Don’t forget Arkansans at other college football programs

You’ve watched the in-state players in action for the Razorbacks, but there are others scattered across the country at Division I schools who deserve your attention.

Here’s a few Arkansans to watch for while flipping channels from game-to-game this season.

K.J. HILL, OHIO STATE

Of all the players who got away during the Bret Bielema era, this one hurt the most.

Hill is a senior and the leading returning receiver (70 catches, 885 yards, 6 touchdowns) for an Ohio State team that is a national championship contender most years.

The former North Little Rock star makes any quarterback look good with his ability to take short passes and go a long way.

WILL HASTINGS, AUBURN

Everyone loves an underdog story, which certainly applies to Hastings, a former walk-on who is back for his senior year after undergoing two knee surgeries.

When healthy, Hastings (5-foot-10, 174 pounds) has shown an ability to get open and avoid tacklers against top defenders in the SEC. He had 26 catches for 525 yards and four touchdowns as a junior in 2017.

“He’s super quick. He’s one of the quickest guys we’ve had,” Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said of the former walk-on from Pulaski Academy. “Will can get open versus anybody covering him in a manto-man situations,” Malzahn said. “He looks like he’s about 13 years old, too. If you ever see him, you wouldn’t think he’s an SEC player.”

I’ll be among those cheering the loudest for Hastings, who is truly an inspirational player for anyone who’s been counted out or overlooked.

DYLAN SOEHNER, IOWA STATE

Soehner has paid his dues as a special teams player and blocking tight end for the Cyclones, who’ve made consecutive bowl appearances after posting eight wins each in 2017 and 2018.

Iowa State coach Matt Campbell has expressed eagerness in getting Soehner more involved in the offense this year, and Soehner (6-foot-7, 245 pounds) could line up in the backfield as a hybrid fullback/tight end.

Anyone who watched Soehner play at Prairie Grove knows the big man can catch the ball. He’ll likely get that chance at Iowa State after some other college coaches wanted him to switch to offensive tackle.

AKIAL BYERS, MISSOURI

Arkansas fans should already know about Byers, one of three players from Fayetteville High School on the Missouri roster.

Byers earned a starting position midway through last season and had a fumble recovery for a touchdown in the 38-0 victory over the Razorbacks. Remember?

I know. You’re trying to forget. Missouri is expecting a big year from Byers, who can play every position along the defensive line.

TAYLOR POWELL, MISSOURI

Fans love the transfer quarterback who can come in and make an impact, but they forget the players on the team who’ve already put in the work.

Powell is squeezed between Kelly Bryant, the transfer from Clemson, and Shawn Robinson, who’ll be eligible next year after he transferred from Texas Christian. To his credit, Powell decided to stay at Missouri and if anyone deserves to play this season it is Powell, who saw mop-up duty last year behind Drew Lock, a second-round pick of the Denver Broncos.

BARRETT BANNISTER, MISSOURI

Bannister is another overlooked recruit fans love to watch succeed.

The former walk-on came on late last season as a receiver and caught three passes for 37 yards in the Liberty Bowl against Oklahoma State. He’ll see the field more this year as a redshirt sophomore.

LUC BEQUETTE, CALIFORNIA

Looking for a late night game to finish off your football fix on Saturdays?

Then check out Luc Bequette, who plays nose guard for the Cal Bears. If the last name sounds familiar, it is.

He comes from a sports family that includes his father, Chris, who played football at Arkansas, and mother, Debi, who won the bronze medal in figure skating at the 1988 Olympics.

I’m not sure how good Luc is on skates, but he certainly works well as a run-stopper for the Bears.

TY STOREY, WESTERN KENTUCKY

The former Arkansas quarterback and Charleston High School star is now at Western Kentucky, home of the Hilltoppers.

Storey did not play in Thursday’s opener against Central Arkansas, but he’ll likely get a chance after Western Kentucky sputtered down the stretch during a 35-28 defeat to the Bears.

Storey will return to Fayetteville on Nov. 9 when the Razorbacks host the Hilltoppers. I hope Arkansas fans appreciate the effort Storey gave here, especially when he easily could’ve signed with another team out of high school.