A-State Red Wolves Gearing Up for a Promising 2024 Season

By Luke Probasco from The G5 Hive

Welcome to the G5 Hive and our latest installment of the Worker Bee Series, where we delve deep into the G5 college football landscape with the experts who know the teams best. Today, we’re spotlighting the Arkansas State Red Wolves, who concluded their 2023 season with a 6-7 record and a Camellia Bowl appearance. Fresh off their 2024 spring practice, we have Kara Richey joining us, a prominent voice in Red Wolves coverage through The Ticket Radio and KFIN.

Kara Richey, who can be found on X @Kara_Richey, transitioned from the restaurant business to radio about a decade ago. Her deep sports passion led her to East Arkansas Broadcasters and the Ticket Radio Network, where she eventually started her own show, Wolf Howls, a post-game call-in show for A-State football. Kara’s journey in radio has been intertwined with Arkansas State, making her insights invaluable as we explore the Red Wolves’ 2024 prospects.

The Quarterback Spotlight: Jaylen Raynor

The quarterback position is crucial for the Red Wolves, and last year, freshman Jaylen Raynor made a significant impact. Initially expected to be third on the depth chart, Raynor seized the opportunity early in the season and showcased impressive poise and resilience, bouncing back quickly from mistakes and leading scoring drives. His dual-threat capability and leadership qualities have only grown, setting high expectations for his sophomore year.

New Addition: Timmy McClain

Arkansas State added quarterback Timmy McClain from Central Florida post-spring practice. While Jaylen Raynor is expected to retain the starting role, McClain’s experience adds valuable depth and competition, which should enhance Raynor’s performance and provide the team with a reliable backup option.

The Running Back Trio

The Red Wolves return their top four rushers from 2023: Ja’Quez Cross, Zak Wallace, Cedric Hawkins, and Jaylen Raynor. Each back brings a unique skill set to the table: Wallace’s power, Cross’s agility, and Hawkins’s speed. This trio offers versatility and dynamism, promising an exciting and productive ground game.

Wide Receiver Corps: Depth and Talent

Despite losing Jeff Foreman to graduation, the Red Wolves’ receiving corps remains strong with returning players Corey Rucker, Courtney Jackson, Reagan Ealy, and Adam Jones. While injuries limited their spring practice participation, their diverse skill sets and experience bode well for the 2024 season. New addition Reginald Harden, a 6’5″ D2 transfer, could be a breakout player, adding a significant size advantage to the receiving group.

Tight End Utilization

The Red Wolves’ tight end usage under Coach Butch Jones has evolved, with players like Emmanuel Stevenson and Miller McCrumby contributing both in blocking and receiving. Although Stevenson’s spring practice was limited due to injury, his return alongside McCrumby should bolster the team’s offensive versatility.

Offensive Breakout Candidate: Reginald Harden

Among the known talents, newcomer Reginald Harden stands out as a potential breakout player. His height and athleticism could make him a key target, especially in the Sun Belt, where his size will be a significant advantage against typically shorter defenders.

Conclusion

With a strong returning roster and strategic new additions, the Arkansas State Red Wolves are poised for an exciting 2024 season. The depth and versatility across key positions, coupled with the growth of standout players like Jaylen Raynor, position the Red Wolves as a team to watch in the upcoming season.