Arkansas Fight - All PostsYour daily source for Razorback News.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46887/expats-fave.png2023-08-03T14:45:37-05:00http://www.arkansasfight.com/rss/current/2023-08-03T14:45:37-05:002023-08-03T14:45:37-05:00Pittman: “We owe the state of Arkansas a dang good team.”
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<p id="4igNKQ">The 2022 season is certainly something a lot of fans, media and the coaching staff wants to forget. It wasn’t a complete failure. But, it was way below where anyone expected the Razorbacks to be at the end of the season. The Hogs started off with a bang after a 7-point victory over a ranked Cincinnati team fresh off a College Football Playoff appearance.</p>
<p id="8sbSxr">Arkansas was able to push around South Carolina for much of the game last season. Even if the score was just 44-30, it was still an impressive win early in the season. Things seemed to unravel during the Missouri State matchup. Former head coach Bobby Petrino came to town with his FCS squad ready to upset a top 15 Arkansas squad on Family Weekend. The Razorbacks had to overcome a double-digit deficit in the second half to win that one. It was thought that was a Petrino factor than it was the realization of what was to come. The confidence this team went into became fractured and worsened each week.</p>
<p id="nWAxLl">What broke the dam of emotions was not the missed field goal by Cam Little against Texas A&M the next week. It was the fumble returned for a touchdown before halftime that simply blew up the chemistry. A missed game-winning field goal escalated the emotions.</p>
<p id="ba04Uv">Swagger was never regained following that two game stretch. Despite showing grit, fight and determination throughout the season, the Razorbacks didn’t have the 2021 magic. That’s something Pittman wants to regain in 2023.</p>
<h3 id="hhE3wL">Regaining confidence</h3>
<p id="JixbwG">Going into year four how confident is Sam Pittman with his team? At SEC Media Days he was quoted saying he had a dang good football team. How did he reply on Wednesday during his opening presser of the 2022 season?</p>
<blockquote><p id="Tq1S94">“ I like the hunger of the team, and we’ve got some work to do on ourselves. I really like this team,” Pittman said. “Obviously for me, I’m still learning...Lord knows we owe it to the state of Arkansas to field a really good football team but probably not a lot of difference for year four than before.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="vNuQZr">To simply put it, Pittman believes that this team can be every bit as good as last year’s squad. That roster was built to compete for an SEC Western Division title before injuries decimated their entire secondary. Pulling freshmen out of the wide receiver room not just to have enough bodies at practice but for the games. It was not a good situation and something that the head hog learned from and knew he needed to bolster to remain competitive in the country’s strongest conference.</p>
<p id="dYAyUf">Pittman adapted to the current landscape of the transfer portal even more by bringing in nearly 20 new faces with college experience. The portal class ended up being ranked as the 11th best in the country. They added starting talent at key positions while shoring up depth at others.</p>
<p id="UGjpwu">There was a soundbite created for interactions and engagements on social media of this quote above which could be turned into a negative light. Pittman is simply saying he has confidence in his team and that they have certain characteristics for a magical season mirroring the 2021 team. Players are motivated to go out and not just compete, but win ball games that they weren’t predicted to win.</p>
<h3 id="7yep7U">Reestablishing Physicality</h3>
<p id="hyLaTO">One way Arkansas will return to their winning ways from 2021 will be the physicality displayed not only in the trenches. Football is a physical sport and it must be played that way in the secondary as much as the running back room. It’s the most important piece to a team and last year’s team was fragile in a physical and emotional sense.</p>
