When you start reciting the long list of playmakers on Arkansas’ offense, don’t forget about senior tight end D.J. Williams this season.

His numbers declined a little bit a year ago, in part because he and quarterback Ryan Mallett had not fully developed their on-the-field chemistry, but also because Williams put on some added weight to improve as a blocker.

“It affected me getting open and affected me after I caught the ball,” said Williams, who had bulked up to about 255 pounds. “There were just too many balls that I didn’t get to.”

Now closer to 240 than 250, Williams is off to a quick start this season. He had five catches for 68 yards in Arkansas’ 44-3 win over Tennessee Tech last Saturday.

On one catch, Williams made a little spin move he said he probably couldn’t have made last season.

“He probably could have spun last year. He might have just fell down,” Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino joked.

One of the best tight ends in the country after the catch, Williams fits in perfectly with the Hogs’ speedy receivers and their ability to stretch the field.

“D.J.’s always been a great runner after the catch, but he is faster this year,” Petrino said. “We did feel last year that maybe he got too heavy and lost a step. He’s worked really hard on his routes, and we all know he has great hands. But he does work hard to get open and then run after the catch. He’s continued to work hard with his blocking, and we expect him to have a great year for us.”