COMFIRMED: Razorbacks are bringing him back

Following a dismal season in which Arkansas finished with a 4-8 (1-7 SEC) overall record, head coach Sam Pittman and the Razorbacks’ coaching staff decided to make significant roster adjustments by recruiting high school players in 2024.

Pittman thinks that with 16 signees, the scholarship freshmen will aid in the endeavor to turn the program around following the implementation of the 12-team College Football Playoff structure.

In order to provide fans a preview of the new faces on the roster ahead of spring practice and the 2024 season, HawgBeat will feature each of the 34th nationally rated recruiting class’s new freshmen.

The three-star cornerback Jaden Allen of Aledo, Texas, will be our next focus.Prior to deciding to sign to the Razorbacks on April 21, 2023, Allen received offers from schools including Alabama, LSU, Michigan State, Mississippi State, Tennessee, Texas, and USC. Allen was ranked as the 100th overall talent in the state of Texas and the 69th at his position.

Allen, who stands at 5 feet 10 inches and weighs 163 pounds, possesses exceptional athleticism and speed to match SEC wide receivers. His modest stature is the only issue, but now that he’s on campus and in a college weight facility, that can be resolved. After visiting Fayetteville a year ago, Allen remarked, “It just feels like a real big family.” “It seems as though they desire for me to be here. It doesn’t really feel different to me—rather, it feels the same because I simply feel linked to all the coaches and whatnot.”

Allen concluded his senior year with 11 games played, 43 total catches, 0.5 sacks, one interception, and one pass breakup. His one pass breakup resulted in a touchdown return. He recorded 127 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, 21 pass breakups, and seven interceptions in 43 career games.”I like the facilities, just everything about the campus I like,” Allen stated. “I was just happy to come down here with the coaches, be around some of the players, and see how they handle things because I’ve already been out here and saw the majority of it. Being back down here and able to chat with the coaches and other people was simply wonderful.”

Antonio Cromartie, a former NFL star defensive back, expressed gratitude for Allen in a post on X (previously Twitter), writing, “Y’all have a special kid.” Anywhere in the secondary, he can play! His attitude will make him stand out from the others! Absurd athletic ability!”