<blockquote><p id="QHY2jY">“We’ve always tried to be physical and things of that nature,” Pittman said. “I think there’s more emphasis on details, certainly. Formationally, we’ll be quite a bit different. When you’re a check offense, and we will do that at times, you’re checking because you’re saying, ‘This is the best look, and we’re better than you.’ Guys that are in check offenses like we were at Georgia my entire time there, sometimes we were and sometimes it weren’t, but we believed that we were, and there’s a lot of emphasis put on the mind’s strong.</p></blockquote>
<p id="google_ads_iframe_/8264/aw-247sports/collegefootball/stories_3__container__">Lifting more weights with the mindset of not being pushed around in the trenches as they were in the latter half of 2022 was a huge focus this offseason. Pittman stated they lifted five days a week with cardio being included in the summer conditioning program. Not falling off in the second half, keeping the same intensity throughout a game was harped on. Even if the offensive and defensive philosophies have changed during the offseason it’s important to Pittman that they be mentally and physically sharp.</p>
<p id="native_top"> </p>
<blockquote><p id="LN7xjj">“Obviously we knew Dan was different than what KB was, but we needed to be more physical in all honesty,” said Pittman. “The most disappointing thing last year was not between the 20s, it was inside both 20s on offense and situation football. As good as we were, we were not very good in either one of those cases.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="NIVTHm">The Razorbacks will kickoff their summer practices beginning on Thursday, August 3.</p>
<p id="TMtgLK"> </p>
https://www.arkansasfight.com/2023/8/3/23819166/pittman-we-owe-the-state-of-arkansas-a-dang-good-teamJacob S Davis2023-08-02T07:30:18-05:002023-08-02T07:30:18-05:00Arkansas gains commitment from Georgia LB
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<figcaption>Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK</figcaption>
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<p id="CDv3RA">Good morning, Arkansas fans!</p>
<p id="3oUYxC">We are happy to share that 2024 linebacker Justin Logan has announced he will be a Razorback. The 2024 prospect is considered a borderline 3/4 star player out of Marietta, (Ga.).</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Turn that damn juke box on! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WPS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WPS</a> ❤️<a href="https://twitter.com/CoachSamPittman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachSamPittman</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/T_WILL4REAL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@T_WILL4REAL</a> <a href="https://t.co/cLjrD5X4pi">pic.twitter.com/cLjrD5X4pi</a></p>— Justin “JLo” Logan (@JustinLogann) <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinLogann/status/1686708447910260736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2023</a>
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<p id="oA0uw9">The 6’3 205 pounder had an impressive 29 team offer list that included Arkansas, Louisville, South Carolina, Missouri, Kentucky, Georgia, Ohio State and Tennessee.</p>
<p id="QDvixB">As a projected outside prospect, he is rated as the No. 40 overall linebacker in the 2024 class, and the No. 51 prospect in the state of Georgia.</p>
<p id="gFkC5e">As a junior, Logan recorded 60 tackles, an interception and one PBU. Before transitioning to linebacker which he is projected to play at the next level he was a wide receiver. Logan possesses quality size and speed to make an immediate impact in the linebacker rule upon arrival.</p>
<p id="9qBgel">Before the commitment to Arkansas, Logan officially visited North Carolina State. While also unofficially visiting Auburn, Louisville and Missouri.</p>
