Arkansas football turning to global talent to rekindle Arkansas TE tradition

Throughout the late 2000s/early 2010s, Arkansas was arguably Tight End U, with notable names like Chris Gragg, D.J. Williams, and Hunter Henry gracing Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in the fall. However, over the last few seasons, the Razorbacks have struggled to produce at the position.

It's not because there was a lack of talent. Since 2016, Arkansas has touted players like 4-star prospects Luke Hasz, Trey Knox, Cheyenne O'Grady, and Austin Cantrell. It has also had late bloomers like Ty Washington and Jeremy Sprinkle, who were solid as Hogs. But for some reason, none of them popped off the field like they did during Arkansas' TE golden years.

Current Arkansas TE coach Morgan Turner is working to put the position back on top, and to do it, he's gone international. For the first time in his career, Turner has two players from outside the United States in his position room: Andreas Paaske and Rohan Jones.

International players take over Arkansas tight end room

"It's crazy," Turner said about the two during Saturday's press conference. "It's not like that's what we were looking for. It just so happened that the right fit for here and for the room happened to be guys that were international."

Paaske joined the Razorbacks last season as a transfer from Eastern Michigan. While he didn't contribute much in the passing attack overall, he perhaps had the most efficient stat line on the team with three receptions for 19 yards and two touchdowns—all of which came against Mississippi State. However, with Hasz, Washington, and Var'Keyes Gumms to use through the air, the Denmark native saw more action as a blocker.

On the other hand, Jones is heading into his fourth season of college football and had no idea the SEC even existed until last season.

Growing up in Montreal, he played soccer but was often too physical for the game. Once he switched to football, Syracuse became his dream school simply because it was close to home. But now that he’s at Arkansas and learned about the SEC, he says he wouldn’t have it any other way.

"I will be honest, I didn't know what the SEC was until maybe last year," said Rohan on Saturday. "Being from Canada, I didn't know the conferences. I didn't know the teams. For me, I had my one offer from Maine out of high school, and I was like, ‘this is my chance. I'll pursue it. ... Getting to know about [the SEC], I was like, that's where I want to be.’"

Turner spoke about how the two international guys have helped each other out with their peculiar situations, specifically with their Visa issues. However, other than Swiss Army Knife Maddox Lassiter, Paaske is the most senior player in the room and has taken all the new guys under his wing while improving his own skills, including his receiving abilities.

Turner said the two international players have leaned on each other while navigating their unique challenges — especially when it comes to Visa issues. Outside of Swiss Army Knife Maddox Lassiter, Paaske is the most experienced tight end in the room. He’s taken the newcomers under his wing while continuing to sharpen his own game, particularly as a pass catcher.

"He's worked like crazy. He's doing everything he can to improve in everything," said Turner. "I mean, he's out there running routes, catching balls. Like, it's impressive. He's working really hard. It matters to him, and it shows."

Paaske has already shown a tiny sliver of what could be if he advances in the passing game, but the other international player, Jones, already has an impressive skill set. However, at 6-foot-3, 242 pounds, Jones is on the small side when it comes to TEs, so his run blocking is still a work in process. But it's not about the size of the dog in the fight; it's about the size of the fight in the dog.

"He's not scared in the run game," said Turner, describing what he liked about Jones' Montana State film. "He'll go hit you and all that. Like, it impressed me right away on the film."

That mentality, paired with Paaske's improvement as a receiver, gives Arkansas a promising foundation in the TE room. Both have skills to improve and areas where they shine, but together, Paaske and Jones can represent a new chapter of great Arkansas TEs, and hopefully, bring back the Tight End U label.