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It’s Year 3 at Arkansas for coach Sam Pittman and the bar has been raised. It’s a tribute to his abilities to bring the program to the doorstep of double-digit victories in such a short period of time. With an impressive Outback Bowl victory over Penn State, the Hogs won 9 games last season, a major jump from the 3-win season of 2020.
The quick turnaround is made even more impressive when you consider that in the 3 previous seasons before Pittman took over, the Razorbacks won a total of 8 games.
What’s the ceiling for Pittman and the Hogs? That’s a question we can’t wait to find the answer to. Here are 5 storylines that will help shape the 2022 season.
1. Who are the playmakers at WR?
With top receiver Treylon Burks opting to enter the NFL Draft, and 3 of Arkansas’ top 4 receivers from last year gone, a new set of playmakers must step forward. The situation is so critical, in fact, that backup quarterback Malik Hornsby has taken snaps at wideout.
Though Hornsby doesn’t figure to become a fixture at the position, two names do however spring to mind. One is familiar to Arkansas. Warren Thompson caught 19 passes last season for 304 yards and 2 TDs after transferring from Florida State. He’s the most experienced returning receiver from the Razorbacks’ squad.
But the player most likely to emerge as Arkansas’ go-to big-play receiver is Oklahoma transfer Jadon Haselwood. Perhaps underutilized as the Sooners’ possession receiver, Haselwood actually led the Sooners with 39 receptions a year ago. But he was 1 of 5 receivers with 30-plus catches, and he totaled just 399 yards for a 10.23 yards-per-catch average.
He did lead the Sooners’ receiving corps with 6 touchdown catches, and the Razorbacks are hopeful that Haselwood will find the end zone with regularity in the upcoming season. The former 5-star recruit has been on the receiving end of some deep balls in spring workouts from quarterback KJ Jefferson.
2. Is Trey Knox the answer at tight end?
Putting on 20-plus pounds to move inside from his wideout spot, Knox will be called upon to continue his pass-catching abilities at tight end. Knox was 3rd on the team in receptions last season with 20 catches for 141 yards and a touchdown.
But his transition this spring has been hampered by a concussion suffered in a car accident.
Prior to that he was a go-to target in the red zone during spring workouts and starting to look comfortable at the position.
Hudson Henry and Nathan Bax also appear to be options at tight end if Knox doesn’t win the job.
3. Who plays LT?
With 4 starters returning along the offensive line, it’s a position group that looks to be a strength for 2022. But solidifying the group with a solid player at left tackle is what Pittman has described as the No. 1 priority.
Luke Jones could be the answer to that question. The senior could provide additional leadership up front, but he has strong competition for the job. Pittman has also praised the work of Devon Manuel, Ty’Kieast Crawford, Jalen St. John, E’Marion Harris and Andrew Chamblee.
So, the competition is fierce for filling the key role and that’s a good thing. It means the talent is there, it’s just a matter of Pittman the one he fills most fits the role for what the Razorbacks are wanting to do on offense.
4. How does the DL shape up?
Speaking of holes to fill, new defensive line coach Deke Adams has work to do in plugging in spots left by graduates John Ridgeway, Tre Williams and Markell Utsey.
What can we expect from LSU transfer Landon Jackson? A knee injury has kept the former 4-star recruit out of spring workouts, but we know that Jackson has the size and agility to be a star in this league at 6-7, 275.
One thing is certain, the Hogs don’t lack for talent along the defensive front. It’s just a matter of getting the younger players more reps and coaching them up to meet the rigors of SEC play.
LSU transfer defensive end Landon Jackson hasn’t practiced while recovering from a knee injury, but Pittman indicated Jackson will appear on the edge once healthy.
5. How do the new faces in the secondary fit in?
Another LSU transfer, Dwight McGlothern, has moved in to take first-team reps in a secondary that could see some multiple new faces. Georgia transfer Latavious Brini is working out at safety, but will likely see more playing time at nickel, a position he played at Georgia.
They’ll join holdovers LaDarrius Bishop, Myles Slusher and Jalen Catalon, who made up part of a defense last season that held opponents to a 58.2 percent completion average, and just 16 TD passes while picking off 13 passes, which all ranked 4th in the conference.
Glenn Sattell is an award-winning freelance writer for Saturday Down South.
