Who Will Emerge As The #2 Receiver in 2021?

Right after the Arkansas Razorback Spring Game in April, former Razorback receiver, Mike Woods, made a surprising move transferring to Oklahoma.

No one really knew what went down but one thing we do know is Arkansas was without their number two receiver. A lot of attention obviously goes to the SEC’s top receiver in Treylon Burks. He led the Razorbacks with 51 receptions, 820 yards and 7 touchdowns.

The attention that Burks demanded from opposing defenses allowed Woods to blossom as a junior in 2020. He caught 32 passes for 619 yards and 5 touchdowns. His ability to stretch the field and be a reliable target.

After an exceptional spring game displaying his skills off Woods left leaving a void at the position. So, who steps up? There is quite a few former highly rated receivers in the room that are chomping at the bit to prove their worth when given the chance.

Trey Knox looked like a bonafide stud early on in his Razorback career as a freshman in 2019. Knox finished with 28 receptions for 385 yards and three touchdowns as a true freshman and looked like he could be receiver 1B beside Burks. Knox suffered through a “sophomore slump” in 2020 but towards the end of the season there was noticeable buy-in by him with his blocking downfield and doing what he needed to do in order to breakthrough the depth chart.

De’vion Warren suffered a leg injury during the loss at Florida but really progressed in the first year Kendal Briles offense. His 278 yards ranked third on the team. Warren’s first touchdown of the season came versus Mississippi State when Arkansas put away their 20 game SEC losing streak. He displayed playmaking ability in the passing game that could help him be a guy to watch for in 2021.

Incoming transfer, Jaqualyn Crawford from Oklahoma was billed as a high profile receiver coming out of high school. There was a serious logjam at the position in Soonerville, so Arkansas was glad to take Crawford in. He made a few plays during the spring game but could be a serious game changer with his speed in the open field.

Finally, there are two freshmen to watch for and they are Ketron Jackson and Jaedon Wilson. Jackson is a tall, physical specimen at receiver similar to Knox. He will have to fight his way up the depth chart but will be given every chance to succeed. Jackson may not be the number two guy right away in 2021 but expect him to make an impact as a freshman.

Wilson is a guy that could be compared to a young Greg Childs. His body and speed remind me of pre-injury Childs. A guy that knows how to get open, outrun his defenders and be a dependable pass catcher at different levels in the field. He could be one of the surprises of the 2021 class.

Others to watch are Darin Turner, John David White and Tyson Morris

Predicted #2 Receiver: Trey Knox