Darren McFadden Lists Which Razorbacks Inspired Him Growing Up

Heisman finalist didn't have to leave state when finding players on Arkansas roster who captured his imagination

Author:
Jacob Davis
Publish date:
Oct 27, 2023 11:17 AM EDT

In this story:

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas Razorback legend Darren McFadden calls into Morning Mayhem, a show on 103.7 The Buzz in Little Rock, each week. Following an offensive performance that saw Arkansas post three points and 200 yards of offense against Mississippi State, radio hosts are looking for anything to talk about besides the shortcomings of Dan Enos as the Razorbacks' offensive coordinator.

While it wasn't the topic for long as McFadden had much more interesting information to share with the radio audience, it couldn't be avoided.

"You know, you hate to see anyone lose a job," McFadden said. "Keep working hard and get the offense on the right track and start getting points on the board. At the end of the day if you can't score any points you aren't going to win any ball games."

With wide receivers coach Kenny Guiton thrust into play-calling duties with the ouster of Enos, McFadden was asked how that could work and if there will be a difference in the final four games of the season.

"I'm sure the team is playing with low morale right now," McFadden said. "It's going to be a tough job for anybody. Hopefully, Kenny can get in there and get guys motivated. try to go out there and play their hearts out, put some points on the board and pull out a few wins."

One thing that made McFadden different was his desire to be a Razorback. A kid growing up in Little Rock and playing varsity football at Oak Grove High School during a tough stretch of Razorback football in 2004, McFadden could have gone on to play anywhere else. However, his pride was wearing Arkansas across his chest and loving "that helmet" as his coach Houston Nutt loved to say. As a Razorback legend, one thing that isn't talked about much, nor is ever asked, is which Razorbacks he looked up to while growing up.

"I watched so many guys growing up," McFadden said. "It's hard to just say one, but I definitely lean to a guy closer to my era and I'll say Matt Jones. He was such an undeniable guy out there."

Not only was Jones, a quarterback from 2001-2004, a superstar in his own right, but also someone fans around the state idolized during his time as a Razorback. Even songs were made about him.

Jones went on to play in the NFL as a wide receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Fort Smith native held Arkansas' school record for most career touchdown responsibility with 77 until current Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson broke it this season.

Another Arkansas player on several of Jones' teams was running back Cedric Cobbs. Although Cobbs struggled to stay healthy throughout his career in Fayetteville, he made his name be known nationally with a huge performance his senior year in 2003 where he rushed for over 1,300 yards and 10 touchdowns. As a fellow Little Rock native, McFadden mentioned him as a Razorback he looked up to.

"Obviously, being from Little Rock, I was a huge fan of [Cedric Cobbs]," McFadden said. "There's a bunch of guys that I can name. I just loved watching those guys play. Even guys I played with, like Sam Olajubutu, that was a guy right there that when he was on the field he was going to lay it out there."