<p id="WidlCE">With the addition of the Peach State product, it is the biggest recruiting win of the Travis Williams era at Arkansas. The new defensive coordinator is also over the linebacker room and he’s added a pair of players just on the cusp of four-star status.</p>
<p id="7klJSZ"> </p>
<h3 id="6o6rGK">Current 2024 Commitment</h3>
<p id="aG4XQu">3-star ATH Julius Pope</p>
<h3 id="0FaRLB">2023 Linebacker Depth</h3>
<p id="OzYDe0">R-Sr Antonio Grier</p>
<p id="3N1MMH">R-Jr Jaheim Thomas</p>
<p id="9caDBL">R-So Chris “Pooh” Paul</p>
<p id="ZZ4hY6">So. Mani Powell</p>
<p id="DkZRNe">So. Jordan Crook</p>
<p id="NUtNm1">R-Fr Kaden Henley</p>
<p id="9xq7lm">Fr. Alex Sanford</p>
<p id="tJOE9p">Fr. Brad Spence</p>
<p id="gT0RlK">Fr. Carson Dean</p>
<p id="WxYdGm">______________________________________________________________________</p>
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https://www.arkansasfight.com/2023/8/2/23817028/arkansas-gains-commitment-from-georgia-lbJacob S Davis2023-07-22T06:59:23-05:002023-07-22T06:59:23-05:00Transfer guard to redshirt
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<figcaption>Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="5Tz6R9">HawgSports analyst Curtis Wilkerson broke news early Friday morning that Washington transfer guard Keyon Menifield will redshirt his sophomore season for the Eric Musselman and the Hogs, and plans to walk-on. This news doesn’t come to a surprise for many, as it’s been rumored for the last few weeks. </p>
<p id="kb4lHv">The 6-foot-1 sophomore averaged 10 points and 3 assists last season for the Huskies on 41% from the field, and 31% from three. Coming in at 170 pounds, Menifield may use his extended off-season to bulk up and gain muscle, preparing himself for a breakout season in 2024.</p>
<p id="Jyj0dp">Menifield transferred into a loaded backcourt, so while the news may be somewhat disappointing, the backcourt depth is still most definitely there.</p>
<p id="2Gt6qO">Arkansas returns Devo Davis and Joseph Pinion, while also adding El Ellis, Khalif Battle and Tramon Mark through the Transfer Portal, and signing four-star Layden Blocker out of highschool. There’s not been a plan publicly announced for how Eric Musselman will use all six guards, but he’ll have no problem with guard play this season.</p>
<p id="kPWUlV">With Menifield electing to walk-on, Arkansas is left with one roster spot available for next season. There’s been talk about a certain unnamed transfer filling that last spot, but nothing official has been released yet. It will be very interesting to see how Menifield chooses to go after his time off, but I’d expect to see a big jump in his play if he suits up for Arkansas in 2024.</p>
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https://www.arkansasfight.com/2023/7/22/23803975/transfer-guard-to-redshirtJacob S Davis2023-07-17T20:17:57-05:002023-07-17T20:17:57-05:00Four Breakout Candidates For Hogs This Season
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<figcaption>Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="H2rwlE">The twenty-nine transfers that left the Arkansas program since December, along with the three drafted to the NFL, gives Arkansas a totally different roster for the upcoming season. Because of that, others will need to step up for the Hogs to have a successful season. Below is four players who could potentially have a breakout season, and give Arkansas the much needed edge over their opponents.</p>
<p id="7gmQfg"></p>
<p id="z0jIGG">Isaiah Sategna, WR</p>
<p id="k24yQR">Sategna is one of the only returners at receiver from last year, in a now brand new WR core. The redshirt freshman played in four games last year, ending the season with two receptions for twelve yards. The WR1 spot is now wide open, and Sategna is fresh, and after a year of learning, should be ready to take a big jump. The speed demon Sategna will most definitely bring plenty of electric plays to the Arkansas offense this season.</p>
<p id="J1pFwF"></p>
<p id="O7IOvM">Rashod Dubinion, RB</p>
