Arkansas State Roster Preview
Quarterbacks
RS SO Layne Hatcher (80) returns for his second year starting. Last year he amassed an impressive 2,946 yards for 27 TDs and only 10 INTs while completing 65% of his passes. He should fit well into Coach Diaz's high octane offense.
RS JR Logan Bonner (78) returns as the backup. He saw some time last year throwing for 1,052 yards, 10 TDs, and 1 INT. If Hatcher struggles. Bonner could be a solid second option for the Wolves.
FR Brett Nezat (68) will be
redshirted.
Halfback/Fullback
JR Marcel Murray (81) returns as the starting halfback but will have a more limited role in Diaz's offense. He had 820 yards and 6 TDs last year, but will need to improve catching out of the backfield where he only had 15 receptions for 125 yards.
RS SR Jamal Jones (75) ran for 375 yards and 3 TDs last year and only caught 6 passes out of the backfield, but he has a lot more speed than Murray and that could increase his playing time.
RS JR Ryan Graham (72) had 23 carries for 134 yards and 2 TDs last year, but probably won't see that much except in goalline situations and possibly fullback.
FR Lincoln Pare (60) will provide deep depth, while
SO Isaiah Azubuike (70) will be
redshirted.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
SR Jonathan Adams Jr. (86) returns as the top receiver after catching 62 passes for 851 yards and 5 TDs.
RS SR Brandon Bowling (80) looks to get a bigger role after only 28 receptions for 263 yards and 2 TDs the year prior.
RS SR Dahu Green (77) will work out of the slot and hope to get more looks in Diaz's offense which will see the slot play an important role.
JR Reed Tyler (80) and
RS SR Javonis Isaac (80) will split time at Tight End as they look to get more involved in the offense than they were last year. Tyler had 8 receptions and Isaac only had 4.
RS JR Roshauud Paul (79),
RS SR Bubba Ogbebor (75), and
RS JR Javan Hawes (76) will provide deep depth and see some rotational time at wide receiver.
RS JR Leroy Deshazor (73) will see very little time this year and
FR Corey Rucker (67) will be
redshirted.
RS SR Giles Amos (72),
RS SO T.W. Ayers (72), and
RS SR Ross Painter (69) will all provide deep depth at tight end and possibly have time at fullback.
Offensive Line
JR Jarrett Horst (85),
RS JR Andre Harris Jr. (81),
RS SR Jacob Still (84),
SR Ivory Scott (81), and
JR Ernesto Ramirez (75) will be the starting lineman from left to right.
RS SR Nour-Eddine Seidnaly (74) will be the primary backup.
RS JR Justin Dutton (69) and
RS JR Wyatt Luebke (68) will also be backups.
JR Avery Demmons (67) and
RS FR Ethan Miner (61) will be deep depth.
FR Austin Woods (68) and
FR Kyle Kelly (64) will
redshirt this season.
Top Defensive Talent
The defense will be lead up front by
RS SR Forrest Merrill (84) at tackle with
RS SR Noel Iwuchukwu (76) providing some pass rush.
SR Caleb Bonner (81) and
RS SR Justin Rice (80) will be the main linebackers manning the middle of the field.
SR Tahj Herring-Wilson (79) and
SO Jarius Remonenq (78) will man the outside at cornerback with
JR Antonio Fletcher (83) covering over the top at safety.
Special Teams
RS JR Blake Grupe (85) looks to get even better after a solid season last year going 19/22 for FG and 53/54 on XP.
RS FR Ryan Hanson (70) will take over the punting duties.
RS SR Bubba Ogebebor (75) and
RS SR Jamal Jones (75) will handle returning for the year.
Arkansas State Schedule
