Big plays by Arkansas running back Mike Washington and quarterback Taylen Green highlighted the Razorbacks’ first fall camp scrimmage Saturday.
It was defensive lapses left coach Sam Pittman looking for answers as the team prepares for the 2025 season. That probably will concern fans, too. It was a problem last season, too.
Washington, a transfer from New Mexico State, made an immediate impact for the second consecutive day.
After scoring on a 50-yard touchdown run during Friday’s practice, Washington opened Saturday’s scrimmage with a 62-yard reception from Green, later scoring on a four-yard run to cap the drive.
Washington also posted a 40-yard touchdown run against the second-team defense and caught an 18-yard touchdown pass on a wheel route.
“He’s really good,” Pittman said. “He’s fast. He can break tackles. He seems to set up blocks well. He seems like he can run forever.
“The first play of live tackling on the year he goes to the house on a little stretch play. He can make you miss. He’s just an all-around guy.”
The first-team offense, led by Green, primarily faced the second-string defense during the approximately 140-play scrimmage, according to a team spokesperson.
Green connected with O’Mega Blake and Raylen Sharpe for 15-yard passes, found tight end Jaden Platt for 20 yards, and running back Braylen Russell added a nine-yard rushing touchdown.
“Offense started hot with 1s versus 2s,” Pittman said. “They scored three times in that 15-play series.”
Pittman, though, said defensive breakdowns were a concern.
“There was too many big plays, and I’ve got to find out if it’s angles,” Pittman said. “I don’t think we’re missing tackles. I think it’s just angles and getting there, maybe we’re not dropping in the right spots.”
Quarterback KJ Jackson led the second-team offense with a 63-yard touchdown pass to receiver Monte Harrison, who turns 30 on Sunday. Jackson later found Harrison for 70- and 45-yard touchdowns against the second-team defense.
“KJ has really been playing well and running the offense well,” Pittman said. “Bobby [Petrino] has done a nice job of that, and [Jackson] has done a good job of learning the offense as well, too. But he’s been very accurate.”
Jackson also connected with tight end Rohan Jones for a 45-yard completion, and Russell scored an eight-yard touchdown run with the second team.
Trever Jackson, leading the third team, threw a 40-yard touchdown pass to Courtney Crutchfield. Pittman said the third team committed multiple fumbles during the scrimmage.
Defensive highlights included an interception by Kani Walker, two sacks by Phillip Lee, one sack each by Larry Worth and Justus Boone, tackles for loss by Julian Neal and Tavion Wallace, and a fumble recovery by Frank Mulipola.
Sorey said breakdowns in communication were largely to blame for the big plays surrendered. The only gain of more than 20 yards allowed by the first-team defense was the 63-yard touchdown to Harrison.
“Most big-time plays that happen against the defense, or busted coverages or anything like that, it’s just communication,” Sorey said.
Freshman kicker Scott Starzyk made 5 of 6 field goals, converting from 35, 36, 39, 43 and 48 yards. His only miss was a 50-yarder affected by wind, according to Pittman.
“We’re working to simulate pressure situations,” Pittman said, adding that Starzyk has made 14 of 15 attempts in those moments.
Razorback kickers made 70% of their field goals last season, ranking 92nd out of 134 FBS teams.
Injury updates were minimal.
Tight end Andreas Paaske may have suffered a high-ankle sprain. Starting defensive tackle Cam Ball and running back Rodney Hill missed the scrimmage with AC joint sprains, but Pittman said both would have played if it had been a regular-season game.
Receiver Kam Shanks sat out with a hamstring injury but could return by Monday. Pittman said the team still needs to evaluate Shanks’ offensive role.
Center Caden Kitler returned to practice after being “banged up,” offensive line coach Eric Mateos said.
Pittman said Arkansas needs to “snap the ball a little better,” but did not specify whether Kitler or backup centers were responsible. Neal and Sorey have also dealt with hamstring issues but played in the scrimmage.
Arkansas quarterbacks are using a virtual reality headset to enhance their preparation.
Green said he uses the device for an hour before meetings and another hour at night, crediting the technology for improving his play recognition and decision-making.
“It speeds up my process, so I have more time to process if I have to check the play or if my protection is good,” Green said.
The linebacker rotation has included Stephen Dix, Bradley Shaw and UCF transfer Andrew Harris, as Sorey manages a hamstring injury. Harris, who has impressed coaches with his speed and physicality, is expected to play a significant role this season.
“He’s definitely a physical player and doesn’t shy away from it, and is always seeking contact,” Sorey said.
