Jaden Platt primed to live up to expectations in 2025
Arkansas offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino initially recruited Hogs second-year quarterback Taylen Green out of high school and he also previously coached Raylen Sharpe, likely to be one of Green’s top targets this season, at Missouri State in 2022.
Additionally, Petrino mentored redshirt sophomore tight end Jaden Platt when he coordinated Texas A&M’s offense during the 2023 season under Jimbo Fisher.
Platt signed with the Razorbacks out of the transfer portal last offseason and has a prime opportunity to make big strides in his reunion with Petrino. He hopes to break out this fall in his third collegiate season after signing with the Aggies as one of the nation’s premier tight ends a couple of years ago.
“Platt’s an extremely, extremely talented young man,” Petrino said earlier during fall camp. “(He has) The size and speed you want at a tight end in this conference.”
Fresh slate for Jaden Platt
Coming out of Eaton (Texas) High in 2023, Platt was rated as a consensus four-star prospect and was the 45th overall prospect per Rivals.
He played in nine games for the Aggies, including six last season, but he did not record any stats. Platt’s two receptions for 52 yards and a touchdown came during the 2023 campaign with Petrino.
“I really appreciate Coach Petrino,” Platt said. “He’s always believed in me. Ever since I was at A&M, he was always telling me, ‘You have the talent to do what you want to do. You’ve just got to go do it.’ And that’s kind of followed here. I really trust his offense that it’s going to create some sparks this year.”
Platt has set his focus on getting back to the basics. Along with improving on his speed and strength, plus fully grasping the offense, he also feels he is now in a place where his teammates are more approachable.
“I would say the biggest difference is the culture and family at Arkansas,” Platt said. “When I came here, the family aspect of things hit me right away. Here I can go up to any guy in the locker room, doesn’t matter position, weight or height, whatever it is, I can go up to them and have a conversation and it be real.
“And that’s something I appreciate, and I’m sure that everyone else does, you know. Everything is like a family and the meaning “One Hog,” that’s true. It’s true what it is.”
