Arkansas 2021 Season Preview

by  Max McDougald

Chad Morris went a whopping 4-and-18 in his brief two-year tenure at Arkansas. The Razorbacks failed to win a single conference game and were ranked 121 out of 130 FBS teams in 2019. His departure opened the door for Sam Pittman, who not only made some tremendous hires on both sides of the ball in Kendal Briles and Barry Odom, but also brought a spark back to Fayetteville. But his work was cut out for him. On top of inheriting one of the worst teams in the country, COVID ruined college athletics for a time, which meant Pittman couldn’t even get a spring practice in with his new team. Expectations were low to say the least, as Arkansas faced a gauntlet of a schedule. Somehow, someway, though, the Pitman’s team was able to rally and pull out three wins in a 2020 all-SEC schedule (and would have won a couple more if the ball bounced their way). 

Last season was a success for Arkansas, but 3 conference wins will not count as a success for long. Pittman has established that he can win; now he needs to win more. The good news for this ball club is that they return veteran starters everywhere and should take another step forward this season. 

Offense

Everywhere Kendal Briles lands, the offense catches fire. In 2015, he Baylor led the NCAA in points per game (48.1) and total offense yards per game (616.2). The Bears’ offense hauled in a ton of postseason hardware, including one consensus All-American, nine All-Big 12 players, and the winner of the Biletnikoff Award for the best receiver in college football, Corey Coleman. After the dust settled from Baylor’s massive 2016 sexual assault scandal, in which Kendal Briles was not implicated in any way, he began a nomadic journey. In 2017, he helped Lane Kiffin and FAU finish sixth in the FBS in rushing yards per game (498.4), eighth in points per game (40.6), and ninth in total offensive yards per game (498.4). His next stop was Houston in 2018, where he coached one of the best offenses in the country. In a desperate attempt to keep his job, Willie Taggart brought Briles to Tallahassee in 2019. Although their offense improved in both total yards per game (361.2 in 2018 to 403.2 in 2019) and points per game (21.9 in 2018 to 29.1 in 2019), it was not enough for Taggart to hang on to his job. 

Tired of roaming the country, Briles wanted to find a place to settle down. Sam Pittman gave him that opportunity when he offered Briles the offensive coordinator position at Arkansas. Last season, Briles lived up to his reputation as an offensive miracle worker, improving an offense that was one of the worst in the country in 2019 (out of 130 FBS programs, the Razorbacks finished 2019 ranked 110th in scoring average and 111th in total offense yards per game). In Briles’ first season in Fayetteville, the Razorbacks improved in scoring average from 110th nationally to 87th, and in total offensive yards per game from 111th to 67th (again, in an all-SEC schedule). The good news for Pittman is that Briles doesn’t plan on leaving anytime soon. Asked if he would take another coaching job after 2020, Briles responded, “This is my fifth stop in five years. So for my family and me personally, I’m really hoping that we can stay here and be here a while. Just because, you know, I feel really good about the vibe of the city, and the players and Coach Pittman, so hopefully we can put in some roots.” This is the first time in five years Briles returns to the same program; if he builds on his success from last year, this Arkansas offense could surprise a lot of teams.

Briles will need to replace his starting quarterback, and he needs improvement along the offensive line to help open up Arkansas’ spread offense, but with Sam Pittman’s deep knowledge and experience coaching o-linemen, they should see much improvement. Expect this offense to utilize the passing game to open up the run game, and for the Razorbacks’ up-tempo offense to keep opposing defenses on their toes.   

Departed Starters

Feleipe Franks – QB – NFL

Mike Woods – WR – Transfer 

Rakeem Boyd – RB – NFL

Quarterback

Feleipe Franks was a perfect transition for Arkansas in 2020. As a dual-threat quarterback, he brought the athleticism and much-needed experience to help lead a young group of quarterbacks. Most importantly, he brought a winning mentality with him from Florida. Unlike his teammates (who didn’t win an entire conference game in 2019), Franks was accustomed to a culture that not only expected wins but demanded them. Furthermore, Franks was in and out within a one-year span. If he had transferred in as a sophomore or junior, the quarterback room would have been too crowded in 2021. Now that Franks is fighting for reps with the Atlanta Falcons, two underclassmen – KJ Jefferson and Malik Hornsby – will battle it out for the starting role. 

