Thank You All,Thanks to the generous donations, I will be on the Hill on April 13th for my first Spring Game! To say I am extremely excited would be an understatement. So again, thank you all.
This means more to me than words can say.Now, about the Spring Game; here are some things that will have my coaches’ focus.
Quarterback – Yes, Taylen Green is the freshman of the year from the WAC, but his passing numbers left a lot to be desired. So the question is, how has he grown as a passer? Singleton currently is running with the 2s, and though not as athletic, I believe he has a better arm talent than Green; so I am very curious to see how he fares against the 1s on defense.
Running Back – This position last season struggled like a newborn trying to hold its head up in pass pro. So I will be watching to see if technique and fundamentals have improved. I am also excited to see how the big freshman from Arkansas fares against this aggressive defensive philosophy.
The Offensive Center – As of right now, March 25, 2024, the University of Arkansas football program does not have an actual starting-caliber center on their roster. Because of this, I am watching the snaps, tracking the total and bad. If the ball cannot get to the QB, then the play is done, and you have lost yardage.
Offensive Tackle – This is another weak point on this offensive line thanks to Coach Chumlee. So this year, I want to see how our 1st and 2nd team units match up against large, athletic defensive ends. I am watching their kick steps, hand placement, and violence at the point of attack. Can they seal and turn; drive and reach the second and third levels?
The offensive line as a whole – I am seeing how well they pass protect and open up running lanes for the backs. Last year, as everyone knows, our offensive line offered the protection of a wet paper bag. So I am curious to see how much improvement that group has already made.
Offensively overall, I have faith in Bobby P. to scheme open the skill positions; something that was non-existent last season under Enos. I am also curious to see how the Tight End room has progressed under 2nd-year position coach Morgan.
Defensively, Arkansas’s weak point is up the middle of the defense. With that in mind, I will be watching the following positions.
Defensive Tackle – I will be looking for violence at the point of attack, penetration, use of hands, and athletic ability. I will be paying very close attention to the 2nd and 3rd team units. This is year 3 of our Defensive Line Coach. Year 3 with any coach or player is a telltale year for what you can expect. It normally takes 3 years to lay the foundation to build a successful program. This spring game is the perfect time to see how good this foundation is.
Linebacker – Since the cupboard is basically all but bare at this position, I will be focusing on these things with this group. 1: How is the talent used? 2: Are linebackers expected to take on guards instead of getting skinny to get to the ball carrier? 3: How good do the freshman and underclassmen look?
Safety – Here is another position that on paper is thin of quality SEC-proven starters. So with this group, I will be watching 1: The Freshman and underclassmen. How are their reaction time, closing speed, ability to tackle in the open field, and ability to read an offense?
Cornerbacks – I will be watching footwork, closing speed, coverage, and ability to tackle in the open field.The overall aspect of this defense that was lacking severely last season was the ability to get off of blocks to engage the ball carrier. Also, an inability to consistently collapse the pocket or contain a scrambling Quarterback. This defense should be a strength, but this year I fear it will be a liability.
Overall, the team is creating more questions than answers, and I am hoping to find some answers and maybe a touch of hope in the Spring Game. Keep in mind that there will be players who will show out in the game that may not be on the team come Fall due to exits in the portal.
My way too early season prediction for this season is not so good. Going into next season, I see Arkansas winning maybe 4 games as its floor, 5 wins would be amazing for this team, and 6 wins if the football gods take pity. But in all honesty, I am expecting a 3-4 win season.
I am seeking hope, the evidence of an actual plan from the leadership of Sam Pittman, and an improved team from last year. Though again, to be honest, I am not holding my breath. I expect this to be the last year for Sam Pittman, Zeke Adams, and Travis Williams. Coach Adams and Coach T-Will could save their jobs this year, but I think Sam Pittman will retire after the season.
What do you think? Hit me up in the Discord with your thoughts, and I look forward to actually meeting everyone at the Spring Game. Again thank you
Vicki Farmer
Rico Bounnharat
Shawn Jack
Jeremiah Ishmon
Teneisha Ricks
Luke Green
Marlon Frazier
Kaprisha Armstrong
Dustin “Bigman” Ross
Tyler “WooPig00” Davis
I will forever be grateful and humbled by the generosity of the greatest community in the Razorback Fanbase! Woo Pig Sooie!
Tunka Todd
I said what I said!
