Razorbacks getting ready for the Liberty Bowl

Arkansas set for clash with Texas Tech on Dec. 27 in Memphis

From the University of Arkansas

arkansasrazorbacks.com

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas is now preparing for the AutoZone Liberty Bowl against Texas Tech on Friday, Dec. 27, in Memphis.

Arkansas (6-6) and Texas Tech (8-4) will kickoff at 6 p.m. on ESPN. While many players have opted out of the game or hit the transfer portal one familiar face is quarterback Taylen Green. Green talked about how it has going with so many new faces.

“It’s been different with just new faces everywhere,” Green said. “But everybody’s getting their opportunity, and that’s what I love. And they’re stepping up, with new targets like CJ (Brown), Monte (Harrison) and Shamar (Easter) has been looking really good, too. And (Isaac) Tes(laa) has been looking amazing, too. So just everybody getting their opportunity with Brooks (Edmonson) at center and Kobe (Branham), the freshmen. So I’m just excited to see you know what they can do, and they’ve been looking really good in practice.”

Edmonson, who is from from Bryant High School, was recently awarded a scholarship.

Branham is true freshman from Fort Smith Southside.

“I would say it’s been good,” Green said. “Like I said, it’s been different, but there are new faces and new energy.

Kobe’s doing a great job.

Brooks is doing a great job, and they’re fresh. We’re going to keep continuing to encourage them and we believe in them, so I’m just excited for the opportunity like I said.”

In his first season as a Razorback, Green completed 219 of 360 passes for 2,813 yards, 13 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. He rushed 141 times for 521 yards and 7 touchdowns.

Does he feel like he can get better in 2025?

“Just growing in the offense, being quicker in my reads and just being more detailed in my footwork and being more consistent,” Green said. “And just learning defense and of course, like I said, learning the offense. And that’s what I’m big on. And you know, I have dreams of making it to the NFL, and I feel like an-

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other year in (Bobby) Petrino’s offense will give me the best opportunity for that, and I’m excited for it.”

Green talked about seeing several wide receivers having bigger roles in the bowl game. “You know, I don’t try not to over-complicate it and not over-teach it,” Green said.

“They’ve been playing football since they were little just like I have. And they have the instincts and the talent to do it, and they wouldn’t be here if they didn’t. So that’s what I love, just letting their instincts and trust… And of course, I’ll give a give them a couple tips, but Coach (Ronnie) Fouch does a great job of coaching them in, of course Coach Petrino. And that’s what I love about the staff, that they help us with playing.”

TeSlaa is the leading receiver available for the bowl game.

TeSlaa caught 25 passes for 439 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Green has full confidence in TeSlaa.

“I have full trust in him and the way he sees the field,” Green said. “The different routes that we have, I have complete trust in him. We’ve seen it (against) Pine Bluff with the one-handed catch over the middle. I still don’t forget that. He’s a heck of a player and I’m excited for the opportunity that he has.”

Recruits such as former Texas A& M tight end Jaden Platt, who is transferring to Arkansas, praised Green for his recruiting effort on him.

“You know, being the quarterback I have to recruit, you know, whether it’s on social media or seeing them in person,” Green said. “I had a couple of dinners. I can’t say no to food, so I’m not complaining. It’s really cool to meet everybody and the families. I was in the transfer portal last year, so I know exactly what they’re thinking and I know what my parents were thinking. I try to answer as many questions as the parents have, too.”