Arkansas Football: Hornsby needs to start going forward

It is no secret that Arkansas Football‘s Malik Hornsby is quite the speedster. According to the Razorback roster, the quarterback/wideout stands in at 6’2, 185 pounds, and in the opinion of many, is the fastest player on the field at any given time.

Hornsby has appeared in three out of the four games so far this year, and he has yet to take a snap at quarterback, his listed position on the team roster. The fast-moving sophomore has accumulated just eight yards on two receptions, and an additional 21 yards on three rush attempts this season.

Hornsby, while quick on his feet, struggles to move the ball up the field. Recording an average of four yards per reception and averaging seven yards per carry on the ground, one has to question how effectively the Razorback staff is using him on offense.

Is Arkansas Football using Hornsby effectively?  If not, what does that even look like?

In the most recent loss to Texas A&M, Sam Pittman and Kendal Briles went to the Texas native three times in a row, trying to make some magic happen. The Aggies got a hand on a pass intended for Hornsby. He was tackled for a loss of yardage. There was eventually a fumble on an attempt at a reverse. Overall, it was disastrous.

Hornsby’s tendency to run east to west, while showcasing his speed, does not lead to significant yardage or touchdowns. In order to contribute, he must go forward. Literally, go forward. 

And, in the spirit of going forward, where does Hornsby stand as a quarterback in the future? This season, he’s not played one down as quarterback. In order to gain the experience and confidence that is necessary to step up as a quarterback, if called upon, Hornsby is eventually going to have to take snaps in a game.

Is the former transfer portal entrant the Razorback’s only hope in the event that the current bulldozer of a quarterback, KJ Jefferson, goes down due to injury? If so, Arkansas could be in trouble.