Tag: Deke Adams

Making history: Hogs take the field with all-black defensive staff

Arkansas football makes history with an all-black defensive coaching staff.

When Horatio’s Darrell Brown stepped onto the University of Arkansas campus in the fall of 1965, heroically breaking the color-barrier as the Razorbacks’ first African-American football player, the landscape of college athletics was slowly beginning to change.

Frank Falks became the first African-American assistant coach in Arkansas history in 1973, when he was hired by Head Coach Frank Broyles to work with the defensive ends. After Lou Holtz took the next step in 1977, hiring John Mitchell as the defensive line coach, Larry Brinson was later hired by Ken Hatfield to coach running backs from 1984-89. That began to open the door a little more for others. Garrick McGee then broke another barrier in 2010, becoming the Hogs’ first black offensive coordinator, under Head Coach Bobby Petrino.

The evolution did not happen as quickly as many would have hoped, but now 58 years after Brown suited up, the Razorback program has reached a monumental milestone under Sam Pittman. When the Hogs opened the season this past Saturday with a 56-13 win over Western Carolina in Little Rock, they took the field with an all-black defensive coaching staff.

“First of all, I think you have to give kudos to Coach Pittman for identifying the talent that was out there, who just happen to be of color,” said Dr. Fitz Hill, the first African-American assistant head coach in program history, under Houston Nutt in 2000. “And we know that Coach Pittman has to trust them because his livelihood is placed in their hands.

“You can’t have a token position in football, or in college athletics, because everybody is observing how well you do – Are we good? Are we bad? Or whatever. It’s not a subjective evaluation. But he was able to find some excellent coaches, who have the pedigree, and just happen to be of color.”

When former defensive coordinator Barry Odom left Fayetteville last December to become the head coach at Nevada-Las Vegas, he took linebackers coach Michael Scherer with him. Pittman also let go of cornerbacks coach Dominique Bowman following the season, leaving the Hogs with three openings to join the lone holdover on the defensive staff, line coach Deke Adams.

After thorough research and networking across the country to find the right fits for his program, Pittman selected his new coaches – and happened to make history in the process.

It didn’t take Pittman long to choose Travis Williams as Arkansas’ first black defensive coordinator. The former Auburn linebacker, who led the team in tackles during its undefeated 2004 season, had been the Tigers’ co-defensive coordinator in 2019-20, before spending the past two seasons as the DC at Central Florida.

In Williams first year with the Knights, his defense moved up 97 spots in the NCAA team pass efficiency defense rankings, compared to 2020, as well as jumping 86 spots in passing yards allowed (89.1 fewer yards per game) and 70 spots in total defense (122.5 fewer yards allowed per game). The Razorbacks finished 101st out of 131 FBS teams in total defense last season.

Another big factor in choosing Williams was his experience in the SEC, as well as his understanding and ability to recruit.

“It had a lot to do with that, because he understood recruiting and the urgency of recruiting in the SEC — it’s just different,” Pittman said after the hire. “Also, I liked his style. He’s very, very aggressive, and I like the fact that he’s going to keep four linemen on the D-line in the game.”

In January, the Razorbacks hired former Florida State defensive passing game coordinator Marcus Woodson to be Williams’ co-coordinator and work with the defensive backs in pass protection schemes. Three weeks later, they hired Florida cornerbacks analyst Deron Wilson to be the Hogs new secondary coach.

Including running backs coach Jimmy Smith and wide receivers coach Kenny Guiton, six of the Razorbacks’ 10 full-time assistant coaches are black.

“That’s the definition of inclusion,” Hill said. “You can say affirmative action, but inclusion is a whole different category. Now, you see that in 2023, which some thought would never happen, is that quality coaches are being given access, because of what they’ve earned, not denied because of color.”

After his 11-year stint on the Razorbacks’ staff, Hill was hired as the head coach at San Jose State from 2001-04, before focusing his career on education. In 2012, he wrote and published the book Crackback!, along with Mark Purdy, who is white, and a longtime columnist for the San Jose Mercury News. They detailed the disparity of minorities in college football, particularly in hiring practices and advancement.

“I wanted to write the book in collaboration with Mark, because I wanted a balanced perspective with two different mindsets coming together to reveal the truth,” Hill said. “I wasn’t trying to bash anybody, but instead just saying, ‘Here’s what the facts are.’ The book is factual, so if you don’t like the truth, then that’s on you.

“Race has always restricted space, particularly in football,” he said, referencing Warren Moon, who was one of the best college quarterbacks in America at Washington in 1977, but went undrafted and was relegated to begin his career in the Canadian Football League, likely due to the color of his skin. Eventually becoming the NFL’s Man of the Year in 1989, Moon was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006.

