Tyrone Broden is poised to have a breakout season for the Razorbacks after being set back with injuries last season.
Wide receiver Tyrone Broden is back at Arkansas as a super senior and will have the opportunity to showcase his skills in his last year under offensive mastermind Bobby Petrino. The former Bowling Green transfer brings a wealth of experience and has more ability than he showed during an underwhelming 2023 season.
Broden, who has noticeably added size this spring to his more slender 2023 frame, made 15 catches last year for 109 yards (7.3 avg.) with three touchdowns while starting four games a year ago, but he was limited with a non-surgical MCL injury that set him back. He caught two passes for 34 yards (17.0 avg.) in last Saturday’s 152-play scrimmage, including a 30-pass from quarterback Taylen Green during situational work (third- and second-down from midfield) in Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. He stepped into the role as the No. 1 wide receiver for Andrew Armstrong, who tweaked his hamstring last Thursday.
Armstrong and Broden have done a really nice job,” Petrino said after Tuesday’s practice. “They’re tough matchups because they both have great size. They both can elevate and turn their bodies. They’re quick in and out of their breaks. He can work inside routes and outside routes. Armstrong’s 6-4 and can work inside and outside, so they’ve been impressive to me.
“When you get guys with experience, even if it’s from the portal, you start to learn the offense. It doesn’t take as long anymore. The same thing happens in the NFL when you get traded. You’ve already been through it. You pick it up quicker when they change offensive coordinators.”
Broden’s biggest moment last season came on Nov. 4 against Florida in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Week 10. He caught the game-winning touchdown pass from former Razorback quarterback KJ Jefferson in overtime from four yards out to give the Hogs their first and only conference win of 2023, 39-36. It was Arkansas’ first-ever win in Gainesville, and it also snapped a six-game losing streak.