Time for Arkansas, Hornsby to Do Things Right Way

Razorbacks, former quarterback need each other, can both come out winners if neither will be stubborn

Author:
Kent Smith
Publish date:
Jan 3, 2024 10:11 AM EST

In this story:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – For those who don’t know, former Arkansas quarterback Malik Hornsby is back in the portal as of a couple of days ago.

He originally signed with Texas State, anticipating that not only were the Bobcats about the only team willing to give him a chance to be a quarterback, but that he would be the starter. And for a few weeks that was the case.

That is until Auburn quarterback TJ Finley entered the portal back in May. Having seen Hornsby’s shortcomings as signal caller throughout the spring, head coach GJ Kinne made the decision to bring Finley in and that was that.

Hornsby quickly found himself in the same role he played at Arkansas. He threw five fewer passes and ran four more times, meaning he found the ball in his hands one less play than his final season with the Razorbacks.

If he’s finally matured enough to do what’s best for his football future, then he will accept that plays out as a receiver. At the same time, if Razorbacks coach Sam Pittman is willing to do what’s best for his future, that means being willing to give Hornsby a chance to grow into a star in that role at Arkansas.

Everyone knows what Hornsby can do while running the ball. He’s dynamic. He has NFL skills. He was just always too stubbornly stuck on the idea of being a quarterback to let himself develop that part of his game to its fullest.

The Hogs need more speed at receiver. That was addressed to an extent with Texas A&M transfer Jordan Anthony. He’s track fast, much like current Arkansas wide receiver Isaiah Sategna. However, also like Sategna, he’s a small target for quarterbacks to hit.

Now, Hornsby isn’t exactly The Rock in a football uniform, but he is four inches taller than Anthony and Sategna. Ask any quarterback. That extra height and arm length go a long way toward putting a barrier between receptions and interceptions.

Hornsby knows Pittman and Pittman knows what all comes with having Hornsby around. By all accounts, he was always a hard worker and didn’t seem to cause drama in the locker room. Sure, he got a little pouty and once sat off to himself on a giant box after getting pulled from a game, but there’s something wrong if a player isn’t bothered by losing opportunities.

There’s a ton of tape for offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino to figure out how to use him, probably including some from the brief window Hornsby practiced at receiver. Also, Pittman can tell him honestly and in-depth what makes Hornsby tick and what’s going to get under his skin.

What makes this time different is not only will the former quarterback have accepted his new role so he can put his entire heart and NFL future into it, but Pittman will be able to do the same. He won’t have to fret over possibly injuring his best back-up quarterback option knowing KJ Jefferson is going to get hurt and miss multiple games.

Jefferson is no longer at Arkansas, and the current quarterback room is deep. There are high quality back-ups who can come in and perform at a starter level around ever corner of the football facilities.

Hornsby can be 100% invested in becoming a high SEC level receiver for Petrino. The Razorbacks can be 100% invested in opening a door for him to get to the NFL.

It can be the perfect match. The only thing that could mess it up is if one or both is too stubborn to make it happen.