Razorbacks' 2-Deep Comes with Possible Hidden Gem

Arkansas wide receiver nabs spot against Western Carolina after being somewhat off radar

Author:
Kent Smith
Publish date:
Aug 29, 2023 1:40 AM EDT

In this story:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – When the two-deep roster came out for the Western Carolina game it got more attention than usual from Arkansas fans because there has been so much mystery around this team. High roster turnover left the Hogs with few known faces.

However, even with things being a bit unfamiliar, there are certain names of newcomers almost every Hog fan can rattle off by heart because they have come up so much. Andrew Armstrong, Isaac TeSlaa and Tyrone Broden have seen their names in various headlines, and while Isaiah Sategna and Jaedon Wilson technically aren't new names, they have only recently made their way to the top of mind for the fan base.

And while that fills up almost all the spots at the wide receiver position, there's still one spot left and it's filled by a name that might leave Arkansas fans saying "Huh?" Freshman Davion Dozier of Moody, Ala. nailed down the right to switch out with TeSlaa when needed.

With so much hype surrounding the transfer portal and heavy focus on incoming freshmen centered on tight end and the secondary, Dozier slipped under the radar about as far as a 4-star, No. 43 wide receiver in the country can. Of course, part of that was because he committed so early, well before his stock skyrocketed.

It wasn't that he didn't put up big numbers. Dozier opened last season with nearly 20% of his 1,325 yards receiving against Pell City. It was impressive, but it was hard to judge what he really brought to the table because the opposing secondary blew coverages left and right and made terrible reads.

However, there was one thing that set Dozier apart and gave a hint he might be able to handle himself as an SEC receiver. Time and time again, Dozier can be seen blocking downfield. It's a trademark that made former Razorback star receiver Treylon Burks even more of a monster than most people thought. Also, along the way, Dozier developed a technique that makes it look like he is about to block his defender only to turn on the jets and create separation without having to push off for wide open catches.

Still, that was against high school players. Sure Dozier was chosen to play in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star game, but that's still not competing with seasoned college receivers. However, along the way, something stood out.

For some it was his work ethic. Quarterback KJ Jefferson said he was impressed Dozier always seemed to be the first guy in the building. For strength and conditioning coach Ben Sowders it was the speed attached to the 6-foot-4 frame. And for head coach Sam Pittman, it's the steady hands he showed in camp, especially in tight coverage.

"Davion made a couple of catches today," Pittman said regarding the first day of preseason preparations a few weeks ago. "He looks like an SEC wide receiver."

At 205 pounds with plenty of room to grow, there's potential Dozier will look like an elite SEC receiver once his body fills out. However, for now, those who will be in the stands in War Memorial at noon Saturday or with access to streaming will get the chance to see how close to an actual SEC receiver he already is.