awesome. And like I said, just the competitive nature has been great.”
Wilson appeared in eight games for Arkansas last season, contributing more on special teams than offense recording three receptions for 49 yards in his redshirt freshman year.
Sophomore Samuel Mbake played in a similar role last season as well, contributing on three of the four special teams units throughout the season and switching from defensive back to wide receiver during the year. But according to Guiton he’s come a long way with a an unquestioned work ethic throughout fall camp so far.
“Sam Mbake, same deal, I mean everybody knows what Sam’s gonna give you. He’s gonna give you 100 miles per hour, 100% effort, everything he does. And at times you have to slow him down and that’s how I would love to coach players,” Guiton said. “So just keeping him in the right frame of mind will be the next step and he’s gonna be another one that’s just easy to throw in there and know what you’re getting.”
The Razorbacks added a slew of pass catchers from the transfer portal this offseason like Broden, Andrew Armstrong, and Isaac TeSlaa. But don’t be surprised if some of their younger, developing talent emerges and makes a strong impact on their passing game this season under new offensive coordinator Dan Enos.