Andrew Armstrong would have not have been recruited by Arkansas, by coach Sam Pittman, if the Razorbacks’ staff didn’t think he could get real playing time.
But Pittman himself admitted Monday that the FCS transfer who started his career at the Division II level is even better than Pittman thought he would be. Armstrong leads Arkansas with nine receptions and three receiving touchdowns through two games.
“He’s just a lot better than I thought he would be. He’s a lot faster,” Pittman said.
Pittman himself played the equivalent of Division II football in his day. He knows the players on that level only rarely have the same level of athleticism of FBS-level players. But to have two transfer in who aren’t just FBS-level but SEC-level? Yeah, Pittman was stunned.
“TeSlaa is about what I thought he would be,” Pittman said. “Armstrong is much better than what I thought he would. I think it’s because of his overall speed and his ability to catch.”
Isaac TeSlaa, also from Division II, leads Arkansas in yards receiving with 117 and has a touchdown, as well. He and Armstrong have been the Hogs’ starting receivers since they arrived on campus, practically. Now they’re getting their first taste of premier college football.
Their coach thinks they’re taking full advantage, especially Armstrong.
“I think it has everything to do with what kind of person he is. He’s just a real great kid who is appreciative of playing before a sold out crowd and those things,” Pittman said.