Replacing arguably the most successful wide receiver in Arkansas football history isn’t a task for the faint of heart. In fact, expecting anyone to step into the shoes of Treylon Burks out wide for the Hogs and replicate the All-American’s numbers is likely expecting too much.
Jadon Haselwood wants to try, anyway, and so far in spring camp, the Oklahoma transfer is showing he may be on his way sooner rather than later.
“We’ve got to find one, at least one,” Arkansas coach Sam Pittman said. “You’d like to find more, but we’ve got to find that Burks type of guy.”
Enter Haselwood, who announced his intention to leave the Sooners for Fayetteville in the winter. At OU, Haselwood led the Sooners with 39 catches and six touchdowns as a sophomore in 2021. The numbers immediately sent him to the top of the Hogs depth chart at wide receiver, where Arkansas has to replace 69% of its productivity at the position.
Burks, who is likely to hear his name called in the first round of next month’s NFL draft, led Arkansas with 66 catches for 1,104 yards and 11 touchdowns. But the Hogs also must replace Tyson Morris, who was second on the team with 24 grabs for 337 yards and two scores, and De’Vion Warren, who chipped in 16 catches for 252 yards.
Haselwood spent a practice this week in a green no-contact jersey, which limits just how much he can show his skills. But considering Pittman’s words and Haselwood’s previous production, Arkansas coaches, players and even fans, have high hopes.
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