Jaedon Wilson and Jayden Johnson shine as surprise starters in Arkansas football opener

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — If Arkansas football fans took a time machine back to the first week of August, they wouldn't find many projected depth charts with Jaedon Wilson and Jayden Johnson as projected starters.

But when the Razorbacks took the first snaps of their 2023 season, there were Wilson and Johnson, trotting out onto the hot turf at War Memorial Stadium alongside the respective starters on offense and defense.

They earned their spots during the dog days of August, only to shine bright when the all-important lights turned on this Labor Day Weekend.

Wilson caught the very first pass from KJ Jefferson in Arkansas' 56-13 thumping over Western Carolina, taking a short screen 65 yards down the left sideline for a score. Johnson was the star of an opportunistic defense Saturday, forcing a fumble with a thumping tackle in the second quarter and recording an interception in the third period. For both players, the opening-season success was the product of perseverance and a change in mindset.

"In life, if you're waiting for somebody else to change you, you're going to be left out," Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman said. "They both changed their attitude about what they wanted and what they're willing to work for. I'm proud of them. I'm proud of all the kids, but those two guys in particular because they've come a long way."

More: Grading Arkansas on its win over Western Carolina

More: KJ Jefferson dazzles as Arkansas football routs Western Carolina in season opener

Both players were listed as co-starters on the Arkansas depth chart coming into Saturday, so perhaps they still must fend off teammates to maintain their roles with the first string, but the win over Western Carolina was an excellent start.

Johnson, in particular, struggled last season when thrust into a meaningful role. The Arkansas secondary was riddled with injuries in 2022, finishing last in the entire country in passing yards allowed per game.

So Johnson entered camp expected to be a backup behind Baylor transfer Alfahiym Walcott and redshirt senior Hudson Clark, but Johnson never faltered in his self-belief.

"I (saw) myself as a starter," Johnson said. "I just had to go out and prove it every day and stay consistent. Today, it was just a preview of what it's been in practice. I've just got to keep going."

Walcott started alongside Johnson in the back end, while Clark got plenty of reps at safety and at the nickel cornerback position. There were moments when Western Carolina was in obvious passing situations that all three safeties played together.

While the secondary has nowhere to go but up this season, the Arkansas wide receivers were a relative unknown entering Saturday. Transfers like Andrew Armstrong and Isaac TeSlaa have high ceilings, and they were expected to directly replace the lost production of Jadon Haselwood and Matt Landers.

Armstrong and TeSlaa both had touchdown receptions, but it was Wilson who led Arkansas in receiving yards against Western Carolina, finishing with 83 receiving yards on three catches.

Perhaps more importantly, Wilson has earned the trust of the Razorbacks' unquestioned leader.

"(Wilson's) opportunity came today and he took full advantage of his opportunity," Jefferson said.

"I mean, I’m extremely proud of him. His hard work paid off, and just to see he’s in the right frame of mindset as well."

Wilson not only tackled a stacked depth chart, but he also conquered injury concerns to reach this moment of brilliance. He missed most of the spring with a fractured tibia suffered in a car accident, and he had a shoulder injury in the closing stages of fall camp.

There are bigger challenges than Western Carolina ahead, and Pittman is still working to find his best players who can help Arkansas win in the SEC. Jefferson clearly trusts Wilson, but nine different receivers caught passes Saturday. The competition within the roster will be fierce all season.

But on the first Saturday of September, Wilson and Johnson showed just how much hard work in August can pay off. The next step is consistency, and they'll both get a chance to build on their breakout performances in a week's time against Kent State.

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: August growth becomes September stardom for two Arkansas football starters