Arkansas TE Austin Cantrell honored on senior night, future uncertain
FAYETTEVILLE — Austin Cantrell was honored during Saturday's senior night festivities and his future at Arkansas is in doubt.
Head coach Chad Morris said following the Razorbacks' 24-17 loss to LSU that he and Cantrell, a redshirt junior, have discussed whether or not he would return for his senior season.
"He’s leaning strongly toward just moving on," Morris said. "He’s married and has a family and just looking maybe at moving on to the next step."
The pair will discuss it again after the season and Morris didn't completely rule out the possibility of Cantrell changing his mind, returning to school and ultimately going through another senior day.
Although he wasn't targeted with any passes Saturday night, Cantrell made his eighth start of the season. He has eight receptions for 119 yards on the year, including a 42-yard touchdown against Eastern Illinois.
Cantrell was a member of Arkansas’ heralded class of tight ends that also featured in-state four-star prospects Cheyenne O’Grady and Will Gragg. He was a three-star recruit out of Roland, Okla., who turned down an offer from his home state Sooners to play for the Razorbacks.
Like the other two, Cantrell redshirted his first year. However, he worked his way into the rotation a lot quicker than O’Grady and Gragg and has started 22 games throughout his career.
Known more for his physicality and blocking abilities, Cantrell has also been dependable in the passing game. During his career, he has 34 receptions for 324 yards and three touchdowns, as well as a rushing touchdown.
If he doesn't return to school, the Razorbacks would be left with four scholarship tight ends for 2019, as the roster currently stands. O'Grady has emerged as the Razorbacks' primary target, with two more touchdown catches against LSU, while Grayson Gunter and Hayden Johnson also still have eligibility remaining. They will add four-star prospect Hudson Henry, a legacy recruit, to the mix, as well.
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