Tag: razorbacks football

A look at Arkansas’ First Round picks since 2004

Treylon Burks became the 8th first-round pick from Arkansas since 2004 on Thursday. Who are the other seven?

[autotag]Treylon Burks[/autotag] became the 24th first-round pick in Arkansas football history during the 2022 NFL Draft, when he was taken 18th overall by the Tennessee Titans, following a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles that involved wide receiver, AJ Brown.

Since the turn of the millennium, Arkansas has had eight players selected in the first round. Burks was the first Razorback taken in the first round since Frank Ragnow was selected 20th overall by the Detroit Lions in 2018. Ragnow was the only former Razorback to be taken in the first round during the 2010s.

Who are the eight Razorbacks taken in the first round since 2004? Let’s explore.

Montaric Brown wants to be an “example” for his hometown

“Being from Ashdown, I just want [the kids] to think that you can make it from anywhere, no matter where you come from,” says Brown in an interview with KATV in Little Rock.

Arkansas defensive back [autotag]Montaric Brown[/autotag] is living the dream of most boys who grow up in Arkansas by playing for the Razorbacks and having a shot to play in the NFL.

Brown, who played in 42 games over a five-year span at Arkansas, signed with the program during one of its’ lowest points. In an interview with KATV in Little Rock, Brown says that he would not trade his time at Arkansas for anything.

“Just being from Arkansas, Arkansas doesn’t have an NFL team so I cheer for Arkansas like my NFL team,” Brown says. “It was a dream as a little kid to come to Arkansas so there was no way I was leaving.”

Now that his college days are behind him, Brown is preparing for the NFL Draft, which is set to take place April 28-30. According to NFL analyst Lance Zierlein, Brown is a projected round 5-6 pick.

But, no matter where Brown begins his NFL journey, he wants to continue setting an example to kids from his hometown of  Ashdown, Ark. That example? Your dreams are never out of reach.

“Being from Ashdown, I just want [the kids] to think that you can make it from anywhere, no matter where you come from,” Brown says. “I just want to be that example. You can make it out of any situation.”

After redshirting his freshman season in 2017, Brown started in 34 games from 2018-2021 for Arkansas. During his time as a Razorback, Brown recorded 132 total tackles with seven interceptions and 23 pass deflections. During his senior season, Brown was named first team All-SEC after leading the conference with five interceptions, in addition to recording 54 tackles.

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How is Arkansas Football replacing their biggest losses from last season?

Arkansas football has high expectations for 2022, but what area will they need to address the most heading into the season?

Arkansas Football is one of the teams that everyone is looking forward to watching in 2022. There is plenty of excitement surrounding the return of KJ Jefferson at the quarterback position, as well as the stable of running backs and the potential of the transfer wide receivers such as [autotag]Jadon Haselwood[/autotag].

But, that seems to be where the focus is, on offense. How does Arkansas look defensively heading into the new season? That seems to be a burning question.

Tom VanHaaren of ESPN wrote a piece called “How college football’s way-too-early top 25 teams are replacing their biggest losses“, with Arkansas’ defense being the biggest question.

Arkansas, which ranks No. 20 in the way-too-early top 25 from ESPN, will be looking to replace eight key defenders including [autotag]Grant Morgan[/autotag], [autotag]Hayden Henry[/autotag], and [autotag]Tre Williams,[/autotag] as well as Joe Foucha and Greg Brooks Jr. who left Arkansas for LSU via the transfer portal.

Despite the losses, Arkansas reloaded by bringing in talent from the transfer portal, and that is where they can begin filling holes says VanHaaren.

On the defensive line, the Arkansas coaches signed LSU defensive end transfer [autotag]Landon Jackson[/autotag], who was the No. 78 prospect in the 2021 class. Georgia Tech transfer [autotag]Jordan Domineck[/autotag] will also help Jackson in the pass rush. In the secondary, the staff landed LSU corner transfer [autotag]Dwight McGlothern[/autotag] and Georgia safety [autotag]Latavious Brini[/autotag].

The Razorbacks also have to replace three members of the backfield, but have players to step up, such as Simeon Blair, Jalen Catalon, and Keuan Parker, who all have playing experience.

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Freshman Rashod Dubinion has potential to be key player in rushing game

There’s another candidate to carry the load for the Arkansas running game this season.

There is a ton of buzz surrounding Arkansas football and for good reason.

Both coordinators, [autotag]Kendal Briles[/autotag] and [autotag]Barry Odom[/autotag] return for their third season, and signal-caller [autotag]KJ Jefferson[/autotag] returns to lead the offense with his dual-threat attack.

The biggest question surrounding the Razorback offense is, “who steps up in the place of Trelon Smith?” Smith, who transferred to TCU during the offseason, leaves behind 598 yards and five touchdowns from 2021.

