There were plenty of positives for Arkansas’ offense to continue building on in Saturday’s 65-31 loss to No. 1 Alabama, including how the Razorbacks utilized their tight ends against one of the nation’s most talented defenses.

The Hogs targeted the tight ends 14 times on the day, including eight times in the first quarter alone. CJ O'Grady led all Razorback receivers with seven catches for 42 yards and a pair of touchdown receptions from 3 and 8 yards out.

Austin Cantrell had two receptions for 21 yards, including a key third down catch early in the first quarter, while Grayson Gunter had one catch for 10 yards on the day. Gunter could have had a touchdown later in the game but was overthrown in the end zone by quarterback Ty Storey.

The Razorbacks opened the game showing more motion pre-snap movement than they had in recent weeks, and at least three tight end screens were successful in the first half. Two of them resulted in first downs on the Hogs’ opening drive.

“As far as getting it to the tight ends, I thought they were very aggressive in the d-line in how they rushed, the stunts they do," Arkansas head coach Chad Morris said. "I thought we could slow some things down by trying to get our tight ends in on some plays.”

O’Grady’s performance in particular is another huge step in the right direction for Arkansas’ offense, which sorely missed the junior’s presence in the first four games of the season. The Fayetteville native caught his first pass of the season last week against Texas A&M -- Week 5 of the Razorbacks’ season -- and it provided an immediate spark to get Arkansas on the scoreboard in the game.

He’s been on a hot streak ever since.

"After missing that second game, it was really hard sitting at home and watching the game," O'Grady said. "That's not what I came here to do. Something just clicked, so I took it upon myself to be where I'm supposed to be. Coach Morris has a rule of be where you're supposed to be and doing what you're supposed to do to the best of your availability. That's what I've been really pressing on."

O'Grady's former high school teammate, linebacker Dre Greenlaw, said the tight end's return has meant a great deal to the team.

"As somebody who's been to high school with him and played ball with him, it might not be realized, but he's got so much potential," Greenlaw said. "He's got so much potential, and I know the amount he can contribute and help this team. He can make us a lot better."

Morris hopes O'Grady has turned a corner and continues to keep coming along.

“I think he’s had another really good week in his preparation and how he’s handled himself,” Morris said. “Watching his production level and his playmaking ability continues to improve. I’m very impressed with CJ and look forward to watching him grow.”