-Tommy Foltz
It’s no secret that Arkansas coach Sam Pittman and offensive coordinator Kendal Briles are hoping the NCAA Transfer Portal will provide a QB or two for the Hogs. True, Ben Hicks and Nick Starkel didn’t work out too well, but this go round will be a little different. After all, depending on who may want to become a Hog, the coaching staff, with a straight face, say:
—“Son, you’ve got an opportunity to start immediately.”
Two potential transfers in particular could re-shape this team. If either one of them come to Arkansas, Treylon Burks and Trey Knox should be jumping for Joy.
D’ERIQ KING
King was recruited by Kendal Briles when he was at Baylor, which didn’t work out. But, when Briles went to Houston he had the opportunity to coach King anyway. And coach him he did.
He’s 5’11” and weighs 194. It’s reported that Arkansas’ players are trying to recruit him.
His stats:
—2016: 2 for 3 for 20 yards (1 TD against 0 INTs)
—2017: 90 for 139 for 1,260 (7 TDs against 2 INTs)
—2018: 219 of 345 passes for 2,982 yards and 36 TDs against just 6 interceptions
—2019: 58 of 110 for 663 yards (6 TDs against 2 INTs)
Focus on 2018. One, because they’re huge numbers. But, two because that’s when our new offensive coordinator, Kendal Briles, coached him.
Those are BIG numbers. The TD to INT ratio is phenomenal. D’Eriq King could add a much needed lift to this team, excitement for the fan base and, at least in Arkansans minds, replace LeBron James as “The King.”
FELEIPE FRANKS
Feleipe Franks started all 13 games for Florida as a sophomore and led them to a 10-3 season in 2018. He’s reportedly visiting Arkansas before the Friday deadline for enrolling at the U of A.
This kid is 6’6” and weighs 238. He’s a duel threat.
—2,457 yards as a Sophomore
—24 TDs against 6 INTs
—350 yards rushing on 110 carries and 7 TDs
—54 of 71 passing for 698 yards, 5 TDs, 3 INTs
—21 rushes for 68 yards and a TD
He dislocated an ankle with a fracture involved, but that shouldn’t slow him down too much. Even if it does, it’s still an upgrade.
IN MY BOOK:
I’ve always believed that unless you’re Alabama, you can’t have a QB who simply “manages” the game. We saw what happened to Bama when they lost Tua Tagovailoa. And, we saw two QBs in the National Championship who were key to making things happen on Monday night.
We need a QB who can make plays. KJ Jefferson will be that guy some day. But, we could use a shot in the arm until he’s truly ready to get it done. He could learn under one of these guys and come ready to play when he truly gets his shot. He’ll be a redshirt freshman next year, so he’s got plenty of time.
The “Transfer Portal” has changed the way things work in college football. I hope we don’t have the wrong guys transferring out, but I do hope we have the right guys transferring in.
It gives teams like Arkansas who are currently down an opportunity to get back on their feet.
However, it also gives teams like LSU a shot at getting someone to replace their Heisman Trophy winner, Joe Burrow (himself a transfer). You just never know what will be the most important factor for a young man when making this decision.
We don’t know what D’Eriq King values most. We do know no other program has the same offensive coordinator he once played for. If familiarity matters most for King, Arkansas will be the choice.
