Pittman breaks down nine Razorbacks for Hogs fans

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas coach Sam Pittman spent time earlier this week breaking down several key players to give fans a little more insight into what they can expect to see this coming fall. Here's what he had to say about each.

Taylen Green, QB

"I think he just was waiting [to throw the ball]. I think, I think he was hesitating there and looking for the big strike and and had some opportunities just to dump the ball, throw the ball short, looking for maybe more of a big hit. And he knows that, you know, he can use his legs. That's the thing about, there's a lot of reasons that are tough in the spring on a quarterback, because he can't get hit and a D lineman can't hit him and all that, but he also can't show his athletic ability. And a lot of times you go and you you might forget it. In other words, he runs out of the pocket and he goes down the sideline for 70 yards. You go, man, that was a good tuck, a good no throw, you know what I mean. Or he runs out and gets sacks, and you're going, 'Man, you should throw the ball.' So those are very difficult in the spring to evaluate, except, you know, when I talked to the offensive, staff, and coach. He just needed to get rid of the ball a little bit throw it on rhythm and a little bit faster."

Monte Harrison, WR

"[Harrison] made some plays, made some one handed catches, made some one-on-one contested balls, 50/50 balls. {He just needs to work on] just his consistency. If he if he becomes more consistent with urgency and route running and all that, I think he could move up even higher than that, which I think he will. Obviously, you imagine you going and playing baseball for a long period of time and then come back to football, it's just different. But I'm very proud of him. He's made plays, I think he'll make more as soon as he understands everything a little bit better."

Quincy Rhodes, DE

"You know, that's one going in — the great thing about coaching, and it doesn't matter where it's high school, junior high, whatever, you've got a guy and you're going 'Oh man, he's got talent, but I don't see him making plays' or, you know, whatever it may be. And there was really those three guys with Ian Geffard and Danny [Saili] and Quincy Rhodes, those guys we're going, 'Man, they're very talented. When are they going to let it turn loose,' you know? And all three of those guys have, really, really excited about those guys. But, you know, I love Quincy. You know, he came in here, he's easy to deal with. He has a good family and he's talented. You know, when he walks by, you're going, 'Okay, that's an SEC defensive end or tight end or something. That's hell of a good looking player.' And now his motor and his knowledge, Deke's [Adams] done a really good job with him and it's paying off for him and I'm glad you mentioned him because I've been really excited about him."

Brad Shaw, LB

"If we end up playing a lot of three down front, I think Brad, you know, you decide is your fourth D lineman physical? Is he more valuable than having Brad Shaw on the field? And so we've looked at that. We looked at it Saturday in the scrimmage as well. So Brad Shaw is a really good player that can run, so he'll play a ton of football for us. How much will depend, really, on where we feel about are we going to be in that odd front with a big standing on the outside, are we going to be in that odd front with Bradshaw, playing that edge."

Antonio Jordan, WR

"I will tell you this, when Ronnie [Fouch] went and watched him, he thought he was the Taj Mahal baby! And watching him on tape, a big, physical guy. Love the kid, just a great kid. And well, well, coached. Obviously, Bo Hembree is one of the best coaches in the state of Arkansas and has that respect. So if anybody can do it, it'd be that combination of coach, player, person, family. So we're going to find out, I promise you."

Madden Imaleava, QB

"Isn't that's something? I mean, he's done really well, especially coming off his, you know, he didn't play his senior year. Very mature, well coached out of high school and but, yeah, I think he's made a ton of improvement. I think you'll see that throughout the rest of the spring, and then you know the summer and fall camp."

Tavion Wallace, LB

"Yeah, I really like him. I like him a lot. He can run. Shelton's another guy who's playing the Hog. Those are two young guys who have showed up. But I really like Wallace and he's done some really good things. I think he'll help us in a lot of ways, but I know he'll help us on special teams and that's how a lot of guys get their start. They get on the field and make plays and the next thing you know they're playing, you know, playing on defense."

JJ Shelton, LB

"He's a linebacker. You know, we moved him out to the Hog position and, and so you're dealing with a lot more space. Now, you're not dealing with a nickel Willy, you know? I mean, he's played that, you know, obviously, but it's a different in college. t's a little bit different position. It's not your third linebacker, let's say that, [but he's] a guy that can do both. But I'd say he gets better all the time and I think he's going to be a really really good player for us and you're right, he [laid] a hell of a lick on Saturday."

Krosse Johnson, WR

"We certainly, you know, we try to get in that top six. He's right in there right now. Again, I think he's got the talent for that. I think once he gets everything smoothed out a little bit more and breaking away from defenders and route running and consistent urgency, I think he'll [move up], because he's very, very talented. He wants to be good, so I think he'll just keep it improving. He's got a lot of speed."