Wide receiver Jordan Anthony was not totally healthy when testing (still 22.3 mph) but is the fastest player on the team. He ran one of the fastest 60-meter times in Arkansas track history at 6.59 seconds and has clocked a 10.16 100-meter dash time, which borders on world class.
Darren McFadden, a former NFL star and legendary Arkansas Razorback, is no stranger to the fast-paced nature of elite athletics. Known for his explosive speed during his playing days, McFadden is now keeping a close eye on Arkansas’ current roster of athletes, particularly when it comes to the team’s fastest players. Recently, McFadden commented on the impressive speed of wide receiver Jordan Anthony, who has quickly become one of the fastest players on the squad despite not being at full health during recent testing.
Jordan Anthony: A Speed Demon with a Bright Future
While Anthony wasn’t fully healthy during recent speed tests, his performance still impressed McFadden and many others within the program. The wide receiver clocked in at an astonishing 22.3 mph, a blistering speed that already makes him the fastest player on the team. Even more remarkable is that this speed was achieved while he was still nursing minor injuries, suggesting that, at full health, Anthony could go even faster.
One of Anthony’s standout achievements came during Arkansas’ track season, where he ran one of the fastest 60-meter dash times in school history. His time of 6.59 seconds places him among the top sprinters ever at the University of Arkansas, a program known for producing elite track athletes. This time not only shows his raw speed but also his exceptional explosiveness off the line, a critical trait for any wide receiver looking to separate from defenders in the blink of an eye.
A World-Class 100 Meters Time
Beyond his 60-meter sprint, Anthony has also demonstrated elite speed in the 100-meter dash, posting an impressive time of 10.16 seconds. This mark puts him near world-class territory, as the 10-second barrier in the 100 meters is a significant benchmark for sprinters worldwide. To put this in perspective, athletes who consistently run sub-10-second times in the 100 meters are typically considered among the fastest individuals on the planet.
While it may seem like Anthony’s focus is on track and field, his performance on the football field should not be underestimated. His raw speed translates seamlessly into his ability to stretch the field as a wide receiver, and with a healthy offseason, he could make an immediate impact for the Razorbacks in the upcoming football season.
McFadden’s Take: Speed Is Key
For McFadden, who was known for his own game-breaking speed as a running back, watching the development of players like Jordan Anthony is a testament to the progress of Arkansas athletics. “Speed kills in this game, and Jordan has it in spades,” McFadden said. “To run like he does, even when not 100 percent healthy, shows just how much potential he has.”
McFadden, who ran a 4.33-second 40-yard dash during his NFL Combine, understands the importance of top-tier speed in football. His own success in the NFL was built on his combination of size, power, and speed, and he sees those same traits emerging in Anthony. For McFadden, having someone like Anthony on the team—who is capable of changing a game with a single burst of speed—is a game-changer for the Razorbacks.
What’s Next for Jordan Anthony?
If Anthony can stay healthy and continue to develop his skills as both a track athlete and a football player, the sky is the limit for him. His already impressive speed could make him a key weapon in the Razorbacks’ offensive arsenal, especially as they look to expand their passing game and exploit mismatches against faster defenders. With his combination of track-level speed and football skills, Anthony has the potential to be a breakout star in the SEC, and perhaps even at the next level.
As McFadden points out, Anthony’s speed alone could make him a difference-maker. Whether it’s creating separation downfield or returning kicks and punts, the possibilities for a player with Anthony’s gifts are endless. For now, Arkansas fans can only wait to see just how fast Jordan Anthony can go when fully healthy—and how his speed will play a pivotal role in the Razorbacks’ future success on the football field.
Conclusion
While Darren McFadden may no longer be on the field, his insights into the Arkansas football program remain invaluable. His observation of Jordan Anthony’s raw speed is a reminder that the Razorbacks’ current crop of athletes possesses some of the fastest talent in college football. With a world-class sprinting pedigree, Anthony is poised to make a major impact both on the track and in the football stadium. And as McFadden’s comments suggest, his potential is only just beginning to be realized.