<p id="ZqNpR3">Dubinion seems to be in a perfect spot in his career. The 5’10 runningback is expected to start the season second on the depth chart, sitting behind Rocket Sanders. Running for almost 300 yards on 71 carries, Dubinion showed signs of being a potential RB1 in the future. His blazing speed and elite agility makes him a great backup for Sanders, and he’ll take advantage of even more snaps this season.</p>
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<p id="ZXRzjb">Chris “Pooh” Paul, LB </p>
<p id="U1HkQ8">The Redshirt sophomore Paul already showed signs of being one of the better defenders in the conference at the end of the season, starting in place of Bumper Pool during the last two games of the season. Paul earned Freshman All-SEC honors last season, but now has a chance to take his production to new heights as an everyday starter this year. Paul, with a good year, would not be a surprise to see on an All-SEC team when the year is over. </p>
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<p id="AZ5VBV">Hudson Clark, DB</p>
<p id="rKdCDf">We saw Clark change from corner to safety last season, and he thrived. A full season of Clark playing corner, as well as the two new defensive-coordinators, could give him a chance to really break out. Outside of Dwight McGlothern, Clark was the most consistent defensive back in a very depleted room. The Hogs bring in a few transfers and freshman to give them plenty of depth this season, but Clark should still be in line to start at safety, and the former walk-on should improve once again. </p>
https://www.arkansasfight.com/2023/7/17/23798435/four-breakout-candidates-for-hogs-this-seasonJacob S Davis2023-07-15T19:31:16-05:002023-07-15T19:31:16-05:00Arkansas shouldn’t accept mediocrity on the gridiron
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<img alt="Ole Miss v Arkansas" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yNGfyGTcP2t6qfPf8uRqzN0GIYM=/0x0:6435x4290/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72455615/1443693237.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="yZLslc">I grew up in a time where Arkansas Football was in the transitional stage of being competitive each season in football. Then head coach Houston Nutt gave fans optimism and hope while establishing the Razorbacks as players in the SEC.</p>
<p id="WI19rM">The conference was nowhere near as competitive in the 1990s and early 2000s as it is today. But, it sure did get stronger by the end of Nutt’s tenure. Plus, he won an outright SEC Western division title in 2006 with a 7-1 record. His Hogs were a muffed punt away from likely pulling off its first SEC Championship.</p>
<p id="4k8Khq">Of course that stretch of ball between 2006-2011 was the ultimate Razorback SEC experience since joining the conference. There’s certainly nothing wrong with that being the expectation.</p>
<h3 id="qg1mhI">Players larger than life</h3>
<p id="t6WKBw">When thinking of days gone by in Razorback Football plenty of players come to mind.</p>
<p id="PjOSaa">Clint Stoerner, Anthony Lucas, Tony Bua, Matt Jones, Darren McFadden, Jeb Huckeba, Shawn Andrews, Jason Peters, Batman Carroll, Jamaal Anderson, Chris Houston…. The list goes on and on.</p>
<p id="WC9kbR">As a kid, these guys were the heroes during that generation. They established my fandom through middle and high school.</p>
<p id="f13mUN">Then, once I hit college age, Ryan Mallett, the Warren three and Joe Adams time on The Hill was euphoric. Arkansas was contending for SEC and national championships. The Razorbacks were on the map but it was soon done and gone.</p>
<p id="mqDKPR">When looking at the numbers from 1998-2011 it should back up the claim of Arkansas being better than what they’ve shown the actual past decade.</p>
<p id="zcNqpR"> </p>
<h5 id="EQwHlN">Arkansas in the SEC from 1998-2011</h5>
<p id="mk1vEv">1998: 9-3 (6-2)</p>
<p id="QsOqmw">1999: 8-4 (4-4)</p>
<p id="viiyuH">2000: 7-5 (4-4)</p>
<p id="QR7SCF">2001: 7-5 (4-4)</p>
<p id="F9utdV">2002: 9-5 (5-3)</p>
<p id="BTG7dT">2003: 9-4 (4-4)</p>
<p id="4BCJXn">2004: 5-6 (3-5)</p>
<p id="aGmT6Z">2005: 4-7 (2-6)</p>
<p id="6LInMI">2006: 10-3 (7-1)</p>
<p id="KkaBEb">2007: 8-5 (4-4)</p>