[autotag]Raheim Sanders[/autotag], [autotag]Dominique Johnson[/autotag], and [autotag]AJ Green[/autotag] are among the choices that Arkansas has, but there is another name that Razorback fans should get to know, that’s freshman [autotag]Rashod Dubinion[/autotag].

According to Nikki Chavanelle of On3, Dubinion, an early enrollee from Cedar Grove High School in Ellenwood, Ga., played for current running backs coach Jimmy Smith in high school. Although early in his career, Dubinion looks to get a significant amount of carries in 2022, says head coach Sam Pittman.

He’s really a shifty runner. He’s a mature kid. There’s no doubt in my mind that he’ll help us next year in games. Not just special teams but he’ll be one of the backs toating the mail because he’s a good player.

To hear all of Sam Pittman’s thoughts following last Saturday’s spring game, click here.

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247sports makes bold prediction for Arkansas’ season opener

How do the Hogs fare in week one vs. Cincinnati? Brad Crawford of 247sports makes his prediction

There is plenty to be excited about when it comes to Arkansas football this upcoming fall.

The return of quarterback [autotag]KJ Jefferson[/autotag], a solid bunch of transfers, and a new contract extension for head coach [autotag]Sam Pittman[/autotag] are among the many headlines that have Razorback fans jumping for joy.

Because of the slew of positivity that has made its’ way to Arkansas, many members of the national media are jumping on the Razorbacks bandwagon, including Brad Crawford of 247sports.

In his way-too-early week one predictions, Crawford has Arkansas knocking off defending American Athletic Conference, and College Football Playoff participant Cincinnati to open the season at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.

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Arkansas enjoyed one of its’ most successful seasons in 2021, by winning nine games and winning their first bowl game since 2016. Cincinnati has become a legitimate power among the Group of Five programs, by competing in two straight New Year’s Six Bowls against two SEC programs. The Bearcats fell to Georgia, 24-21 in the 2021 Peach Bowl played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, and were defeated in their first College Football Playoff appearance last season, losing to Alabama, 27-6 in the Cotton Bowl.

While Arkansas does not play a Power-Five program in their nonconference schedule, having to compete with Cincinnati and BYU this fall will be a great measuring stick to see just how much Arkansas has improved under year three of Sam Pittman.

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Former Arkansas lineman, Brian Wallace, passes away

Brian Wallace, who was a part of the Razorback football program from 2014-2018, passed away Friday following complications of a heart attack.

Former Arkansas lineman Brian Wallace passed away Friday due to complications from two heart attacks that he suffered earlier in the week. He was 26 years old.

Wallace passed away while in intensive care in St. Louis. In a report by Pig Trail Nation, Wallace’s father, Brian Sr., said that his son had trouble breathing while at work on Monday. Following a break, he returned to work but collapsed from a heart attack. He then had another heart attack that left him in a coma with difficulty breathing.

Arkansas Football released their heartfelt message to Twitter on Friday.

“Our hearts are broken. Brian will always be a Razorback. Our thoughts and love are with Brian’s family and friends.”

Wallace, originally from Florissant, Mo., was a member of the Razorbacks football program from 2014 until 2018. While at Arkansas, Wallace participated in 35 games, starting in 29 of those games at right tackle.

 

Where Darren McFadden lands among the best running backs of the last 60 years

Darren McFadden is one of the most exciting players to ever wear the Arkansas uniform. Where does he fit among the game’s best running backs?

Arkansas enjoyed a fun run of football during the mid-2000s when Darren McFadden, one of the most prolific, and game-changing running backs to ever play the game graced the gridiron every Saturday for the Razorbacks.

ESPN’s Bill Connelly recently released his list of the 100 best running backs in the last 60 years, with Darren McFadden earning the No. 35 spot.

Here’s the small blurb from Connelly when describing McFadden:

One of the most sought-after Arkansas recruits of the century, McFadden stayed in-state and backed up all hype. Over his last two seasons, he rushed for 3,477 yards and 30 touchdowns, caught 32 passes and even threw seven touchdowns passes as a Wildcat QB.

Darren McFadden was the No. 1 player in the state of Arkansas, and the No. 7 running back in the nation for the Class of 2005, and immediately made an impact. In three seasons as a Razorback, McFadden rushed for 4,590 yards on 785 carries with 41 touchdowns from 2005-07. He finished runner-up for the Heisman in 2006 and 2007, finishing behind Ohio State’s Troy Smith and Florida’s Tim Tebow respectively.

McFadden would go on to play in the NFL for ten seasons for two different teams. Drafted No. 4 overall in the 2008 Draft by the Oakland Raiders, McFadden would spend his first seven years in the league with the Raiders before concluding his career in 2017, capping a three-year stint with the Dallas Cowboys. McFadden would rush for 5,421 yards and 28 touchdowns while playing a total of 103 games over his NFL career.

