It’s not always easy to extrapolate a clear takeaway from a college football spring game, but one this was certain at the Arkansas State 2024 Spring Game: if you wear a Pizza Hut bucket hat to the game, it will become a topic of intense but mercifully succinct conversation.

It wasn’t my intention to lead Jonesboro’s fashion vanguard, but one rarely chooses his own destiny. For example, one of the Red Wolves’ newest wide receivers – Malik Hornsby – began his college career as a four star quarterback for Arkansas. Today he’s a 6’3″ wideout for the Red Wolves offering some speed and size at a position that could always use more speed and size.

Of course, it’s not like Hornsby is finished behind center. With only two signal callers currently on the roster, Hornsby received plenty of repetitions at QB along with freshman Josh Flowers and incumbent starter Jaylen Raynor. Still, Hornsby is expect to be primarily a receiver, and it was reassuring to the Spring crowd to see him haul in an 18 yard touchdown reception from Raynor.

Also adding tangibles to the Red Wolves receivers room: Benedict College transfer Reginald Harden Jr., who stands at 6’5″ and seemed to be a popular target, especially to freshman Josh Flowers, who delivered Harden’s 11-yard touchdown reception.

Unlike last year, when it was completely murky as to who would lead the Red Wolves at quarterback, this year’s Spring Game saw a perfectly poised and evolving Jayden Raynor leading the huddle. Raynor’s numbers were springy for sure – 11/23 for 217 yards, 3 TDs, a pick and four rushes for 24 yards, but it was his poise and command that Red Wolves fans likely found validating. Nobody on the field seemed more secure about his place in the Universe than sophomore quarterback Jaylen Raynor.

You might be wondering about Raynor’s young back-up, ESPN 4-star recruit Josh Flowers. His line was about as springy as Raynor’s (12/18 for 216 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, four rushes for 22 yards), but the first thing you notice about him is his size – a muscular 6’3″ 210-pounds. Flowers is clearly still learning the offense and adjusting to the college page of play, but he will be a significant dual threat when his time comes.

Even if your eyes were on the quarterbacks, you likely noticed the number of players hobbling around out of uniform, many of which wearing cumbersome knee braces. Ethan Hasler, Cam Jeffrey and Manny Stevenson were all nursing dings. Star wide receiver Corey Rucker was seen patroling the sideline, sporting a brace. Noah Smith and Jacob Bayer were the Busted Leg Brothers, though both were on hand to provide encouragement and spirit.

According to head coach Butch Jones, these injuries would all disappear by the opening game with UCA, but coaches can be optimistic (especially on a pleasant Spring day), so we shall see.

Defensively, it’s difficult to gauge the Red Wolves because the quarterbacks are not to be touched. Blayne Toll, the long ago Arkansas/Colorado transfer, was noticeably active on the defensive line, as was new Georgia Tech pickup Noah Collins. Justin Hodges, the chronically amped cornerback from UCF, was seemingly everywhere, though he was (curiously for a CB) wearing no-contact white. Brandon Greil, the sophomore safety, collected a pick six.

Offensively, we saw a lot of Zak Wallace and Cedric Hawkins – the latter of which appears to have spent his off season putting on more muscle in the gym. Courtney Jackson, the transfer from Syracuse, picked up where he left off last season, becoming the preferred target. The kicking squad without Dominic Zvada? They seemed okay. Everybody likes Clune Van Andel.

In addition to all this data, I received a fairly fresh soft pretzel at the concessions, and some spirited comments about my hat from the beer garden ladies. You can’t ask much more from a Spring Game.

PHOTOS ARE MINE