Arkansas Football Spring Game 2017: 5 things to watch for

By John Buhler | Apr 24, 2017

Dec 29, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach Bret Bielema questions the ref on a call during the fourth quarter of the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. The Hokies win the Belk Bowl 35-24 over the Razorbacks. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /

4 of 5

Oct 8, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Austin Allen (8) passes against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the second quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Is Austin Allen the best quarterback in the SEC?

This is an interesting question for sure: Is Austin Allen the best quarterback in the SEC? He might very well be. Look for the rising senior quarterback to be in contention to be an All-SEC first-teamer at SEC Media Days later this summer.

Allen spent his first two years in college backing up his older brother, Brandon Allen, now with the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars. In his first year as the starting quarterback for the Razorbacks, it looked to be a seamless transition for the younger Allen brother. Frankly, he looked more game ready than his brother did at the same cross-section of their SEC careers.

Allen will have an elite offensive line keeping him upright. He does lose reliable tight end Jeremy Sprinkle to the NFL Draft. If Allen can get anything from his wide receivers and some help in the ground game, there is no reason to believe that he can have an unbelievable senior season for the Razorbacks.

Likely challenging in terms of other SEC quarterbacks include Alabama’s Jalen Hurts, Auburn’s Jarrett Stidham, Georgia’s Jacob Eason, Mississippi State’s Nick Fitzgerald and Ole Miss’ Shea Patterson. Allen is easily the most pro-ready quarterback in the SEC in 2017. Look for him to dominate in the Red-White spring game on Saturday afternoon.

Home/College Football