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KJ Jefferson is among the SEC’s best quarterbacks, according to On3

The popularity surrounding KJ Jefferson continues to grow, as he ranks among the SEC’s best signal callers.

As the “talking season” stage of the College Football offseason gets closer, the hype surrounding Arkansas football continues to grow. One of the reason’s for the Razorbacks’ popularity, is quarterback [autotag]KJ Jefferson[/autotag].

So much so, that Jefferson is thought to be one of the best quarterbacks in the Southeastern Conference. Jesse Simonton of On3 released his SEC Quarterback Power Rankings on Sunday, and Jefferson ranks among the conference’s best, checking in at No. 2. Jefferson is behind Alabama’s Bryce Young for the top spot and is ranks higher than Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker, South Carolina’s Spencer Rattler, and Kentucky’s Will Levis, among others.

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Simonton believes that if Jefferson has a great season in 2022, that the sky is the limit for his future.

Jefferson is a bulldozer with limbs. The Razorbacks’ 6-3, 250-pound dual-threat talent was 3rd in the SEC in yards per attempt (9.1), had 27 total touchdowns and rushed for 664 yards. Last year was a breakout campaign for Jefferson, but he could become a true SEC star and legit NFL prospect with a monster 2022 season.

Jefferson burst onto the scene in 2021 by completing 67% of his passes for 2,676 yards and 21 touchdowns to only four interceptions. He was also 2nd on the team in rushing by carrying the football 146 times for 664 yards and scoring six touchdowns.

Arkansas looks to Jefferson to build on the success of 2021, as he will have solid receiving targets in [autotag]Jadon Haselwood[/autotag], [autotag]Ketron Jackson[/autotag], and [autotag]Malik Hornsby[/autotag], as well as a supporting cast of [autotag]Raheim Sanders[/autotag][autotag], [autotag]AJ Greene[/autotag], and [autotag]Dominique Johnson[/autotag] at the running back position.

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Details: Sam Pittman’s new Arkansas contract

Former Georgia football OL coach Sam Pittman signs new head coach deal with the Arkansas Razorbacks. See the details of the signing here.

Georgia lost a good one yesterday as offensive line coach Sam Pittman signed a deal with Arkansas to become the Razorbacks’ new head coach.

Pittman, who has played a critical role in beefing up the Georgia offensive line through recruiting and coaching, is getting paid well by the Hogs.

Related: Sam Pittman’s departure is a huge blow for Georgia

Pittman contract is a five-year deal that starts at $3 million annually, per Steve Berkowitz of USA TODAY Sports.

At Georgia, Pittman was valued incredibly high by Kirby Smart, earning $900,000 per year as a position coach.

Berkowitz provided all the info necessary on Pittman’s new contract.

 

 

This is a huge loss for the Bulldogs but is understandable looking at the business perspective of the deal.

We wish coach Pittman and his family nothing but the best as he embarks for Fayetteville next season.

Once a Dawg…always a Dawg.

Sam Pittman’s departure a big blow for Georgia football

Sam Pittman leaving Georgia for Arkansas is a big blow for Kirby Smart and UGA football.

Georgia offensive line coach Sam Pittman accepted the position of head coach at Arkansas over the weekend, piling on to what was already a sad few days for Bulldog fans.

For Pittman, it’s a heck of an upgrade, though. To go from offensive line coach to head coach at another SEC school is not something that you see often.

There’s no arguing that losing Pittman won’t hurt the Bulldogs. People may say that we’ll be fine, which we will, but the loss of Pittman will be noticeable. The guy is a recruiting mastermind and did something never seen before in Rivals’ recruiting history, according to Nikki Chavanelle, who covers Arkansas for Rivals.

You don’t just replace that kind of recruiting.

While at Georgia, Pittman put an emphasis on size.

Georgia’s entire line this season weighs in heavier than the average NFL offensive lineman (314.8 lbs) and allowed just 12 sacks all season.

Whoever replaces Pittman will be fortunate to inherit arguably the best returning offensive line in college football next season, but it’s hard to imagine there is anybody out there who reel in the big-hitters that Pittman did on a consistent basis each year.

For 2020, Pittman is the No. 3 ranked recruiter in all of college football, according to 247Sports’ recruiter rankings.

The other thing Pittman emphasized was depth. And this season at Georgia, the Dawgs had a group of second-stringers who could start just about anywhere in the country. And thank God we did.

Injuries happen on the line. A high volume of 300+ men in a congested space. Yeah, injuries will happen.

But Pittman prepared for that, and that’s why we were so deep at offensive line. Whoever we hire next as offensive line coach, if there’s one thing I hope he focuses on its depth.

In Pittman, Arkansas gets more than a great recruiter and teacher. They also get some of the greatest videos to ever hit social media.

I’ll miss a lot about Pittman, but none more than these classics.