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We always have an affinity for walk-ons, particularly those who eventually earn scholarships and even become starters.
Tyler Deacon is one of those guys.
Deacon came to Arkansas from Little Rock Christian before the 2008 season. He redshirted that year and saw his first playing time in the Missouri State game in 2009. He received playing time in blowouts in 2010 and earned his scholarship before the 2011 season.
After earning the scholarship, Deacon played in 11 games on special teams in 2011, but earned a spot in the starting lineup in 2012. He had this to say before the season
"I know my hard work is showing off," Deacon said. "It’s being rewarded. Getting to be in a group of guys like (former Razorback Mitch) Petrus and (Brandon) Burlsworth — walk-ons that earned scholarships — it’s just awesome."
With Deacon's departure, #76 is empty at the moment but could be filled by one of the incoming freshmen.