“For quarterbacks, time has evolved, but for coaches it’s still lagging behind,” Hill added. “So, these are breakthrough opportunities for some of these black coaches. And again, kudos to Coach Pittman for making that happen.”

But now, he also admits that the “double-edged sword” effect could come into play, depending on how successful the team is under this new regime.

“Now, the platform is there to perform, and if you don’t perform, it can have a negative effect across the board,” Hill explained. “Unfortunately, minorities are still evaluated collectively, whereas majorities are evaluated individually. It’s really a double-edged sword. You have to succeed or it can prevent other opportunities from happening.”

He also referenced former Colorado Head Coach Bill McCartney, who had three minority coaches on staff – two were black and one was Polynesian — when they led the Buffaloes to the 1990 National Championship.

“Yeah, the evolution has been slow, but now the statement has been made. The opportunity is there, so now the production must come.”

From the Sideline: Bell expects Hog starters to get extended time vs. WCU

Razorback Sports Network sideline reporter gives his insight on Saturday’s season opener.

Even if things go as expected on Saturday, and Arkansas jumps on an outmanned Western Carolina team early, IMG Razorback Sports Network sideline reporter Geno Bell expects that the starters — especially quarterback KJ Jefferson — will see extended playing time in the season-opener.

“With KJ coming in for his senior year, he’s not going to want to come out of the game — he’s playing for the NFL, right now,” said Bell, a former standout defensive tackle for the Hogs in the mid-1990s. “This first game is all about KJ jelling with the new receivers, jelling with the new offensive line. Then when you are running a new offense, it’s all about getting comfortable and getting the timing down.”

With new offensive coordinator Dan Enos instituting more of a pro-style scheme, Bell says that should play into Jefferson’s skill set.

“They will run a lot of two- and three-tight end sets, and if you go back to when Arkansas was essentially ‘Tight End U’, that’s what we did,” Bell said. “When you get KJ in space, there are going to be bootlegs where he can throw it, and there are going to be times that he can pull it and run it. And I pity the fool that tries to tackle him in open field. I’d rather tackle him at the line of scrimmage, before he gets to that second level with a full head of steam. He’s like a locomotive coming down the tracks.

“And we all know that KJ is going to be strong, but I’m telling you, we have four or five running backs that can flat-out get it done.”

Despite facing what seems to be a lackluster opponent in the opener, Bell sees the Razorbacks setting the pace early and making a statement from the opening kickoff.

“I think we just have to come out and be aggressive, and play our game,” he said. “These guys have been playing against each other since spring ball, and you’ve got about seven guys who are going to be starting for the first time. This will be their first opportunity to go against outside talent. So, this game is all about how you put it together and execute as a team, and jump on these guys early and set the tone at the beginning of the game.”

One huge advantage Arkansas has over last season is the addition of junior Jacolby Criswell at backup quarterback. The 6-foot-1, 230-pound Morrilton productive spent the past three seasons at North Carolina, before transferring back to his home state.

“I do think that Criswell has contributed to KJ getting better,” Bell said. “If you go back to last year, we did not have a true QB2. If KJ went down, it got ugly. Now you have someone who can step in and play, and that could be a big advantage.”

Bell, who spent his NFL career as a defensive lineman with Cleveland and the New York Jets, attended the Razorbacks’ scrimmage two weeks ago and was extremely impressed with the play in the trenches, especially along the defensive front. He heavily praised the progress defensive line coach Deke Adams has made with his unit.

“The one thing that I saw in the scrimmage, that blew my mind, is that we have defensive linemen and offensive linemen that really pass the eye test,” he said. “We have been pretty good the past few years, for the most part. But now that I can see what Coach Adams has done with that defensive front, with eight guys that can rotate, especially with Trajan Jeffcoat and Landon Jackson, we’ve got some dogs up front. So, when you can get to the quarterback with four up front, then you’ve got some guys in the back end that can play, that sets up very well. I think people are going to see a lot of things that they haven’t seen before. This team will be bringing some pressure. Those opposing quarterbacks are going to have to make quick decisions.”

But when all is said and done, the biggest factor will come down to health, and surviving unscathed.

“I think the main thing we have to do is remain injury-free,” Bell said. “That really determines the success of any football team. I’m telling you, this team can get out and play, but a couple of key injuries can change things in a hurry.”

Arkansas and Western Carolina will kick off at noon Saturday in Little Rock’s War Memorial Stadium.

 

 

Sam Pittman calls defensive end Trajan Jeffcoat ‘a bad man’ following fall camp

Arkansas transfer defensive end Trajan Jeffcoat has stood out throughout fall camp and will lead a deep Razorback defensive line this season.

