Key to Pittman’s Team Confidence Lies In One Place

The Hogs’ defensive line is stacked with depth giving Pittman confidence in whole team.

Author:
Jacob Davis
Publish date:
Aug 22, 2023 2:46 PM EDT

In this story:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — More than any other time in his tenure at Arkansas, Sam Pittman has said his belief in a team repeatedly during the offseason.

“I really like this team,” Pittman said. “I like where we are at.”

Coaches say stuff all the time they don't actually mean, but given how often Pittman has made it a point to repeat his positive view, it's getting hard to not accept the Hogs’ coach truly believes his team is going to be good. There are obvious factors like the experienced star power with quarterback KJ Jefferson and running back Raheim Sanders. Most of the praise, preseason accolades and bold record predictions are attributed to them.

They're not alone though. The Hogs’ defensive line has caused havoc during camp. That includes a man also known as “Tree," Trajan Jeffcoat. The former Missouri transfer is up to 280 pounds and running 20-21 mph.

“[Jeffcoat] is very strong, very fast, great leader and to be honest with you, probably hungrier than you've ever been in your life," Pittman said. "
That makes a big difference.".

SEC level defensive linemen don’t grow on trees and not every school has enough to field quality depth at the position, but, on paper, it appears Arkansas might. Landon Jackson is the bookend on the other side of the line. He’s up to 280 pounds as well and has the stats to show his speed has also increased.

Even the interior defensive line has larger bodies with multiple players exceeding 305+ pounds. Cam Ball (319 pounds), Taurean Carter (303 pounds), Anthony Booker (351 pounds), Keivie Rose (303 pounds) and Ian Geffrard (394 pounds) each bring a heavy dose of mass to the force equation. Size matters in the SEC, so that's one thing going for the Razorbacks before a single game is played.

Pittman's non-stop spouting of confidence in his overall team has begun to trickle down. Now, senior DT Eric Gregory, a leader within the defensive line group, echoes thoughts similar to those of his head coach.

"I’m feeling more confident," Gregory said. "With the depth we have now there will be more pressure. I feel like it's going to be a big season. It's the deepest D-Line we've had since I've been here. We have at least three groups that can play and contribute.”

While recruiting stars get headlines, when it comes to success in the trenches, age and experience often do a better job of telling the tale. Grown men whose bodies have had time to fill out while being tested through years of battling NFL bound SEC defensive lineman are needed for success at this level. Defensive line coach Deke Adams said he knows he has impressive players, but still wants to take a slower approach before praising his players.

“We’ve got some older guys, we’ve got some plus-one year guys in there," Adams said. "We’ll see how that goes, but right now we’re going to take one step at a time and one game at a time and we’re going to go out and put the best four on the field and get our rotation rolling. Hopefully we can wear some people down and play well.”