Razorbacks' Green shows signs of Dallas Cowboys Great

He was called “Roger the Dodger” and seemed to be an innovation, a revolutionary figure in the world of quarterbacks. Long ago he won the Heisman Trophy and two Super Bowl trophies with the Dallas Cowboys. Roger Staubach was the first dual-threat quarterback I saw in the NFL and had a great arm and quick feet.

Staubach, who won the 1963 Heisman Championship for Navy, can you imagine that! Running quarterbacks were in vogue long before Staubach, who was nicknamed “Captain America” ​​for his military service and no-nonsense approach to life. He was also called “Captain Comeback” for his heroics at the end of the game, throwing what was known as the “Hail Mary” to beat the Vikings.

Since Staubach's retirement, especially this decade, there have been more and more dual-threat QBs. Arkansas has had its share, from Matt Jones to KJ Jefferson. Now they have a guy in Taylen Green who could become one of the most promising in college football. But he still has a lot of work to do.

Hopefully the quarterback is always a pass-first player with the talent to play in a tight spiral between defenders, the instinct to read the defense and exploit open spots, and the guts to follow through despite the pressure from inside and on the field.

Too many players who have proven to be dual threats over the past few decades have tucked the ball in too early and taken off running. They can be effective, but the bigger plays are in the passing game. Green seems to understand that, and with Bobby Petrino's daily coaching on decision-making and fundamentals, the Arkansas quarterback could develop into one of the most memorable Hogs in history.

OK, Green still has a long way to go to get to that point, but here's one stat that caught everyone's eye during Thursday night's 70-0 win over UAPB: Green ranked fourth in rushing touchdowns among quarterbacks over the past two seasons.

The list is impressive. It is led by the first pick in last year's draft, followed by the second pick, who won the Heisman Award, and the twelfth pick. Check it out for yourself:
• 21 – Caleb Williams, USC
• 21 – Jayden Daniels, LSU
• 20 – Bo Nix, Oregon
• 19 – Taylen Green, Boise State

Green showed why he's on this list with a quick sprint for a short touchdown run against UAPB, then stunned the world with his jaw-dropping sprint from midfield while frustrating seven would-be tacklers just before halftime.

After the game, Green said of the long run into the end zone: “He crossed the field and saw the green grass and, you know, I let my speed do the rest.”

Besides his superb speed, he also has instincts. At 6'6″ and 230 pounds, he's great. He can run through tackles and outrun defenders. You can't teach all that.

This is nothing new to Razorback fans. We had heard what he could do. Then we all saw him in action for the first time in the opening game.

The exciting thing is Green's potential. If his throwing technique continues to improve under Petrino's tutelage – that means both foot placement and arm position – his running ability could make him something special.

My theory is that Green will progress quickly, as coaches have been saying since he arrived on campus. Daily drills should help him develop into an efficient and reliable passer by midseason, seeing steady improvements almost weekly. That's Petrino's dream, of course.

How it plays out remains to be seen. Green's plan is to show excellent technique and judgment on Saturday in Stillwater when the Hogs face No. 17 Oklahoma State. If he can do that in the passing game — and get time to throw — his legs and speed could be the deciding factor in the game.

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