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Flash-forward: Arkansas football’s Class of 2023 – who will star as freshmen this year?

E Wayne
·6 min read

The last bunch in our look-back is actually a look forward.

The Class of 2023 for the Arkansas football team has yet to take a single snap. So, with that in mind, this isn’t a ‘what have they done so far’ as much as it’s a ‘what might they do this year.’

The rankings below are meant to reflect that. They’re not a power chart, the players aren’t listed in order of star number. But instead they’re put on the list as a combination of expected talent and availability.

For example, Arkansas needs bodies at tight end, so the two four-star players the Hogs picked up in the class are going to be rated highly. The four-star quarterback on the other hand, Malachi Singleton, he has almost no chance to make a significant impact in 2023 because of KJ Jefferson and Jacolby Criswell in front of him, thus his absence.

As we prepare for the start of the season in September, take a quick glance at the freshmen whose names you might become familiar with as the weeks progress.

1. Luke Hasz (TE)

Hasz is the No. 1 player in the class. He’s also at a position in which Arkansas needs significant help. The Oklahoma native will have every opportunity to establish himself as the top tight end on the depth chart this fall.

2. Isaiah Augustave (RB)

One practice is all it took for Augustave’s name to be mentioned by the media this fall. Yes, the depth chart in front of him is daunting with Rocket Sanders a first-team All-SEC pick, Rashod Dubinion having established himself, AJ Green the change-of-pace back and Dominque Johnson a starter two years ago. But with that recognition drawn so early, he could make it quickly.

3. Quincy Rhodes Jr. (DE)

Another player mentioned after the first day was Rhodes. The top recruit from inside Arkansas, he has the look already of an SEC defensive end. He does, of course, need to add strength and a bit of size, but he’s projectable and legitimately could be the next Hogs’ sack master.

4. Davion Dozier (WR)

There are a lot of names in front of Dozier, but very few of them have estbalished himself at this level. That doesn’t mean Dozier will immediately get a shot to start, but if the older guys in front don’t work out, he’ll be the first freshman called upon.

5. Jaylon Braxton (CB)

Cornerback was not a great spot for Arkansas last year. Outside of All-SEC pick Dwight McGlothern – who also had his moments of struggle – it was kind of a disaster. Braxton, as a four-star recruit, could crack the rotation with a solid fall, though, admittedly, he’s probably more of a long-term solution.

6. Shamar Easter (TE)

Easter could join Hasz as the team’s No. 2 tight end by the end of the year. Probably not quickly, though. He was one of the last signees to the Class of 2023, even though he was one of the first commits. But as a four-star player, he should have the goods.

7. Alex Sanford (LB)

Arkansas needs bodies at linebacker. The depth is a bit lacking. Sanford may just be a three-star commit, but if he shows out, the opportunity is there.

8. Luke Brown (OL)

Brown is the highest-rated offensive lineman Arkansas picked up in the class. Coach Sam Pittman said only two players have established themselves as guaranteed starters, too, so chances abound. Still, it would be wild to have a first-year freshman get regular time. Brown does have the best shot of the bunch, though, anyway.

9. Dallas Young (CB)

Young is a bit in the same boat as Braxton. He’s only a touch lower because he enters as a three-star recruit.

10. Dazmin James (WR)

James is a bit raw on the football field and only had three scholarship offers when he committed to Arkansas. But he’s on the list because he might be the fastest player in the class. And at wide receiver, that makes him awfully dangerous in the future.

Story originally appeared on Razorbacks Wire