Walker White’s Choice Surprising, but Hogs Never in Running

Kendal Briles probably blew any chance Dan Enos had at landing big-time state prospect.

Author:
Andy Hodges
Updated:
Feb 3, 2023 5:50 PM EST
Original:
Feb 3, 2023

In this story:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas didn't make the final cut, so it wasn't particularly surprising Walker White is headed elsewhere.

To Auburn, though, raised a few eyebrows.

The Little Rock Christian quarterback, one of the highest-rated high school prospects in the state over the past few years, committed Friday afternoon and picked Auburn. A lot of folks had projected him headed to Clemson.

Now the Razorbacks could have to go against him in a few years.

And new offensive coordinator Dan Enos tried, but couldn't flip him around after coming in to replace Kendal Briles in January.

When Walker announced his final three of Clemson, Baylor and Auburn, it was obvious the Hogs are looking at a future without a marquee name behind center.

At least there's no evidence to suggest any of the backups to KJ Jefferson (who will be slap out of eligibility after this season) will be able to be a big-time SEC quarterback. Before you knee-jerk with @ things, that doesn't mean they will be bad.

But none of them can put the Hogs over the edge to compete for a title. Yeah, I know nobody thought five years ago Stetson Bennett could lead Georgia out of the dressing room, much less back-to-back titles but there are exceptions to every assumption like this.

The odds are against it.

Don't be quick to cast the dark cloud over Enos. You can put the lack of interest from White for the Hogs squarely at the feet of Briles, who apparently was more interested in getting someone who would better fit his system than figure out a way to adapt his style to a great talent.

To win championships in college football these days isn't done without a great quarterback.

Enos has to figure that out.

Sam Pittman has to figure out how to get the players needed to compete for a title.