If you’re listing the top quarterbacks to play college football in recent history, you’d be remiss to not put Texas’ Vince Young and Virginia Tech’s Michael Vick on the list. The pair parlayed fantastic athleticism with great arms to punish any defense they faced, both en route to national title appearances (with Young winning his). According to Tennessee football outside linebackers coach Levorn ‘Chop’ Harbin, those are the players Arkansas signal caller Taylen Green reminds him of.
“We don’t need Superman out there,” Harbin said. “We need for everybody to do their job versus a very athletic quarterback. Reminds you a lot of guys you guys remember, Vince Young, Michael Vick, that’s what he reminds you of. Just a taller, longer version. So, everybody has to do their job this week.”
While Arkansas has gotten off to a rough start and ultimately fired head coach Sam Pittman after its recent loss to Notre Dame, it’s easy to see why Green is garnering so much praise. So far, he’s produced 1,398 passing yards, 12 touchdowns and five interceptions. On the ground, he’s added 441 yards and two touchdowns.
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A year ago, Green was pivotal in the upset win over Tennessee, as well. Harbin and the Vols’ defensive staff didn’t let the Razorbacks put up too many points, but also didn’t have a solution to stopping Green through the air. He totalled 266 passing yards on 19-for-27 completions in the 19-14 win.
Now, Green will take the field for a team led by interim head coach Bobby Petrino. The former Hogs head coach served as an offensive coordinator the past two seasons before being elevated to the new position. He’s coached the likes of dynamic quarterback Lamar Jackson while at Louisville, too, and is known for impressive offenses.
Tennessee and Arkansas will kick off at 4:15 p.m. ET on Saturday. The game will air on the SEC Network. Both teams are coming off a bye week to get healthy and prepare for the matchup.
