Three key players for Arkansas to have a successful defensive season

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas’ defense had moments of brilliance in 2023 and was comfortably in the top half of SEC defenses in yards allowed per game before spiraling out of control in the final three SEC games of the season.

Despite allowing 392, 517 and 370 yards respectively down the stretch against Florida, Auburn and Missouri, the Razorbacks finished eighth in the SEC on the season.

Now in his second season as defensive coordinator, Travis Williams will need some new emerging stars to help anchor his unit and keep it moving in the right direction.

Perhaps no player has more pressure on himself to perform for the Razorbacks than quarterback Taylen Green. Jackson probably could be playing in the NFL preseason right now and would likely make the roster of a professional team, but he opted to return to school and is now on all preseason watch lists and earned 2024 Preseason Coaches’ First Team All-SEC honors.

Jackson had a solid junior season, but more than half of his sacks came against a rookie on an Alabama offensive line that somehow allowed more sacks per game than Arkansas’ offensive line. At the very least, the Razorbacks need more consistency from Jackson.

Many of the transfer players have the old label of “How will they fare in the SEC?” Sorey is one of the few players at Arkansas who doesn’t have that label, having started two games for Georgia last year. With a group of young, inexperienced linebackers around him, Pittman has also hinted that Sorey would be one of the players to wear the new helmet-mounted communication device allowed in college football.

At the very least, it will be weird not seeing Clark in fall camp videos next year. Nostalgia aside, the last dance for Clark should be a good one. If we’re still talking about his three interceptions against Ole Miss almost 5 years later as his shining moment in a Razorback uniform, something isn’t quite right. Not only is Clark under enormous personal pressure with players like TJ Metcalf gunning for his spot, but the entire backfield is under a lot of pressure. Even UAPB decided to try a “slow” backfield.

Arkansas is less than a week away from kickoff against UAPB. The two teams will meet at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. The game will be broadcast on ESPNU.

PIGS FEED:

• There really isn’t much reason for the Hogs to play UAPB on the field.

• As fatigue sets in, Davis continues to shoot baskets in practice.

• Vitello’s new contract puts a damper on the Razorbacks’ hopes of reuniting

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