Four Returning Razorbacks Who Can Breakout This Season

Hogs have several players ready to help right the ship with big roles this season

Author:
Jacob Davis
Publish date:
Feb 8, 2024 12:39 PM EST

In this story:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas coach Sam Pittman will be in the business of identifying potential breakout stars for 2024. He has recruited well to reverse the losing trend set last season.

Five of Arkansas’ eight losses came by a seven points or less. Another year in the system, some of the younger Razorbacks are biting at the bit for their time to shine. Here’s four Razorbacks that can help their team turn things around and breakout this season.

DB Jaheim Singletary

When Sam Pittman announced the signing of the Georgia transfer last January, it was received with praise from fans and media. Heads were turning as Arkansas continued bringing in top transfers.

Although he didn’t play much at all for the Bulldogs, Singletary was still highly regarded as former 5-star. The Jacksonville, Florida native made an impact right away with impressive size at 6-2, 190 pounds.

There was a learning curve for the redshirt freshman as he came back to earth following a solid game in the opener against Western Carolina. He finished the 2023 season with 17 tackles, one tackle for loss and four pass breakups.

A full offseason of development under the direction of defensive back coach Marcus Woodson will do him well. The physical tools are there for Singletary to make a huge leap.

DL Nico Davillier

After spending most of his time on special teams in 2022, the Maumelle product made most of his opportunities last season. Davillier recorded a disruptive 11 tackles on the season including 3.5 tackles for loss and one sack.

The 6-4, 268 pounder was a 4-star decencies lineman coming out of high school during the 2022 cycle. He was a menace for opponents posting 74 tackles with 26.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, 15 quarterback hurries, three forced fumbles and one pass breakup as a senior.

As a rising junior, it’s time for the central Arkansas product to crack the starting rotation . Based off his rise of production the previous two seasons, Davillier is due for a breakout campaign.

RB Rashod Dubinion

The Ellenwood, Georgia product has been waiting for his time to be Arkansas’ premier tailback. Isaiah Augustave and Dominique Johnson will be right there with him.

However, Dubinion’s skillset fits the Bobby Petrino offense better than any back. The 5-10, 216 pound back has shown ability to stretch defenses downfield in the passing games due to solid route running whether that be on wheel routes or dump-off scenarios. His combination of speed and shiftiness helps him create separation from defenders while looking to score.

The rising junior tailback has amassed nearly 800 yards and eight touchdowns in his career. Sitting behind the likes of Raheim Sanders and AJ Green have stopped him doing more throughout the previous two seasons.

While it’s up to Dubinion to breakout on his own, running back coach Jimmy Smith has shown himself to be very good at having his room ready to play each week.

WR Isaac TeSlaa

This selection may come as a surprise considering he finished as Arkansas’ second leading receiver. TeSlaa finished with 34 receptions, 351 yards and two touchdowns. Once competition became stronger his numbers continued to go down midseason.

He was dependable as he averaged a first down for every catch made. During the final four games, the transfer from Hillsdale College recorded at least 31 yards in receptions.

TeSlaa was touted as one of Bruce Feldman’s freaks of college football leading into the regular season. Above average athleticism combined with exceptional leaping ability will make him a prime target for whoever commands Arkansas’ offense under center.