Which Razorback Defensive Player Will Breakout In 2020?

Unlike the unknown of yesterday’s offensive article, there is a name most Razorback fans know and hope for that he can have the biggest impact yet for his senior campaign.

A season cut short due to straining an artery in his neck during the Razorbacks 20-13 victory in 2019 season opener against Portland State, Dorian Gerald will return for 2020 with hopes of an NFL career.

In Chad Morris’ first recruiting class at the head coach at Arkansas, the Hogs were able to persuade Gerald commit to the Hogs. He was the best defensive end in junior college for the 2018 class. His lead recruiters were John Chavis and Steve Caldwell.

When Power Five schools play certain FCS level competition you will usually see high level talent overwhelm their matchup. The average fan could see that Gerald was having success early and often versus the Vikings until he went out with injury. His stats do not show the impact he had in the first half of the game with only one tackle but he was constantly in the backfield and being able to blow up the opposing offensive line.

The sample size from 2018 was better though. Gerald was able to record 21 tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss, 2 quarterback hurries and 2 pass breakups. Look to see Gerald in a lot of opposing backfields in 2020. He has one more chance to land on the radar of NFL teams and there is no better way to land on the draft radar than being coached by one of the best in Barry Odom.

Who do you believe will breakout among the Razorback defense in 2020? Leave your comments below!

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