Razorback freshman defensive lineman Cameron Ball (#5) from Atlanta, GA fights through a double team against Ole Miss at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, AR.

By Otis Kirk

FAYETTEVILLE -- The Razorbacks will be missing several starters from the regular season and it will be up to some younger, less experienced players to step up against Kansas.

A trio of Hogs have declared for the 2023 NFL Draft and opted out of the bowl game. In addition, linebacker Bumper Pool underwent hip surgery and will miss the game. The Razorbacks also had four starters enter the transfer portal. 

Wide receiver Jadon Haselwood, linebacker Drew Sanders and center Ricky Stromberg have declared for the 2023 NFL Draft. Wide receiver Ketron Jackson (Baylor), tight end Trey Knox (South Carolina), safety Myles Slusher (Louisville) and defensive tackle Isaiah Nichols have entered the transfer portal. 

Here's some new starters who need to step up on Wednesday.

Cameron Ball, Redshirt Freshman, Defensive Tackle

Despite not being a starter, Ball topped all interior defensive linemen with 28 tackles, seven solo, 1.5 for loss and a quarterback hurry. Ball signed with Arkansas out of Atlanta (Ga.) Tri-Cities in the Class of 2021. He played in two games as a true freshman in 2021. Made his first career tackle against UAPB. 

Bryce Stephens, Redshirt Freshman, Wide Receiver

Also a member of the Class of 2021, Stephens played in four games and thus preserved his redshirt year. He caught three passes for five yards. This season, Stephens caught eight passes for 92 yards and one touchdown. He also averaged 9.9 yards on 15 punt returns including an 82-yard touchdown against Missouri State. Stephens' touchdown on the punt return gave Arkansas its first lead over Bobby Petrino's team. Against Mississippi State, Stephens caught two passes for 59 yards including a 54-yard touchdown. The speedy Stephens signed with Arkansas out of Oklahoma City (Okla.) John Marshall.

Ty'Kieast Crawford, Junior, Offensive Guard

Has a bright future at guard or tackle on the offensive line for Cody Kennedy. Will start at right guard against Kansas. Beaux Limmer has moved from right guard to center to replace Stromberg. Crawford committed to Arkansas out of Carthage (Texas) High School, but then signed with Charlotte due to some academic issues. He played in all six games for Charlotte in 2020 with three starts. Came to Arkansas has been a key backup for the line. With Stromberg, Dalton Wagner, Luke Jones all departing after this season Crawford and others will get a chance to show what they can do in the spring. For Crawford, the audition starts early on Wednesday. 

Jordan Crook, Freshman, Linebacker 

The former Duncanville (Texas) standout doesn't have much experience as he played behind Pool, Sanders and Pooh Paul this season, but has a lot of talent. However, he's inexperienced and a lot will be on his shoulders Wednesday. Crook has a very bright future, but Arkansas needs that future to begin against Kansas. He was one of Arkansas' recruiting prizes in the Class of 2022. As a senior at Duncanville last fall, Crook had 98 tackles, 10.5 for loss, 4.5 sacks, two passes broken up, three forced fumbles and three interceptions with two touchdown returns. 

Jaedon Wilson, Redshirt Freshman, Wide Receiver

Caught one pass for two yards this season. Redshirted in 2021 and played seven snaps against Georgia Southern though he recorded no stats. Will get a chance to show what he can do against Kansas. He and Stephens will need to step up and take some of the pressure off of Landers. The former DeSoto (Texas) standout caught 25 passes for 488 yards and eight touchdowns as a senior.

• Razorback junior offensive lineman Ty'Kieast Crawford (#53) from Carthage, TX sets up to pass block against LSU at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, AR.

• Razorback freshman wide-receiver Bryce Stephens (#14) from Oklahoma City, OK returns a punt against Missouri State at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, AR.