At Arkansas coach Sam Pittman’s weekly Monday press conference, a remark was made by Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reporter Tom Murphy that if the SEC gave out Gunner of the Week awards, Tyrone Broden would almost surely have one just two weeks into the Arkansas portion of his college career.
He might even have two.
“Right now, people can’t handle him one-on-one,” Pittman said. “He’s done a really good job. Transfer kid like that, to not be getting the balls that he wants and to continue to play like he has, says a lot about who he is.”
Gunner is one of the least glamorous jobs of import in the game, maybe just behind long-snapper and holder – men who are only noticed when they make a mistake. Broden hasn’t made one yet on special teams. Arkansas punter Max Fletcher has booted eight punts so far in two weeks. Opposing punt returners have a total of three yards.
Much of that is because of the 6-foot-6 transfer from Bowling Green. Broden was expected to be in Arkansas’ top three receiving in 2023, but that hasn’t happened yet. He has been close, though, and has as many recepetions as tackles.
Pittman wants to reward him for his special teams play by getting him the ball instead of having him stop the ball.
“I wish we could get him the ball. I think he’s really good,” Pittman said. “Transfer kid like that, to not be getting the balls that he wants and to continue to play like he has, says a lot about who he is.”