Sategna's Focus on Football Could Give Answers to More Questions

Most receivers have had unrealized potential or couldn't get passes thrown their way

Author:
Andy Hodges
Publish date:
Jan 15, 2024 9:51 AM EST

In this story:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas wide receiver Isaiah Sategna is dropping track to focus strictly on football. To be fair, I have no idea how he's done in track, but there is evidence extra time spent working on football would be beneficial.

Sategna has speed, but for whatever reason, the other aspects of his receiving game haven't consistently shown up. He needs the extra time to iron out his game because the Razorbacks are in desperate need of a receiver who can take over a game.

If nobody emerges as a No. 1 receiver over the next several months, then we know Arkansas has an issue either in its evaluation process or its ability to get a top-notch guy to catch the ball. They haven't had anything close to a true No. 1 since Treylon Burks was drafted by the Tennessee Titans.

If all of a sudden there's a dramatic improvement, fans will be left to wonder if the quarterback's inconsistency was the issue. KJ Jefferson was handed the keys to the team in 2021 to much fanfare after a big season, but from there the Hogs got progressively worse following Burks' departure. From a 9-4 and New Year's Day bowl game, it was 7-6 and postseason trip to Memphis followed by 4-8 and an early trip home for the holidays.

No one has emerged to fill the hole Burks left. The freshman roommate of Jefferson when they came in under Chad Morris had a bond with him and it was clear in the results. When KJ got in trouble, he looked for Burks to bail him out, and he often did.

After Burks left, it appeared Jefferson was making one read and taking off. For whatever reason Sategna's speed was never utilized except on special teams.

While he's got the speed, Sategna will probably never be a possession receiver. Still, there is a little hope he can develop that part of his game. If new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino is still going with those long crossing routes, Sategna can get wide open because few people can run with him.

KJ Jefferson-Kansas-Liberty Bowl — Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback KJ Jefferson was leading team for three straight seasons as "the guy" with diminishing results every single year.
Nelson Chenault / USA TODAY Sports

In the past Petrino has utilized those type of guys well. With Sategna freeing up time to focus on more reps with the quarterbacks, it could pay big dividends. I'm not talking about waiting until spring practice, but the player-led workouts without coaches around where the rapport builds these days between the guys throwing and catching. They can simply get more passes to figure out the timing.

Just in case you're wondering about that, you should see it from ground level how far the quarterback has to lead the receiver. They run to the ball and make the catch. There's absolutely nothing to suggest Sategna has a problem with any of that.