<p id="xVIGUK">2008: 5-7 (2-6)</p>
<p id="lCKnEb">2009: 8-5 (3-5)</p>
<p id="gZsvYv">2010: 10-3 (6-2)</p>
<p id="MLV09z">2011: 11-2 (6-2)</p>
<h5 id="6GQV5H">OVERALL: 110-64 (61-52 SEC)</h5>
<p id="gQVjRJ">Seven 9+ win seasons in 14 seasons, 3 losing seasons, 3 10+ win seasons, 1 BCS bowl appearance, 4 bowl wins</p>
<p id="tBnFTN">Initial thoughts regarding the success shows fans around the country that often ask why Hog fans expect so much in the SEC, this is why. Arkansas fans just want to see their team be competitive again and winning at a higher level. There is absolutely nothing wrong with higher expectations. So, when folks tell you to settle for mediocrity (5-7 wins per season) laugh in their face.</p>
<p id="y1bwut"> </p>
<h5 id="78qvmW">Arkansas Football since 2012</h5>
<p id="sPoJiE">2012: 4-8 (2-6)</p>
<p id="aGELlU">2013: 3-7 (0-8)</p>
<p id="EArvkI">2014: 7-6 (2-6) Texas Bowl W</p>
<p id="u4c4TY">2015: 8-5 (5-3) Liberty Bowl W</p>
<p id="ol2cdv">2016: 7-6 (3-5) Belk Bowl L</p>
<p id="8Vh8dR">2017: 4-8 (1-7)</p>
<p id="qlarQf">2018: 2-10 (0-8)</p>
<p id="40Kj29">2019: 2-10 (0-8)</p>
<p id="I5pidO">2020: 3-7 Texas Bowl (TCU forfeit)</p>
<p id="CLNhyO">2021: 9-4 (4-4) Outback Bowl W</p>
<p id="2tHGWW">2022: 7-6 (3-5) Liberty Bowl W</p>
<p id="117tjC">2023: ???</p>
<p id="rfYWcy">Throughout the final years of my college career things that were once incredible soured quickly with Jeff Long overthinking his job. No, his firing of Bobby Petrino is justified but things soon spiraled out of control starting with poor John L. Smith.</p>
<p id="1wmbyA">This shouldn’t be the standard or the expectation at Arkansas. Never should the athletic department or coaching staff (I know they don’t) settle for this. Hog fans shouldn’t either.</p>
<p id="aGglIm">There’s no good reason why Arkansas should grow accustomed to 6-6 as the ceiling for any season. Sure, there will be an ‘occasional’ rebuilding season with “hope” of things to come. A .500 record should always be the floor.</p>
<p id="NzEBcy">Many grew sick of the “we’re close” phrase from Bret Bielema during the first of many losses at the beginning of his tenure. Close loss after close loss showed that promise was there. When would they get it done?</p>
<p id="iXzDxU">The moment they got it done they would lose to Toledo and Texas Tech in back to back weeks and seem to fall back a step.</p>
<p id="TTKpr0">Since 2012, Arkansas fans have endured quite a few what-if’s in all major sports. Football takes the cake. That 2015 season was supposed to be the breakout year and if anyone else were the head coach of the Razorbacks they likely would’ve won 10-11 games.</p>
<h3 id="kaE7UK">Premium on winning</h3>
<p id="rV7vTA">I’m under the impression that they’ll remain at this level from now on thanks to the commitment by Hunter Yurachek and the current coaching staff.</p>
<p id="oJTDPD">Winning at the rate they did from 1998-2011 shouldn’t be an exception but the expectation. That 14 year sample size was no fluke. The actual flukes are the hires the higher up’s thought would be best for Arkansas by hiring the likes of Chad Morris; who recruited well but never won over his team.</p>
<p id="WyFGV4">Is Sam Pittman the man for the job? So far, he’s 19-17 overall with more wins in his first three seasons than the 2 coaches prior to him. The head hog has recruited his tail off and knew he would need to after returning to a Fayetteville from the lap of luxury in Athens, (GA.).</p>
<p id="bmuEE7">If you talk to anyone around the athletic department right now there is a culture based on winning and doing it the right way. Both ways can be done and the football program is on the brink of being special.</p>
<p id="ox1osF">Pittman is not on a hot seat nor should he unless he loses grasp of the program. The Oklahoma native is genuine, builds intentional relationships with folks and has the goal of making the state proud of their flagship university. He came along at the perfect time and came to the perfect place to be successful. The Arkansas Razorbacks aren’t back but they’re certainly on the way back up.</p>