Redshirt sophomore KJ Jefferson (6-3, 240) is the favorite to win. Not only does he have the most experience, playing in five games last season (including one start), he is also talented in all aspects of the game. Briles is known for explosive quarterback play with quality dual-threat QBs (D’Eriq King at Houston comes to mind). Jefferson’s preference is to sling the ball all over the field in order to keep defenses guessing and loosen up the running game.  In contrast , Hornsby is more likely to suck defenses in with his running ability in order to  open up the passing game.  Either approach creates opportunities for this offense. 

Although Jefferson is the more “proven” of the two, he still has little experience in a starting role, so look for Hornsby to make a push late into fall camp. Both are athletic, with more strengths than weaknesses, so the winner of this battle could come down to which of them can minimize his mistakes.  If that is the case, look for Jefferson to edge out Hornsby. 

Running Back

Briles is known for elite quarterback play, but his running backs are consistently productive, too. In 2019, Cam Akers earned All-ACC honors after rushing for 1,144 yards and 14 touchdowns. In 2017, Devin Singletary rushed for 1,920 yards and led the nation with 32 rushing touchdowns, third all-time in a single season, behind Barry Sanders (37) and Montee Ball (33). Historically, Briles likes to split rushing responsibilities – Singletary and Akers were exceptions because Briles had few other options. Last year, though, we witnessed several running backs receiving meaningful touches throughout the season, and 2021 should be no different. 

Gone is Rakeem Boyd, who started the first six games of 2020, amassing 309 rushing yards, 3 touchdowns, and 10 receptions for 33 yards before opting out of the last 4 games of the season. Although technically the starter before he opted out, Boyd’s touches diminished throughout the season, as Trelon Smith emerged as the primary back. Now a redshirt junior, Smith (5-9, 190) returns at the head of the committee after rushing for 710 yards and 5 touchdowns in 2020. He is a compact running back who will not shy away from contact but is still very much a threat in the passing game, finishing last season third on the team in receptions (22) and fifth in receiving yards (159). 

Behind Smith is a pair of underclassmen who will split touches. Sophomore Dominique Johnson (6-1, 235) is a punisher who will make any defender regret initiating contact. Although he played primarily on special teams as a true freshman last year, he was a workhorse for his high school team. The other back who should see playing time is four-star recruit (according to 247Sports) Raheim Sanders (6-2, 225). He was a utility player in high school and saw action at running back, wide receiver, and linebacker. In his senior year, Sanders rushed for 317 yards, 4 rushing touchdowns, and 24 receptions for 391 yards, along with putting up an additional 4 receiving touchdowns. Sanders is the future for Arkansas and should thrive under this offense. 

Wide Receiver/Tight End

In the offseason, Arkansas lost one of its best wide receivers to the transfer portal. Mike Woods started all 10 games last year and finished with 619 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns on 32 receptions. Although his decision to transfer to Oklahoma hurt, there are plenty of veteran upperclassmen who can step in. 

We should see juniors Treylon Burks (6-3, 225) and Trey Knox (6-5, 215) on the outside. Both are physical receivers who love challenging defensive backs on jump balls. Burks returns as last year’s team leader in receptions (51) and receiving yards (820) to go with his 7 touchdowns. He has straight-line speed that will send cornerbacks scrambling after his first couple of steps.

In contrast to Burks’ performance last year, Knox needs to play up to his four-star potential. He was highly recruited out of high school (LSU, Clemson, Florida, Ohio State, etc.) and showed promise early. However, after an electric start to his collegiate career in 2019 (21 receptions for 299 yards and 2 touchdowns in his first four games), a nagging thigh injury limited Knox’s performance for the rest of the season. And although he appeared in every game last year, starting six of them, Knox only made 7 receptions for 70 yards. With Woods gone, Knox is the name circled on the roster. While he won’t burn anyone with his speed, his frame makes him a big target for quarterbacks and certainly gives him an advantage in jump balls. 