Throughout the 2023 fall camp, Arkansas’ defensive line has shown that it has the potential to be an elite position group this season.

The Razorbacks have historically struggled to get the right mix of athleticism, size and experience up front in the roster’s two and three-deep. That changed this offseason, as [autotag]Sam Pittman[/autotag] and [autotag]Deke Adams[/autotag] were able to get an influx of transfers who will contribute immediately.

One of the most talented transfers on the defensive line is former Missouri defensive end [autotag]Trajan Jeffcoat[/autotag]. In four seasons with the Tigers, Jeffcoat recorded 84 total tackles (59 solo), 19.5 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, a forced fumble and fumble recovery for touchdown. At 6-4, 281 pounds, Pittman says Jeffcoat is the ideal modern defensive end.

“In 1983, this (pointing to himself) is what an All-American defensive end looked like,” says Pittman. “2023, this (pointing to Jeffcoat) is what one of them looks like. He’s 280, can run 20 – what, 21? (miles per hour)”

“Very strong, very fast, great leader and to be honest with you, probably hungrier than you’ve ever been in your life, and that makes a big difference.”

Over the last two weeks through fall camp, Jeffcoat has become one of the standouts on the defensive side of the ball. He had another stellar performance in the team’s second – and final – scrimmage of camp last Saturday.

“It’s hard when you’ve got (Jeffcoat) coming off the edge,” Pittman said. “That’s a bad man back there. The other thing with him, we’re not going into the scrimmage saying we’re going to slide to him, we’re going to chip him or we’re going to do all those things. We’re trying to see if we have somebody that can block him.”

Jeffcoat is just one of a handful of experienced seniors on the defensive line. It looks like the Hogs could have the deepest defensive line group in modern history, with nine seniors and talented underclassmen like Landon Jackson and Nico Davillier.

We’ll get our first look at this Arkansas defensive line in a little over one week, when the Razorbacks open their season against Western Carolina. Kickoff is set for 3:00 p.m. on Sept. 2 from War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock.

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Sam Pittman remains impressed with Arkansas defensive line

Defensive line has traditionally been a weak spot at Arkansas, but Deke Adams and Sam Pittman appear to have changed that in 2023.

Defensive line has traditionally been weak area for Arkansas football during the modern era of college football (circa 2000). A lot of legendary defensive linemen have come through the program in that time, but it’s been tough for the Razorbacks to field a deep, experienced and top-tier group up front.

However, that has changed for 2023.

Arkansas’ defensive line is easily one of the most experienced and, more importantly, the deepest groups up front that in recent memory. One thing that [autotag]Sam Pittman[/autotag] and [autotag]Deke Adams[/autotag] wanted to do this offseason was build quality depth up front.

[autotag]Landon Jackson[/autotag], who represented the team at SEC Media Days, and [autotag]Zach Williams[/autotag] are two of the only major contributors from last year’s D-line to return this year.

Outside of those guys, Pittman and Adams had to hit the transfer portal really hard to fill out the rest of the defensive line and were extremely successful in doing that. At the ends they brought in [autotag]John Morgan III[/autotag] (Pittsburgh) and [autotag]Trajan Jeffcoat[/autotag] (Missouri) – both seniors.

On the interior, Anthony Booker aka [autotag]Tank Booker[/autotag] (Maryland) was a major addition. He had 25 tackles, four tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and two sacks in 2022. [autotag]Keivie Rose[/autotag] (Lousiana Tech) was a late addition but another important piece. Rose earned first team All-Conference USA in 2022.

There’s also some really talented underclassmen that haven’t played much but will play a role in the defensive line this year. Jashaud Stewart returns but only played sparingly last season. Taurean Carter missed all of 2022 with a torn ACL but is back for this year. Cameron Ball provides depth inside, Nico Davillier provides depth as an edge rusher and Eric Gregory can play at either position.

The Razorbacks are three-deep across the defensive line – on the interior and at the ends. Arkansas will also have nine scholarship seniors on the defensive line this season. The size up front is also something that sticks out, as this group just looks like an elite-level defensive front and Pittman agrees.

“We’re big. They run well and play well together,” said Pittman following the first practice of fall camp. “It starts out at the ends. We’re huge at defensive end right now and guys can run.

But I was mostly looking at some of the new guys in indy (individual group drills) and we’re big. All of those guys can move. Certainly that will help us in the run.”

Across the board, this might just be the best this position group has been at Arkansas in modern history. It has the potential to be. If the Razorbacks hope to rekindle some of the magic and success of the 2021 season, the defensive line is going to play a massive role in that.