https://www.arkansasfight.com/2023/7/15/23796354/arkansas-shouldnt-accept-mediocrity-on-the-gridironJacob S Davis2023-07-14T21:50:35-05:002023-07-14T21:50:35-05:00Hogs land talented 4-star RB
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<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: OCT 08 Arkansas at Mississippi State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/djd8k91Y-lTTRr5Rij5g0ZA1Sz0=/0x0:3221x2147/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72454193/1243934542.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Chris McDill/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="0aOcHm">Benton (Ark.) High School’s Braylen Russell became the first 2024 prospect to commit to the Razorbacks. He then decommitted but now has pledged his commitment to the Razorbacks on Friday evening at the Benton Event Center.</p>
<p id="EVgapY">Russell is a four-star and 307th overall prospect in the 2024 class. He displays impressive athleticism and exceptional top-end speed to breakaway from defenders. At 6’1, 230 pounds, Russell delivers punishing blows when running down hill.</p>
<p id="b6CXpQ">He was one of the best running backs in the state of the Arkansas during the 2022 season rushing for 1,643 yards and 26 TDs. The Benton product showed he can get it done out of the backfield by catching 22 passes for 224 yards and 1 TD.</p>
<p id="IxVKWB">Since de-committing in October, Russell took in several other trips around the country. Those include a pair of trips to Arkansas and Tennessee. Plus, one each to Baylor and South Carolina. His top three of Arkansas, Tennessee and South Carolina was announced on July 6, eight days prior to his commitment date. Russell ended up with 17 offers but chose the Razorbacks over the Volunteers and Gamecocks.</p>
<p id="FQhWhH">Russell is now the 15th addition for Arkansas’ class of 2024. It’s anticipated that they will bring in at the very least 20 freshman in this cycle.</p>
<p id="FwiQo2">Running back Jimmy Smith has been spectacular during his time as an assistant at Arkansas. Since his hiring in December 2019, Smith has brought in four players rated four stars or higher. AJ Green is the highest rated recruit followed by Russell, Isaiah Augustave (2023) and Rashod Dubinion (2022).</p>
<h3 id="PjbTtC">Current Scholarship Running Backs</h3>
<p id="6PlC1S">Raheim “Rocket” Sanders</p>
<p id="KFbEhY">AJ Green</p>
<p id="Yd7ioW">Rashod Dubinion</p>
<p id="LMF1BD">Dominique Johnson</p>
<p id="uzwwcJ">Isaiah Agustave</p>
<p id="0CNDmR"> </p>
<h3 id="vK2U30">247Sports Scouting Report</h3>
<p id="xaDfGO">Big-bodied back with better-than-expected open-field athleticism and impressive short-range acceleration. Boasts a three-sport athletic profile with uncommon combination of reps in throws events (shot put as a junior) and sprints (100 meters as a sophomore), plus basketball.</p>
<p id="hKX1w4">Production made a significant increase from sophomore to junior year, in both totals and per carry rate. Consistently displays ability to catch the ball out of the backfield with almost 50 receptions across 2021-22 seasons. Downhill burst combines with large frame to make for a difficult second-level tackling assignment. Vision and sneaky first-move elusiveness catch defenders off guard. Encouragingly shows ability to get skinny in the hole considering big-bodied build.</p>
<p id="wrN7Sd">Flashes some subtle quick-footedness in tight quarters that keeps plays alive and gains unexpected extra yardage. Can still get faster at the top end, but showed improved open-field linear speed in 2022. Gears down noticeably when redirecting, but helps compensate with promising burst out of those moves. Should provide a forceful short-yardage option at the next level given size and athleticism.</p>
<p id="px76Xz">Upright running style and huge frame combine to create a large target for defenders. Occasionally relies on athleticism rather than run-finishing size / strength. Can improve lower-half fluidity. Lacks full catalog of verified data to provide ideal context to athleticism. Does immense size limit long-term upside?</p>
