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Pittman Feels Better About Hogs' Defense Midway Through Spring Practice

Several key defenders out for Arkansas this spring, staff says defensive depth improving
Jacob Davis|
Arkansas Razorbacks coach Sam Pittman on the sidelines against the Ole Miss Rebels at Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, Ark.
Arkansas Razorbacks coach Sam Pittman on the sidelines against the Ole Miss Rebels at Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, Ark. | Nilsen Roman-Hogs on SI Images

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Arkansas Razorbacks

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas Razorbacks coach Sam Pittman expressed some concern on the defensive side of the football before spring practice began about the lack of the unit's depth.

Apparently, the coaching staff might have unintentionally skewed its actual depth chart as seven of its 22 transfer portal signees play defense. There's still time for the Razorbacks' coaching staff to even the depth up, but the plus is it has provided Pittman time to evaluate who he has and needs this summer.

Arkansas defensive line coach during fall practice before 2023 season.
Razorbacks defensive line coach Deke Adams at practice Tuesday morning on the outdoor grass practice fields at football center in Fayetteville, Ark. | Andy Hodges-Hogs on SI Images

"Quincy Rhodes, Ian Geffrard and Danny Saili, those are three guys that I think, they didn’t play a lot [last year] but those three are as improved as anyone that we have on the team," PIttman said March 20. "They’ve done a really good job in there. Obviously, we’re without Cam and David Oke inside [due to injuries].

Arkansas is in desperate need of developing depth in the secondary this offseason. The unit has been hampered this spring with the injury bug as Cincinnati transfer Jordan Young continues his recovery.

The Razorbacks added Quentavius Scandrett (Eastern Michigan), Caleb Wooden (Auburn) and Kani Walker (Oklahoma) during the winter portal period. Pittman has been pleased with the defensive backs' desire to work and get better after finishing No. 111 nationally in pass coverage last season.

First year cornerback signee Keshawn Davilla was one of the top ranked prospects coming out of the JUCO ranks this cycle as the No. 1 player at his position, No. 6 overall nationally, according to 247sports. Pittman said the Northwest Mississippi Community College athlete is fighting for a spot in the rotation.

"Yeah, I like him, and I think he’s done a good job," Pittman said. "Obviously, he’s battling with those other corners, but I think we hit on him. I like him. He’s really, really fast. As we continue to go, I look for him to get better and better, which we really have done that. Our defense has really improved I think over the last few days. I think the corners are part of the reason."

Sophomore cornerback Selman Bridges is another defender who's emerged early on this offseason. The Texas native didn't start last season, but was highly recruited out of high school and signed as the Razorbacks top recruit for the class of 2024.

"I’ll tell you a guy: Selman Bridges is getting better," Pittman said. "But, I think those guys that we hadn’t seen play a lot of ball, those are the ones that I feel like, hey, they’re gonna be OK if they’ll continue to improve."

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Jacob Davis
JACOB DAVIS

Jacob Davis is a reporter for Arkansas Razorbacks on SI, with a decade of experience covering high school and transfer portal recruiting. He has previously worked at Rivals, Saturday Down South, SB Nation and hosted podcasts with Bleav Podcast Network where his show was a finalist for podcast of the year. Native of El Dorado, he currently resides in Central Arkansas with his wife and daughter.

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