This week on the SEC blog we're taking a look at the most important position group for each SEC team heading into 2015. This morning we assessed it for Alabama and now we'll turn our attention to the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Most important position: Receiver
Why: It's easy -- and legitimate -- to make an argument for quarterback being the most important position for the 2015 Razorbacks and there's no doubt that the performance of fifth-year senior Brandon Allen will go a long way in determining how Arkansas fares this fall. However, an improved Allen is not enough on his own, the players catching his passes also have to step it up. Arkansas has excellent tight ends but increased production from the receiver position will be important.
Keon Hatcher appears poised for a big season. After turning in team highs of 43 receptions, 558 receiving yards and six touchdowns last season, those numbers should only go up this fall. Hatcher drew rave reviews from teammates and coaches for his work during spring football and offensive coordinator Dan Enos said he believes Hatcher can be a big-time playmaker for the Hogs in 2015.
After Hatcher, no returning Razorbacks receiver reached 20 catches last season. Those who should be in line for a production increase are sophomore Jared Cornelius (18 catches, 212 yards), Drew Morgan (10 catches, 181 yards) and Cody Hollister (13 catches, 137 yards), all of whom contributed last season. Others to keep an eye on are Jojo Robinson and Damon Mitchell.
Having at least one of those players emerge as a consistent, reliable target opposite Hatcher would significantly help the Arkansas passing game. Defenses already have to account for tight end Hunter Henry, one of the SEC's best at the position, and will soon learn the name of tight end Jeremy Sprinkle.
A big season from Hatcher and a breakout season from one of those others would give the Hogs an offense that could truly win both in the air and on the ground, something that is necessary if Arkansas is going to move up the SEC West ladder. A pair of two 1,000-yard rushers (Alex Collins and Jonathan Williams) was good enough to get the Hogs to 7-6 last season, but they still finished last in their division and are eyeing a win increase, perhaps looking at a double-digit win season if things break right for them.
Enos, in his first season as Arkansas' offensive coordinator, installed an offense this spring that has the receivers reading the defense and adjusting their routes on the fly, something they didn't do last season. If they can adapt and Allen takes another step forward behind center, the Razorbacks could possess a truly quality passing attack.