<p id="WJ7Smz">Projects as a quality Power Five running back prospect who could at least provide a punishing change-of-pace option, but also might become a high-volume workhorse. Scheme and fit will influence college role and impact, but the size and functional athleticism make for a four-star back with the potential to play beyond college.</p>
<p id="lSi0zI">-Gabe Brooks</p>
<h3 id="qaPWtg">Arkansas Football 2024 Commits</h3>
<p id="lyh5Nf">DE Charlie Collins</p>
<p id="8V9961">WR Courtney Crutchfield</p>
<p id="rchmEL">WR Ashton Bethel-Roman</p>
<p id="dTGo9Z">DL Kavion Henderson</p>
<p id="drgT2x">RB Braylen Russell</p>
<p id="dnrOhz">DB Noreel White</p>
<p id="ZTgMFC">LB Julius Pope</p>
<p id="9CekO1">QB KJ Jackson</p>
<p id="Tzkr4v">RB Jadan Baugh</p>
<p id="zYUebc">DB Jaden Allen</p>
<p id="zZjW2I">OL Zuri Madison</p>
<p id="4HHFvT">WR CJ Brown</p>
<p id="Vr2ewP">DB Ahkhari Johnson</p>
<p id="5vlzkj">OL Kobe Branham</p>
<p id="Ior4r7">DB Tevis Metcalf</p>
<p id="l4iZvp"> </p>
https://www.arkansasfight.com/2023/7/14/23795729/hogs-land-talented-4-star-rbJacob S Davis2023-07-14T21:48:22-05:002023-07-14T21:48:22-05:00Arkansas lands highest ranked recruit of Pittman era
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<img alt="Ole Miss v Arkansas" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/__OwohZXOj-b-UX1z-Ehcg42WNA=/0x0:3834x2556/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72454185/1443692073.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="K3sBNR">To continue a huge day in the state of Arkansas, the Razorbacks gain another commitment. This time it is from Selman Bridges.</p>
<p id="npri2X">The Temple, (Texas) native chose the Hogs over Texas, USC, Alabama and TCU. Bridges is a versatile athlete with the ability to play several positions in the secondary.</p>
<p id="HMtsi7">With the addition of Bridges addition it makes him the highest committed player of the class. It also makes him the highest rated player to commit to Arkansas under the guidance of Sam Pittman. Bridges is also the 18th best recruit to commit to Arkansas during this modern recruiting era.</p>
<p id="eEAbwg">The Razorbacks also move up to 17th overall in the 247 team composite rankings.</p>
<p id="U4qq5k">Touted as an elite recruiter during his time as an assistant coach, Sam Pittman is finally showing Hog fans, the SEC and around the country that his program has staying power. He took over at a time when Arkansas was at its lowest but knew what this program needed to do to be revived.</p>
<p id="zKF7VJ">Arkansas quickly rebounded and became a respected program in just his second year in charge - winning nine games. Even though they took a step back it wasn’t due to lack of trying. A shored up secondary due to injuries created depth issues that no one saw coming. At one point there were up to eight players out midseason having to bring players from wide receiver just to have enough bodies at practice.</p>
<p id="6MyVew">There’s been a shift in Arkansas’ recruiting and that’s been evident with the hires of defensive coordinator Travis Williams and co-defensive coordinator Marcus Woodson. They’ve both been very successful in such a short time to add not just quality depth in the secondary but add elite players that will make a difference.</p>
<p id="nEnnve">Keeping Jaylon Braxton onboard from the 2023 class plus the transfer additions gives Arkansas a formidable presence in the defensive secondary. Woodson and his defensive back assistant coach, Deron Wilson have put in work for the class of 2024 assembling an impressive class.</p>
<h3 id="uC3k2G">2024 Secondary Commitments</h3>
<p id="jimK6O">4-star Selman Bridges</p>
<p id="Z6HpYr">4-star Noreel White</p>
<p id="1HsBMo">3-star Jaden Allen</p>
<p id="jUz46G">3-star Ahkhari Johnson</p>
<p id="9TRJrn">3-star Tevis Metcalf</p>
<h3 id="2Ud34c">247Sports Scouting Report</h3>