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Deke Adams sees son make Major League debut with help from Sam Pittman

Arkansas D-line coach Deke Adams got to experience a major moment with his son on Wednesday night, thanks to Sam Pittman’s simple act of kindness.

One of the most overused clichés in coaching is the term family. You’ll often hear coaches preach about wanting their teams to come together like a “family” and create a “family-like” atmosphere. Few coaches truly follow through and succeed in doing that, but [autotag]Sam Pittman[/autotag] is showing he’s not one of them.

On Wednesday evening, Arkansas defensive line coach [autotag]Deke Adams[/autotag] was able to watch his son, Jordyn Adams, make his Major League debut in Atlanta. Jordyn Adams, a center fielder in the Los Angeles Angels organization was recently called up from the AAA Salt Lake City and made his debut with the Angels on Wednesday.

Adams didn’t record a hit in his four at-bats and the Braves went on to win 12-5, but has been impressive in Salt Lake City this season. He’s batting .264 with 13 homeruns, 60 RBIs and 37 stolen bases in 89 games played. His father, Deke, shared a picture of the two embracing after the game and talked about much it meant that he could be there – thanks to Sam Pittman.

Pittman changed the meeting schedule with his assistant coaches and coordinators for Tuesday and Wednesday, to accommodate Adams traveling for his son’s big night.

“I mean, we’re not going to make a mountain out of a molehill,” Pittman shared with media on Wednesday afternoon. “A man called and asked if he could go see his son in his Major League debut, and, absolutely.”

While Pittman doesn’t care to elaborate or make a big deal out of his simple act of kindness, it’s clear that it meant a lot to Adams. Kudos to Pittman for doing the right thing and setting a great example.

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Taurean Carter Leadership Presence Expands off the Field

Despite not being on the field due to injury, Tauren Carter’s presence in the locker room is still valuable.

The defensive line has been one of the biggest conversations during spring and fall camp. It became more of a conversation when Taurean Carter suffered his knee injury.

Carter comes into the season as the leader of the Hogs’ defensive line and one of the best players on the defense. Of course, losing him to an injury makes everything less ideal for the coaching staff regarding Carter’s presence, but he is also valuable off the field. 

“He was having a great spring, and it’s tough not having him out there,” Arkansas defensive line coach Deke Adams said about the redshirt sophomore. “But he’s bought into his role at this point of being a leader and talking to the younger guys and being a motivational guy in the room. He is probably the most outspoken guy in our room. He gets after it. If he sees them lagging and dragging around, he’ll get on them pretty good.”

Carter started eight of the 13 games he played last season, part of a group that was second to last in sacks in the SEC.

Pittman decided to have Carter around in full capacity as he goes through rehab. Pittman’s decision to keep the vocal leader around has proved wise and resonated with the rest of the defensive line group.

Carter will miss the season opener on Sept. 3 against Cincinnati, and there is no direct timetable on when he will return. However, everyone agrees that Carter has remained “in-tuned” with the team and unit as if he was still on the field.

“He’s still on the same stuff as he was when he was playing with us,” senior DT Zach Williams said. “The only difference is he’s not on the line right now. Sometimes, I don’t even notice that because, like Eric said, he’s so into it. He’s not one of the people that once you get hurt, they close down or shut off. He’s not that type of person. He’ll really help you just like with Isaiah. He’ll help you no matter what your position is. That’s what I really like about Taurean.”

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Arkansas defensive lineman Eric Gregory could hold the key to Hogs’ front

Arkansas defensive lineman Eric Gregory isn’t just versatile, but talented and perhaps maybe both the best end and tackle both on the team.

Eric Gregory is a ‘tweener.

Twenty years ago that would have meant he was a defensive end and outside linebacker hybrid, an edge rusher who could play with his hand on the ground or standing up on the outside.

But in Arkansas’ defense in 2021 and likely again in 2022, Gregory is a ‘tweener of another sort: he’s a defensive tackle and defensive end and equally adept at either spot.

“We’re moving him around a good bit,” said defensive line coach Deke Adams. “The more versatile you are, the better you are as a group. And as a person, your value (increases) to the team.”

Gregory showed his worth to the squad last year as a sophomore, so it isn’t a question about what he brings to the table. He had 27 tackles, including one for loss, and three quarterback hurries splitting his time behind John Ridgeway on the inside and Tre Williams on the outside.

Right now, it’s been enough to get him reps as a first-teamer on both the three-man and four-man defensive fronts Arkansas has run this fall. Joining him at the other end most often has been Zach Williams, Arkansas’ leading returner sack artist.

The two together could provide the Razorbacks with their best pass rush in years.

“He can be on the edge, he can be inside,” Williams said. “He knows the plays. He can be put anywhere on the line, and that’s really good to see.”

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