Jeff Blake – USA TODAY Sports
The Arkansas Razorbacks are looking for a bounce-back 2013 season under first year head coach Bret Bielema. They’re looking for playmakers all over the field in order to implement Bielema’s new offense in the SEC. While the new coach looks to replace his quarterback and running back, the most important piece of the offense that needs to be replaced is wide receiver Cobi Hamilton. So who will step up?
Whoever does will have some historical shoes to fill. Hamilton set a single season school record with 90 receptions for 1,335 yards and five touchdowns. He was far and away the most proficient pass catcher on the roster last season. The second leading receiver on the Hogs’ roster a year ago was running back Dennis Johnson who caught just 25 passes and no other receiver cracked the 325 yard mark in yardage.
Arkansas is fortunate to have plenty of experience returning at the receiver position for 2013. Three seniors figure to be the leaders in the passing game next season with Javontee Herndon, Julian Horton and Demetrius Wilson coming back. They may only have 67 combined receptions, but they bring a wealth of experience with them that should make them quick studies in the new Razorbacks’ offense.
Herndon was the most productive of the group a year ago. He caught 21 passes for 304 yards and scored all three of his career touchdowns last fall. He runs routes with toughness and displays a physicality that has quickly endeared him to his new head coach. He’ll likely be the leader of the experienced trio and lead the passing attack for the Razorbacks in 2013.
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