Arkansas Wide Receiver’s Consecutive Appearances Span From D2 Star to Arkansas Football’s Key Playmaker!

FAYETTEVILLE — Saginaw Valley University (Mich.) The State managed to achieve something that SEC football teams have not been able to do – prevent Andrew Armstrong from scoring.

Armstrong, a sixth-year wide receiver for Arkansas, has caught a minimum of two passes in every single one of his 12 SEC games as a Razorback after moving from Texas A&M-Commerce in the previous year.

Looking back at the 2021 season, Armstrong has made a reception in 34 straight games, and has had multiple catches in 29 consecutive games.

During the overtime win on Oct. 9, 2021, against Texas A&M-Commerce, Saginaw Valley State threw to Armstrong twice, but he didn’t make a reception in the NCAA Division II game.

Armstrong scored a 74-yard touchdown reception in the following game as Texas A&M-Commerce defeated Western New Mexico 58-0, marking the beginning of his streak of receptions.

Armstrong’s move from the Lone Star Conference to the SEC has been successful, with 101 catches for 1,410 yards and 6 touchdowns in 18 games at Arkansas.

Armstrong stated that his primary objective is to be a wide receiver that supports the quarterback and plays in every down. “Positioning myself to block effectively and creating space for the quarterback to easily locate me most of the time.”

Whether he’s rolling out or getting blitzed, I always make sure to run to the green grass or come out short in anticipation of his next move.

I believe that small actions like that demonstrate a consistent pattern. I don’t pay much attention to those streaks. I aim for victory and believe that if I concentrate on winning, success will follow.

Armstrong, who stands at 6-4 and weighs 202 pounds, has accumulated 45 receptions for 646 yards in 6 matches so far this season leading up to the Arkansas-Mississippi State game on Saturday at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Mississippi.

Armstrong was benched for the season opener where the Razorbacks defeated Arkansas-Pine Bluff 70-0, due to a hamstring injury that had hindered his performance during preseason training.

During Arkansas’ second game at Oklahoma State, Armstrong had his best career performance with 10 receptions and 164 yards in the Razorbacks’ 39-31 double overtime loss to the Cowboys.

Armstrong said he can’t recall his hamstring being injured. I attempt to move past it and avoid dwelling on it, as that is when the mental barriers arise – when you dwell on it.

I attempted to improve my health, focused on the future, and tried to put it behind me.

Armstrong’s impressive performance in 2022, with 62 catches, 1,020 yards, and 13 touchdowns, made him a sought-after player in the transfer portal. He received many offers from top conference teams and ultimately decided to commit to Arkansas instead of Missouri, Miami, Louisville, NC State, Virginia Tech, and Wisconsin, among others.

It was important for the Razorbacks that Armstrong decided to stay in Arkansas for his last college season instead of transferring again, considering he led the team with 56 receptions, 764 receiving yards, and 5 touchdowns.

Pro Football Focus reports that Armstrong has the second highest rating among receivers in the Power 4 conferences with a grade of 86.3, trailing behind Ole Miss senior Tre Harris who is at 90.1.

Arkansas coach Sam Pittman expressed that he is extremely pleased for him. “He has consistently had faith in his ability to compete at this level, a belief that we share as well.”

Pittman mentioned that Armstrong’s growth has enabled him to capitalize on his previous season’s achievements and establish himself as one of the premier receivers in the SEC.

Armstrong is in second place in the SEC with an average of 107.7 receiving yards, falling behind Harris who has an average of 141.0 with 59 catches for 987 yards in 7 games.

Pittman noted that Armstrong is displaying excellent ball-catching skills and exuding a strong sense of confidence.

Taylen Green, who transferred from Boise State, has displayed a lot of trust in Armstrong since they started collaborating last winter as the Razorbacks’ new starting quarterback.

Pittman stated that in his opinion, a quarterback seeks out a specific individual. Surely, he progresses through his options, but I believe you have to earn the title of being the one the quarterback targets.

“I believe Taylen and [Armstrong] have a strong bond, and he has deserved it.”

Arkansas center Addison Nichols described Armstrong as a leader both on the field and in other aspects of the team.

“He adds a great amount of energy and clearly a lot of skill to this team, and he plays a significant role in our offense,” Nichols stated. “He’s had a fantastic season.”

I am extremely eager to see what he continues to bring to the table on a weekly basis. He continues to bring additional items repeatedly.

The Razorbacks draw energy from Armstrong, according to defensive back Larry Worth.

“Worth mentioned that he is an excellent, enthusiastic man.” “He also motivates us to play well on defense.”

Armstrong consistently plays at maximum speed, according to defensive end Nico Davillier.

Davillier stated that he believes he approaches practice as if it were a game each day.

When Arkansas defeated the team that was ranked number at that time. On October 5th, Armstrong made 9 receptions for 132 yards in a game against Tennessee, resulting in a 19-14 victory. He caught 8 passes for 137 yards in a 37-27 win against Alabama-Birmingham on Sept. 14, and had 7 receptions for 94 yards in a 34-10 defeat to No. 8 LSU last week.

Mississippi State coach Jeff Lebby praised Armstrong for consistently finding ways to make plays. He has executed numerous impressive plays in competition.

They have successfully focused on him and discovered how to pass him the ball, and he has capitalized on those opportunities by making plays.

His performance is responsible for all the projects and activities he is involved in. They have excelled at discovering various methods to engage him.

Armstrong’s first touchdown of the season came on a 25-yard pass from Green in the game against LSU.

Armstrong scored a touchdown on his 41st reception of the season.

Armstrong said everyone was concerned about me scoring a touchdown. “That was the final thought in my head. My primary focus was on attempting to emerge victorious.

Armstrong stated that his performance last season inspired him to achieve even more this season.

He remarked that as he ages, he becomes increasingly hungry. Last year I felt hungry, but this year I am even hungrier.