Kendal Briles provides update on Malik Hornsby’s role as quarterback, wide receiver

The Arkansas Razorbacks have big plans for quarterback Malik Hornsby. Earlier in the offseason, head coach Sam Pittman detailed a plan to use his talented sophomore at wideout as well. But with his expanding role on the offense, what does that mean for Hornsby at quarterback? Well, offensive coordinator Kendal Briles just provided an update on Hornsby’s role as a quarterback and as a wide receiver.

“Malik’s had a good camp. He is still going out there and playing some receiver for us,” said Briles. “It helps that some of those guys that weren’t here in the spring or didn’t perform at high levels in the spring are doing that now. So it takes a little bit of pressure off of that. But he’s still a guy that can play multiple positions. He’s doing a really good job at quarterback. They talked about his arm strength and accuracy. We’ve been pleased with it. So he’s got a role, and we’re really excited to have him on the team. I expect some big things from him.”

After red-shirting his freshman year in 2020, Hornsby had brief moments of playing time in 2021 behind the presumed starter for this season KJ Jefferson. Last year he completed five of his 12 passing attempts for 46 yards. Hornsby also recorded 24 rushing attempts for 136 yards and one touchdown. This season Arkansas fans can expect their athletic offensive star to line up all over the field. And it looks like Pittman plans to get Hornsby the ball early and often.

KJ Jefferson details growth as a quarterback during offseason

The Arkansas Razorbacks and quarterback KJ Jefferson have no plans on coasting on the team’s success from last season. Arkansas finished the year 9-4, including a victory over Penn State in the Outback Bowl. So to progress from last season, Jefferson has been hard at work this offseason expanding his skill set and ability. During a recent interview, the Razorbacks’ junior signal caller detailed his growth over the offseason and how he did it.

“I’ve grown in decision making and being consistent, or just trying to be consistent. That’s one of my main goals going into this season, just being more consistent,” said Jefferson. “Because consistency builds a lot, it’s very contagious; for me, just being consistent makes me an even better quarterback, an elite quarterback. So being consistent and then just decision making; not doing too much, just playing within the system and also reading the defense and knowing where the ball sugar should go and making sure the ball gets there on time.”

In order to build his decision-making and consistency, Jefferson is not focusing solely on what he does on the field. Instead, he’s been taking advantage of conversations with his offensive coordinator Kendal Briles.