By The Numbers: New Season, New Players, New Jersey Numbers

The Razorback true freshmen and incoming transfers were giving their jersey numbers today. Here is a rundown and tidbits on the numbers.

#2 Myles Slusher: Early on in my Hawg Talk days, Slusher made the list of the five must get prospects of the 2020 class. He committed to Oregon originally. Then, Nebraska made a push at the last minute but ended up flipping to the Hogs after all.

The number two usually belongs to a standout Razorback defensive back. Most notably former Hogs Chris Houston, DJ Dean and fan favorite Kamren Curl. With his heavy recruitment and talent for the game there is no doubt Slusher could have a decorated career for the Hogs.

#8 Jerry Jacobs: He was a standout defensive back at Arkansas State. He really produced during his sophomore year and was recognized as a All-Sunbelt defender. A cool nugget is the last Razorback defensive back to wear eight was pretty sold during his career. Tevin Mitchel played for the Hogs from 2011-2014. He was an absolute stud and starter from the time he stepped on campus until he left.

Jacobs has one more season to get things right. If the Hogs can get a quality season out of him it would likely do him well for his professional career and Arkansas as they look to get out of the SEC West cellar.

#80 Collin Sutherland: This newcomer was one of the unknowns as he was one of the later commits for the class. The Razorbacks were in very much of a need at the tight end position. With the move to tight end from defensive end for fellow newcomer Blayne Toll they could both see early playing time this season.

One of the best tight ends in Razorback history also wore the number 80 was Chris Gragg. He finished his Razorback career with 1003 yards and 7 touchdowns. He would go on to play in the NFL for the Bills and Jets from 2013-2015.

#97 Xavier Kelly: The instant impact defensive line transfer wore 22 during his Clemson career. The latest memorable Razorback defensive lineman to wear 97 was A Twain Robinson who played for the Hogs from 2005-2008.

Robinson had a tremendous 2006 season in which he earned 2nd-team All-SEC honors from the coaches. That year, he totaled 68 tackles and 8.5 sacks.

#30 Levi Draper: He wore number 30 during his time at Oklahoma and will again wear it at Arkansas. He will have two years to play for the Razorbacks.

#74 Jalen St. John: He will don Colton Jackson’s old number this season. St. John is one of those offensive lineman that Pittman loves to have along his line. Tall, big and agile he should be able to challenge for playing time during his first season on campus. Which former Razorback offensive lineman does he compare to? Denver Kirkland (2013-2015) who started as a freshman and played three seasons on Pittman’s first line.