By Otis Kirk

FAYETTEVILLE -- One of the more positive stories from the 2022 season was the play of Quincey McAdoo.

McAdoo was a true freshman from Clarendon who came to Arkansas as a wide receiver. He was a two-way standout at Clarendon, but went to Arkansas as a wide receiver. However, several injuries helped deplete the secondary and midway through the season McAdoo volunteered to move to cornerback. 

In nine games, McAdoo finished with 30 tackles, 20 solo, one for loss, a sack, two interceptions and four pass breakups. He also blocked a punt against Liberty that resulted in a safety. Many were amazed at how a true freshman could move to a new position on the other side of the ball midway through the season and make such an impact.

Sam Pittman was asked Tuesday if McAdoo will stay at cornerback and also if there will be any third down packages for him at wide receiver.

"Exactly what we talked to him about," Pittman said. "We’ve had extensive conversations about him on offense, him on defense. With the emergence of the new staff, I think he’s more comfortable staying where he was. I think there might have been a point where he might have wanted to move to offense, but he’s going to stay on defense because I think he feels like he can help the team, help himself, more over there.

"We have talked to him about a third down package. Then I’ve talked to our staff about that. There’s two things there. One, he has to do it. It’s going to be extra work on him, which he’s willing to do that. And then the other thing is he has to be one of our top three receivers, or top four, to get on the field. As long as that happens, then certainly we’re going to look at it because I told him we would."

The 6-foot-2, 187-pound sophomore came to Arkansas with outstanding credentials on both sides of the ball. He was a four-star prospect with a pair of recruiting services.

As a senior at Clarendon for coach Mark Courtney, McAdoo completed 7 of 19 passes for 165 yards and two touchdowns. He rushed 82 times for 894 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also caught 34 passes for 617 yards and eight touchdowns. He played both running back and wide receiver on offense.

At defensive back, McAdoo had 58 tackles, two for loss, an interception and returned a fumble 88 yards for a touchdown.

McAdoo and Arkansas will begin spring drills Thursday afternoon.

Photos Courtesy of Craven Whitlow CW3 Action Sports