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Mekale McKay could be on his way out of Arkansas, just a year after he made a solid first impression as a freshman.
Razorbacks coach Bret Bielema said after Monday's opening preseason practice that the sophomore receiver missed the first day of workouts, and that he is considering a transfer from the school.
''He's exploring some options,'' Bielema said. ''He and I had a conversation a week ago where he wanted to look at different options that could be available to him.''
Bielema said McKay, who had 21 catches for 317 yards and pair of touchdowns last season, expressed an interest in playing in more of a passing-oriented offense like Arkansas ran before Bielema's hiring away from Wisconsin after last season.
The 6-foot-6, 195-pound McKay garnered plenty of attention during the preseason a year ago, impressing coaches with his ability to stretch the field and make circus-like catches on deep balls. His best performance last season came during a loss to Louisiana-Monroe, during which McKay finished with a pair of catches for 74 yards receiving and a touchdown.
Bielema said McKay hasn't been granted a formal release from the Razorbacks yet, and that he is working to help the receiver find other school options if he does decide to leave Arkansas.
''I think during transition there's going to be certain guys that really kind of just jump in and go full speed ahead, and there's going to be others that maybe, it just isn't the same,'' Bielema said.
McKay was thought to be one of the top returning receivers at Arkansas this season, but he was slowed by nagging injuries during the spring. He wasn't listed on the Razorbacks' post-spring two-deep depth chart, but he remained at the school and went through summer workouts.
''Obviously, a very talented player,'' Bielema said. ''He's more than adequate to handle everything, but sometimes the fit just isn't there.''
