Mitchell, Town eye transfer
FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas running back Damon “Duwop” Mitchell and quarterback Ricky Town will stay with the Razorbacks through the Belk Bowl before pursuing a transfer, Coach Bret Bielema said on Sunday night.
Mitchell, a redshirt junior from Egg Harbor, N.J., plans to play at another school as a graduate transfer,
Bielema said.
“I’ve worked diligently with him over the last couple of weeks to find a place for him next year,” Bielema said. “I’ll let him announce where that is as he moves forward, but he will play in the bowl game for us.”
Mitchell’s decision isn’t a surprise. He was introduced with the seniors during Arkansas’ final home game against LSU. Mitchell has played primarily on special teams this season and has six tackles. He also has 7 carries for 18 yards.
Town, a redshirt sophomore, hasn’t played for the Razorbacks. He transferred to Arkansas before the 2015 season and redshirted after enrolling at Southern California in January of 2015 and going through spring practice.
Bielema said Town, from Thousand Oaks, Calif., plans to transfer to a junior college.
“He’s expressed he wants to find some place next year that can get him on the field and let him showcase his skills,” Bielema said.
If Town plays at a junior college in 2017, he can transfer to another four-year college with two seasons of eligibility.
“With what Ricky has done here, he’s been a great part to our team,” Bielema said. “He played a great role last year as our scout-team quarterback. This year as our third-team quarterback.
“He’s been engaged, locked into every game plan. He just feels there’s a better opportunity for him out there.”
Town’s transfer, after Rafe Peavey’s departure in August, will leave Arkansas with Austin Allen, Ty Storey and Cole Kelley as scholarship quarterbacks this winter.
Daulton Hyatt, a 6-4, 178, from Attala, Ala., is projected to be an early enrollee at quarterback for the Razorbacks. Town