<p id="WfDCos">Exceptionally tall corner (6-3) with lean, narrow build and encouraging fluidity relative to high, isolated center of gravity. Triggers on short-to-intermediate throws impressively given natural inertia created by his physical traits. Capable of swallowing up smaller receivers in press coverage and knows how to crowd catch windows at multiple levels.</p>
<p id="jUTHdt">Multi-sport athlete with experience in basketball and track and field. Good functional athlete on the field with a smooth backpedal that combines with the aforementioned triggering twitch. Wingspan is only slightly larger than height, but the frame plays long, erasing catch-point separation smaller corners cannot. Particularly tough to beat in red-zone situations because of frame and awareness.</p>
<p id="IzzLCR">Physical tools compensate vs. high school competition in situations that will require more technical nuance in the future. Little doubt about functional athleticism, but can probably squeeze more juice out of the top gear to aid turn-and-run and recovery abilities. Narrow and wiry but must gain some mass and get stronger. Above average ball skills, but can increase takeaway frequency considering how many throws his mitts find.</p>
<p id="LOrcyL">Without a doubt, has “the look” of the modern tall corner akin to a perimeter tarantula on the outside. Should be able to man up vs. most outside receivers and could become a zone coverage nemesis, shrinking throwing lanes and catch windows. Projects as a high-major prospect with the physical and athletic profiles that, with proper development, point to early-round NFL Draft candidacy.</p>
<p id="oxLjsH"> </p>
https://www.arkansasfight.com/2023/7/14/23795726/arkansas-lands-highest-ranked-recruit-of-pittman-eraJacob S Davis2023-07-09T15:57:12-05:002023-07-09T15:57:12-05:00Is KJ Jefferson the best QB in the SEC?
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<img alt="Arkansas v Georgia" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gcJ-T02SJglZAlw0qkCdCYzvTUY=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72437966/1235651354.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="EZkIoM">Coming off two good years starting in the SEC, KJ Jefferson enters his 5th collegiate season ready to take the nation by storm. After Young, Hooker, Levis and Bennett all left for the NFL, the hottest question now is who takes the crown as the best QB in the SEC? </p>
<p id="uxGKZu">Jefferson had an elite year last year, but was plagued with injuries throughout. He was not 100% healthy during most of the season according to reports, and that changed the trajectory for Arkansas’ season. He’s expected to start the 2023 season fully healthy, Enos’ new system will benefit him more than anyone. Developing quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa, it’s a given that Dan Enos will take KJ’s play to a new level. </p>
<p id="Zdf4Dm">A leveled up KJ means danger for the SEC, but he’ll have competition to prove who the top dog is in the conference. Jayden Daniels finished his season last year as one of the best quarterbacks in the country, leading LSU to a 10-4 season and a berth in the SEC championship game. Daniels and Jefferson have never faced off, but the game in Baton Rouge on September 21st should be an instant classic, and could give one QB an advantage in the race. Jefferson and Daniels both know there’s a fine line between the two quarterbacks and the rest of the conference, and they both will have to compete to get an edge over the other.</p>
<p id="VhFlz0">As we stand now, I’m taking KJ over Daniels. While KJ may not have the wins, his talent is undeniable. His speed and strength along with his massive arm can’t be overlooked, and the addition of Enos’ development will increase Jefferson’s confidence and ability. </p>
<p id="nECTfZ">Jefferson didn’t transfer, didn’t whine when he wasn’t playing. He put his head down and worked. Now, Jefferson is the best quarterback in the SEC, two years after being named the worst. And for the first time in years, your Arkansas Razorbacks have the best quarterback in the Southeastern Conference.</p>
https://www.arkansasfight.com/2023/7/9/23789003/is-kj-jefferson-the-best-qb-in-the-secJacob S Davis