What Was True Reaction in Locker Room After Pittman's Return News?

Was all that locker room jubilance on coach's coming back now raising questions

Author:
Jacob Davis
Updated:
Nov 25, 2023 12:02 PM EST
Original:
Nov 25, 2023

In this story:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — There's certainly reason to wonder if certain Arkansas players weren't happy with athletics director Hunter Yurachek's decision to retain coach Sam Pittman for 2024. The fact a lot of younger players, notably freshmen, over the year not receiving playing time is beginning to cause a ripple in the locker room.

Following the Razorbacks' 48-14 loss on Friday to Missouri, Davion Dozier spent a little time on Instagram when Tigers superstar Luther Burden decided to go live. The freshman receiver was watching the stream and asked Burden one of the wilder things seen on social media following a game.

"Spots open," Dozier asked.

Dozier saw playing time in three games this season. His only catch was a 14-yard touchdown reception in Week 1 against Western Carolina. A big-bodied receiver with exceptional speed, it seemed like he would find a way to crack the two-deep, but was hardly seen from again.

If the Moody, Alabama native decides to leave the Razorback football team, he will be the second Arkansas player to enter the portal. Brownsville, Tennessee native Jaylen Lewis hit the transfer portal Wednesday. Dozier was a 4-star wide receiver who signed with Arkansas during the 2023 recruiting cycle, choosing to play for the Hogs over Duke, South Carolina, Tennessee and Maryland.

Dozier indicated Saturday morning on social media he intends to remain an Arkansas Razorback, but given the history Sam Pittman has with how he handles open flirtation with other programs, it may not be his decision.

He may not be the only freshman looking elsewhere either as Malachi Singleton's mom began praising Gus Malzahn while ripping the current Razorback staff a new one.