Arkansas Razorbacks: True Freshmen To Watch in 2020
Every February (and now December) college football teams sign a new class of football players to join their program. It’s exciting to dream about what a prospect can become in the future but come September, some of those freshman will redshirt and wait for their opportunity to shine, while a few will be given the chance to make an immediate impact this season. In this series we will take a team by team look at the true freshman who could be given the opportunity to make a name for themselves in 2020. Today we will look at the Arkansas Razorbacks true freshmen to watch in 2020.
Darin Turner – WR
The Razorbacks have a trio of receivers returning who will be the likely starters heading into the 2020 season. Treylon Burks, Mike Woods and Trey Knox were the leading receivers for Arkansas in 2019 and should be penciled in as the starters this year as well. Tyson Morris is the only other returning receiver who had over 100 receiving yards last year. There were four Arkansas receivers who entered the transfer portal this off season: TQ Jackson, Jordan Jones, Kofi Boateng, and Jimmie Stoudemire. There is an obvious need for depth to emerge at receiver for the Razorbacks to be successful. Darin Turner enrolled early and has had a head start on his college career, albeit slightly slowed due to Co-Vid 19, but a head start nonetheless. He has the talent to earn a spot in the Razorbacks rotation and be a contributor in 2020.
Darin Turner starred at Memphis Central High School in Tennessee. He is an imposing receiver who has good height and strength already. He will continue to add weight but is ready to play right away from a size standpoint. Turner has above average long speed and can get behind the defense to make big plays. He also has good cutting ability and can create good separation underneath. He can overpower defensive backs and has a big advantage in contested catch situations. With his raw ability and size, Turner has a chance to become a big time receiver for the Razorbacks. He can get in the rotation right away and will be on the field this fall for Arkansas. Look for Turner to take advantage of this opportunity and become a contributor.
Myles Slusher – S
Arkansas suffered a big loss at safety when Kamren Curl declared for the NFL Draft. This decision forces a younger player like Jalen Catalton or Myles Mason into the starting lineup and leaves little experienced depth behind them. With the growing need for defensive backs in college football and versatility being at a premium, a deep defensive back room is a must. Depending on the opponent, an extra safety could be asked to play in nickel packages to help slow down spread offenses. The Razorbacks need a few players to step up at safety and earn playing time. Myles Slusher is a likely candidate to be one of the first to do just that.
Myles Slusher was the leader of a championship winning team at Broken Arrow High School in Oklahoma. He fits the bill as a versatile defensive back who can play safety but also has the cover skills to play some corner if needed. Slusher has good football instincts and a nose for the ball, he is a playmaker when he is on the field. He has the speed and quickness to cover good ground in the secondary. He is a good tackler who will limit yards after contact and force offenses to work their way down the field. Slusher has the versatility needed to get on the field as a young player at defensive back. He can provide good depth at multiple spots and will be an asset as a safety for the Razorbacks.
Nick Turner – S
We mentioned earlier that there is a need for depth at safety. In addition to safety, depending on where Devin Bush plays, there could be an opportunity for playing time at the nickel position. It is likely more than one freshmen defensive back will see the field. Slusher could play safety, corner or as a nickel player, but not all at once. We expect Nick Turner will also see playing time in the secondary and have a chance to impress as well. He is also a versatile and athletic defender who could provide key depth in the secondary. The Razorbacks need a few newcomers to step up in 2020 making Turner a likely candidate.
Nick Turner was a standout at Brother Martin High School in Louisiana. He has average size for a defensive back at the college level but has the frame to add muscle and get stronger. Turner does have excellent speed and covers alot of ground in the secondary. He is a fluid athlete who can play multiple spots in the secondary though safety will likely be his best position. Turner has good instinct and ball skills and can convert turnovers into points with his athleticism. The Razorbacks do not have alot of proven depth at safety or the nickel position and Turner is another player with a diverse skill set who can contribute in the secondary right away.
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Frank Broyles Field image taken by Brian Clark is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0.
