Transer Juncaj Holds Key to Razorbacks’ Success in 2024

Prolific pass rusher will help position on defensive front Hogs really need to improve

Author:
Jacob Davis
Publish date:
Jan 11, 2024 11:45 PM EST

In this story:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Portal season certainly isn’t over with more windows for players to transfer opening throughout the offseason. As for Arkansas, it may have found their most impactful transfer, Anton Juncaj.

Sam Pittman has done a quality job of identifying the needs on the Razorback roster and infusing it with quality additions. The former FCS All-American enjoyed his most successful season in his career in 2023. His record season was worth the price of admission for a Great Danes team that went to the semifinals of the FCS playoffs with a loss to eventual national champion South Dakota State.

Razorbacks coach Bobby Petrino with Sam Pittman after game last September

Juncaj was a disruptive force dominating his opponents with 55 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, 15 sacks, five forced fumbles, 12 quarterback hurries and three pass breakups. Under the guidance of Sam Pittman, Arkansas has shown a good eye for talent out of the transfer portal. The concept of the portal was somewhat new when he took over in 2020 but has shown himself to have an eye for talent within the college ranks.

Pittman's hit rate on lower level transfers has been rather high as wide receiver Andrew Armstrong led the Razorbacks in receiving yards. Two seasons ago, John Ridgeway transferred in from Indiana State to become one of the most feared nose tackles in the nation.

Listed as a defensive lineman, Juncaj possesses the ability to play multiple positions along the line at 6-foot-3, 275 pounds. Due to his unanimous All-American selection, he received a transfer portal ranking of No. 97 and No. 10 defensive lineman of the cycle.

The expectation will be that he lines up on the bookend of Landon Jackson. The Texarkana, Texas native had his best season at the college level recording 13.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks, both career highs.

Defensive line coach Deke Adams has seemingly revived a once struggling defensive rush as Arkansas has been extremely disruptive the previous two seasons. The Razorbacks sit in the top five in sacks with 71 and tackles for loss with 154. Expectations for quality line play shall continue going into the offseason.