Petrino Aims to Enhance Skills of Dual-Threat Transfer.
The question on every Razorback fan’s mind is whether Arkansas offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino can help transform Taylen Green into a dependable dual-threat quarterback who consistently puts points on the board and dismantles SEC defenses.
Head coach Sam Pittman remains cautious but optimistic about his new transfer quarterback, an elite athlete who was the fastest player on Boise State’s football team. How quickly Green becomes a game-changer for Arkansas will significantly impact the team’s chances of exceeding the low expectations leading up to next week’s SEC Media Days in Dallas.
“He is special,” Pittman said, his eyes brightening as he discussed Green, a 6-foot-6, 223-pound powerhouse with the speed to outrun defensive backs, reminiscent of former UA quarterback Matt Jones from two decades ago. Jones was listed at the same height and weight as Green during his time with the Razorbacks.
In his early years, Jones was more effective as a runner than as a passer, but he improved significantly and left as the school’s leader in total touchdowns (77) and total yards (8,392). He was a first-round pick for Jacksonville in 2005, although he ended up playing wide receiver in the NFL.
Pittman was impressed by Green’s performance on video, particularly when he was named Offensive MVP of the Mountain West Championship game on December 2. Green completed 12 of 15 passes for 226 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 90 yards and two touchdowns on just eight carries. That level of efficiency is crucial for Arkansas as they navigate their typically tough schedule.
However, it’s important to note that Green is unlikely to be the next Jayden Daniels, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner who threw for 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns while rushing for 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns, leading LSU to a 10-3 record last season. Daniels was a four-star recruit who initially signed with Arizona State before transferring to LSU.
Green was a three-star recruit from Lewisville, Texas, where he set the school’s long jump record while also excelling in track. He redshirted his first year at Boise State, then started 10 of 13 games as a redshirt freshman and 12 of 13 last year. The Broncos finished 6-2 in the Mountain West in 2023 and had an overall record of 8-5 with Green as the starter. He opted out of the bowl game against UCLA because he had already committed to Arkansas.
The Broncos struggled at the start of the season, going 0-2 with a 56-19 loss to No. 2 Washington, who eventually played in the national championship game, followed by an 18-16 defeat against Central Florida.
Pittman noted that he was impressed with Green during spring practice, especially with how his teammates responded to him. The fifth-year head coach emphasized that the team has good talent, and Green is the kind of player who elevates those around him.
“He’s a very talented guy who makes his teammates better, and that’s essential for a quarterback,” Pittman said. “Every position needs leadership, but a quarterback must have those skills.”
Pittman praised Green’s throwing ability during the spring, noting that he improved as the season progressed.
“Bobby’s done an excellent job with his mechanics,” Pittman said. “He’s made Green’s throwing motion more consistent, which is crucial. Bobby has also helped him deepen his understanding of the passing game and how to read the field effectively.”
Pittman highlighted the importance of confidence for success, stating that Petrino instills that confidence in his young quarterbacks. His track record of developing quarterbacks precedes him.
“Bobby has a knack for building confidence in these players,” Pittman said. “He came here with instant credibility and respect.”
Since arriving at Arkansas, Green has not only grown physically but mentally as well, according to Pittman.
“He’s added about 12 good pounds, and he’s incredibly fast,” Pittman said. “We know he’s a great runner because we saw that at Boise State. We haven’t fully seen it during spring practice, as we hold back a bit, but we know he has the speed and size.”
While Green may not be Peyton Manning or even Lamar Jackson—who Petrino coached at Louisville—he could be the solution that brings the Hogs together and might possess the special qualities needed to elevate Arkansas to unexpected heights this fall.
