Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

News and notes from Monday’s Arkansas State football media availability …

I. Youth Movement
Gus Malzahn doesn’t mind playing a freshman if he thinks the player can contribute. That’s why he hasn’t been shy about working young players into the mix during the non-conference portion of the schedule.

And the youth movement has produced for Malzahn and the Red Wolves (2-2), especially on offense. From center Bryce Giddens to wide receiver J.D. McKissic and running backs Michael Gordon and Rocky Hayes and other first-year guys the contributions have been plentiful.

Expect to see more of those first-year guys as Arkansas State begins Sun Belt play against Western Kentucky (3-1) on Saturday.

“There comes a time you’ve got to just put them out there and let them play,” Malzahn said. “There’s nothing like experience. Some of them, I’m sure their heads are spinning the first game or two. But my experience is that the guys that can handle it, it doesn’t take but a game or two for them to settle in and get confidence.”

McKissic has turned in perhaps the most impressive statistical contributions so far. He’s caught 26 passes for 249 yards, giving the Red Wolves a boost with more experienced receivers suspended, booted or injured.

Hayes, who made the shift from defense to offense just two weeks ago, has averaged 8.8 yards on 16 carries. He’s also a possibility to play receiver and should settle into a position soon, but Malzahn wouldn’t divulge where the team plans to use Hayes most.

Gordon has also been a late addition to the offense. He impressed coaches with his scout team work in preparation for the season opener at Oregon and carried six times for 35 yards last week against Alcorn State.

Other freshmen to see action on offense include quarterback Fredi Knighten and receiver Derek Keaton. Kicker Luke Ferguson and defensive back Chris Humes have also made contributions as first-year players along with receiver Derek Deaton and defensive back Booker Mayes.

Total the Red Wolves have played eight freshmen and eight redshirt freshmen this season.

Once you’re committed to putting a freshman on the field, you have to make sure you’re committed for the season, Malzahn said. There’s no turning back when the redshirt has been lifted.

“Anytime you make a commitment to play a freshman, I mean, if you’re going to play them, you’re going to play them,” Malzahn said. “It gave us some good information the first couple of games, and the guys you saw play the other night, we’re going to play.”

II. Security Blanket
Ryan Aplin showed a strong connection with receiver Taylor Stockermer last season and during spring and preseason camps. Their bond was so strong that Malzahn referred Monday to the receiver as Aplin’s “security blanket.”

Aplin has been without his go-to option since early in the Oregon game, but is doing fine without him. He’s completed 61.9 percent of his passes with seven touchdowns and only one interception.