FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas receiver Keon Hatcher hit up Austin Allen a few times this summer to see if his quarterback was up for an impromptu, late-night throwing session.
Allen was always game, even if it meant getting in a workout with Hatcher at 11 p.m. or midnight.
Sometimes Dominique Reed, Jared Cornelius or Cody Hollister would join them. Other times it was just Allen and Hatcher, forming a bond.
“We got some good quality one-on-one work together,” Hatcher said. “Our relationship has built very well.”
That was important for Hatcher, a fifth-year senior after being granted a medical hardship when he broke his foot in the second game of the season last year. Hatcher grew close with Brandon Allen, Austin’s older brother, over the years, a relationship that showed with their bond on the field. The late-night work was done in mind of forming a similar chemistry with the younger Allen.
“Sometimes it got real nice in there, real nice session,” Hatcher said,
The work has appeared to carry over into fall camp, with Hatcher posting a team-best four catches for 53 yards in the first scrimmage Saturday, all from Allen and all in tight spaces. A year after undergoing a tough injury that meant Hatcher had to stick around while a number of his friends graduated, he appears poised to again play a big role in the Hogs’ passing game.
“It’s been a big adjustment, but you’ve got to take the punches and roll with them,” Hatcher said. “I’m glad to be back. I’m ready to leave this team to a great year and we’ll see how it goes.”