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'We don't need the hype,' ex-Hog explains why Antonio Jordan was overlooked

Warren receivers don't need the bells and whistle. They just want to play ball.
ByAustin Farmer|
September 18, 2010; Athens, GA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks tight end Chris Gragg (80) runs with the ball against the Georgia Bulldogs in the first half at Sanford Stadium. Arkansas defeated Georgia 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
September 18, 2010; Athens, GA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks tight end Chris Gragg (80) runs with the ball against the Georgia Bulldogs in the first half at Sanford Stadium. Arkansas defeated Georgia 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

One of the biggest question marks heading into the season is the wide receiver group. Arkansas' top returning pass catcher is running back Rodney Hill, who finished with just 68 receiving yards. So, calling the position wide open might be putting it lightly. Still, one of the team’s newest additions could be in line for significant playing time.

True Freshman Antonio Jordan makes an impact in first days of camp

Antonio Jordan has turned heads after arriving on campus despite missing spring camp. Jordan made an instant impact with his size and speed in the Summer.

"Lot of talent," said Sam Pittman of the true freshman before the start of fall camp Thursday. "He can run. He's run well over 20 (MPH) using GPS. Can catch the ball, can go up and get the ball."

Jordan was one of eight true freshmen to enroll after spring, putting him at an early disadvantage. However, his advanced physical condition helped him close the gap quickly. That, along with rule changes to the dead period, was something Pittman pointed to when explaining how Jordan made such a significant impact in such a short time.

"So, as young guys, you wonder why they can't play, well, a lot of the reason is the season," said Pittman. "A lot of it, they're not quite fast enough, they don't learn the playbook fast enough. With the new rules, we were able to certainly get him in, get him caught up as much as you can without actually doing it on the playbook.

"Now, he's got some guys he's got to beat out, obviously, but we think he's very capable, and I think he's going to be exceptional. I don't want to put pressure on him. He's young, but I think he's going to be an exceptional talent."

At 6-foot-6, 234 pounds, running over 20 miles per hour, and can make grabs like in the X post above, the Warren, Ark. prospect is indeed an exceptional talent. But that begs the question: Why was he only a 3-star prospect out of high school?

Razorback great Chris Gragg explains Jordan's low ranking

With a city population of 5,196, the Warren Lumberjacks seem to pump out one wide receiver after another. Famous Razorbacks like Jarius Wright, Treylon Burks, Greg Childs, and Chris Gragg all hail from the small, southwest Arkansas town, and the latter suggested one reason Jordan—and other Warren pospects—may have been under-recruited.

In response to the post above, Pig Trail Nation’s Mike Irwin noted that Jordan never attended prospect camps—an important factor in boosting recruiting rankings. Gragg followed up in the comments, explaining why.

"Warren kids don't do camps. We don't need the hype before college. We just play ball. WPS"

Jordan may very well be the next great wideout for the Arkansas Razorbacks, but he still has to earn his playing time. It's only a few days into camp, and other wideouts are impressing as well. Former 4-star Florida State transfer Jalen Brown's speed and a one-handed grab by Charlotte transfer O'Mega Blake have also made an impression early. With 28 days until the Razorbacks open up the 2025 season against Alabama A&M, Jordan has more than enough time to prove himself ready for significant playing time.

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