Arkansas Razorbacks: 5 Players to Watch

Oct 5, 2013; Gainesville, FL, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Brandon Allen (10) sets to throw during the first half of the game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports

#10 Brandon Allen, 6-foot-3, 216 pounds, Junior, Quarterback

There are more talented players on the Arkansas roster that did not make this list, but there may be no more important player for the Razorbacks in 2014.

Junior quarterback Brandon Allen struggled mightily in 2013. He started well and led the Hogs to three straight wins to open the season, but a shoulder injury against Southern Miss caused him to miss the Rutgers game, which was the team’s first loss of the year. From that point, Allen played hurt, and the Razorbacks would not win another game.

However, the team, and Allen in particular, gained momentum during the season’s final three games, which proved to be the best chances for Arkansas to claim an SEC victory. Allen completed 18-of-32 pass attempts against Ole Miss, 10-of-17 against Mississippi State and 19-of-29 against LSU in Baton Rouge to finish the season. That equates to 60.3% over the last three ballgames.

The team fell in each contest, but was much more competitive than they had been in the month prior. The Razorbacks lost to the Rebels by ten, fell to the Bulldogs in overtime, and barely missed a victory in Baton Rouge when the defense couldn’t hold a late fourth quarter lead.

In all, Allen completed 128 of 258 passes (49.6%) as a sophomore, for 1,552 yards, 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. The Razorbacks don’t throw much, but Allen will have to improve tremendously on those numbers for Arkansas to make a big step forward this year and reach a bowl game. They’ll also need his leadership. Allen was selected as a permanent team captain during fall camp.