TIGHT END SPOTLIGHT: Razorbacks’ Morgan Turner Breaks Down Early Fall Camp Takeaways as Jones, Platt Speak on Position Battle and Journey to Arkansas
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — As the Arkansas Razorbacks continue preparations for the 2025 season, fall camp rolled into its second day with more intensity and competition. Among the most closely watched groups in camp is the tight end room, and tight ends coach Morgan Turner took time to share his early impressions of what he’s seeing from his group.
Speaking after Saturday’s practice, Turner was both measured and optimistic. He noted that while there have been flashes of excellence from a few players, there’s still a long road ahead. The first two days of camp, he said, have offered a valuable glimpse into the work ethic, chemistry, and technical foundation of the unit. With a blend of young talent and veteran presence, the tight ends room is shaping into one of the more intriguing areas to watch this fall.
“We’ve got some guys who are really stepping up,” Turner said. “I’ve seen flashes—physicality, willingness to block, route running. But there’s also a lot of technique stuff we’ve got to clean up. That’s what these early days are all about.”
Among those flashing early is Rohan Jones, the tight end whose football journey spans thousands of miles and multiple programs. Hailing originally from Canada, Jones began his college career at the University of Maine, transferred to Montana State, and now finds himself in Fayetteville with a major opportunity in front of him.
Meeting with the media after practice, Jones reflected on his long road to the SEC.
“It’s been a journey for sure,” Jones said. “From Canada to Maine to Montana and now here—it’s been about staying focused, being coachable, and just working. I feel like all the lessons I’ve learned along the way are helping me right now.”
Jones, a big-bodied tight end with solid hands and a reputation for being a tough blocker, could play a major role in the Razorbacks’ evolving offense. With Arkansas looking to establish consistency in both the passing and run games, tight ends will be pivotal in head coach Sam Pittman’s plans.
But he’s not alone in the room. Sophomore Jaden Platt is also battling for playing time and spoke openly about the healthy competition between teammates.
“There’s definitely a competitive edge in our group,” Platt said. “But it’s respectful. We all want each other to succeed, but at the same time, we’re pushing each other to be better every day.”
Platt, who came to Arkansas as a four-star recruit with considerable expectations, admitted that last season had its learning curves. Now, he’s focused on execution, refining technique, and doing the little things that make a big difference in SEC play.
“Last year taught me how much detail matters,” he said. “This year, I’m putting more focus on footwork, blocking assignments, and being more vocal in the huddle. We’ve got to be versatile—block, run routes, be dependable.”
Coach Turner praised both Platt and Jones for their leadership and focus so far in camp. He emphasized that the tight end room is still very much in a state of evaluation, but said the progress in just two days has been encouraging.
“It’s early, but you can already tell who’s taken the offseason seriously,” Turner said. “Guys are sharper mentally and physically. The biggest thing is just building consistency—we want to trust that they’re going to do the right thing every snap.”
Turner, who joined the Arkansas staff in 2023, brings NFL-level precision and accountability to the position group. His attention to detail is something the players have embraced, according to both Jones and Platt.
“Coach Turner is all about technique,” said Jones. “He’ll stop you mid-drill to correct a hand placement or route angle. It’s tough but it’s making us better.”
“It’s the little stuff,” Platt echoed. “He makes sure you know why you’re doing what you’re doing. That helps when the pressure’s on.”
Another important note from camp is the versatility being developed within the tight ends room. Turner has begun experimenting with different formations and personnel groupings to create mismatches. Whether that means aligning tight ends in-line, split out wide, or even in motion, the idea is to get the most out of their size and skillset.
“With the guys we’ve got, we feel like we can be really creative,” Turner said. “We want them to be more than just blockers or safety valves. We want them to be playmakers.”
As the Razorbacks gear up for tougher practices ahead and eventually their first scrimmage, the battle at tight end will continue to draw attention. With Jones and Platt leading the way, and several underclassmen also eager to break through, the competition will only intensify.
Turner closed his media session by stressing the importance of mental toughness as camp progresses.
“Every camp hits that point where guys get tired, sore, mentally worn down,” he said. “That’s when we’ll find out who’s really ready to contribute on Saturdays.”
So far, both Jones and Platt seem eager for that challenge. Each knows what’s at stake—and each is determined to seize their moment.
“Every rep matters,” said Platt. “This is our time to prove we belong.”
And for Jones, the opportunity to wear the Arkansas uniform is something he doesn’t take for granted.
“I’ve been a lot of places, but this one feels special,” Jones said. “I’m here to make the most of it.”
As fall camp moves ahead, Razorback fans will be keeping a close eye on how the tight ends continue to evolve. If early signs are any indication, Morgan Turner’s group might just become one of the team’s most reliable assets in 2025.