FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas football's spring practice, in the middle of a week off for school holidays, is a good opportunity for reflection.
Four of the first five practices were published in the media. Here are five Razorbacks who shine this spring and could take on new roles in big years or big years for head coach Sam Pittman.
Jaylon Braxton, cornerback
Braxton was one of the big surprises last season, and it looks like that good form has carried over into his second year.
In the final two practices before spring break, Braxton had three interceptions. He has held up well in 7-on-7 drills, which are tough for defenders, and is the unquestioned leader of the secondary.
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“It's really exciting to watch him grow, but no matter what he does, he plays exactly like the Florida game,” Pittman said. “He makes plays. He has hawk eyes.”
Fernando Carmona Jr., left tackle
Carmona transferred from San Jose State and immediately locked into the starting role, guarding the quarterback's blind side. He is a wall in pass protection and has enough athleticism to get out into space in the run game.
Carmona was also well respected by his teammates. Defensive end and NFL Draft candidate Landon Jackson said Carmona is one of the best offensive linemen he's ever played against. It remains to be seen whether the offense can take big steps forward in 2024, but Carmona is a cornerstone piece that Arkansas was missing last season.
![Wide receiver Jadon Wilson (13) celebrates on Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill-Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida, while wide receiver Tyron Broden (17) of the Arkansas Razorbacks loses Florida in overtime. - Catch the game-winning touchdown in front of Gators cornerback Devin Moore, 28. Saturday, November 4, 2023. [Matt Stamey/Gainesville Sun]](https://www.swtimes.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2023/11/04/NOSB/71457182007-flgai-110423-ncaaf-floridavs-arkansas-6866-matt-stamey.jpg?width=660&height=436&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Tyron Broden, wide receiver
There are plenty of receivers to shine this spring as well. Davion Dozier was great in Week 2, and Isaiah Sategna has the ability to make big plays. Andrew Armstrong is the leader of the group and is poised for a big season.
But it's Broden who has become quarterback Tylen Green's favorite target, especially in third-down drills. Broden has improved his ability to make catches in the middle of the field, and his confidence oozes after an underwhelming 2023.
“Broden needed confidence,” coach Sam Pittman said. “Right now, he's got an injury and that injury has slowed him down a little bit in his learning. As you can see, he's very talented and we're feeling really good about our receiving core at this point. I feel it.”
The wide receiver should be even better in 2024, with Broden likely to be the top choice to support Armstrong.
malachi singleton, quarterback
Pittman hasn't officially named a starter, but all signs point to Green being under center for the Razorbacks in 2024. Still, Singleton has been a bright spot throughout spring training and could solidify his spot as a backup.
Singleton threw a pretty deep ball and connected with Dasmin James for a long touchdown pass during the second practice. His athleticism was also notable, with the sophomore making a number of plays with his feet in his first two weeks.
JaColby Criswell still has a say, but Singleton is slated to be a second-team quarterback for now.
Matthew Shipley, kicker
Shipley has been transferred to Hawaii and has not missed a field goal in the first four practices open to the media. He took a 52-yard kick during a two-minute practice last week and appears to be a reliable successor to Cam Little, who could be drafted in the NFL in April.