Behind these two should be redshirt senior Tyson Morris (6-1, 205), who lacks flash but makes up for it with disciplined route running and sure hands, and redshirt junior (and Oklahoma transfer) Jaqualyn Crawford (5-10, 175). Crawford has yet to see any playing time after having to sit out a year due to transfer rules, but coaches continue to sing his praises throughout fall camp. 

Slot receiver De’Vion Warren (5-10, 195) returns for his senior year after missing the last three games of 2020 due to injury. In the first seven games, Warren made 15 receptions for 278 yards and three touchdowns while adding 4 rushing attempts for 35 yards. Briles likes to put Warren in motion to give his quarterbacks a pre-snap read. 

At tight end returns super senior Blake Kern (6-5, 265), who started last season primarily on special teams, then saw time as a run-blocking tight end, and finally began playing a significant role in the passing game toward the end of the year, recording 20 receptions for 201 yards and 2 touchdowns. He is one of the players who has benefited the most under Briles. Redshirt sophomore Hudson Clark (6-5, 255) will also look to build on a 2020 Freshman All-SEC campaign, after hauling in 16 receptions for 92 yards and 1 touchdown.        

Offensive Line

Ty Clary and Shane Clenin are two super seniors who have played under three head coaches during their collegiate careers. It has been a rollercoaster emotionally and physically. Brett Bielema loved massive linemen who imposed their will in the run game. Chad Morris, on the other hand, preferred his line to shed extra weight so they could move more easily up and down the field. Now Pittman is in charge and wants his line to be somewhere in-between. It’s difficult to assemble a front five when they all have been recruited to match different offensive philosophies. Pittman has experienced linemen to pick from, but his expertise will be put to the test. 

Last year, the Razorbacks’ offensive line struggled to get things going in the run game, which made life much easier for defenses, since they could send pass rushers off the edge. I’ll assign some of the blame to Rakeem Boyd’s inability to adapt to an offense that preferred more zone run plays, and I’ll also give some blame to the coaches for their reluctance to bench Boyd. The bottom line, though, is that this front five didn’t control the line of scrimmage. For the offense to take a step forward as a whole, members of the o-line need to assert themselves in the run game. 

Both tackle positions should see the return of redshirt seniors: Myron Cunningham (6-6, 325) at left tackle and Dalton Wagoner (6-9, 330) at right tackle. While Cunningham started all 10 games last year, Wagoner played in 8 and started only the last five. Wagoner’s spot isn’t guaranteed, however, with sophomores Marcus Henderson (6-5, 290) and Ty’Kieast Crawford (6-5, 350) pushing for the starting role. Arkansas experts are high on both of these two and their run blocking ability, so if Wagoner doesn’t show improvement from last season, either one could step in at right tackle. 

Although redshirt sophomore Brady Latham (6-5, 305) started all 10 games at left guard, he split snaps with former Notre Dame transfer Luke Jones (6-5, 310). Latham has potential to be great but struggled moving elite defenders off the line of scrimmage in the run game last year. Jones and Latham will battle for the starting role, and the decision might even be made on a week-by-week basis. Ty Clary (6-4, 315) returns for his fifth-year at right guard and is the best run blocker on this line. 

Junior Ricky Stromberg (6-4, 310) returns at center and is a phenomenal pass blocker (he allowed only one sack on 355 passing plays), but he struggled last year to move interior defenders off the ball. Shane Clenin (6-6, 325) and Beaux Limmer (6-5, 300) return with game experience and could also find a way into the rotation at various positions on the line.

Defense

Former Missouri head coach Barry Odom returns to Arkansas for his second season as defensive coordinator. Last year, we witnessed how he loves blurring the lines between traditional position roles, moving players around all throughout the defense (but especially in the secondary). For his primary defensive scheme, Odom would prefer to run a 4-2-5 (4 down linemen, 2 linebackers, and 5 defensive backs), but his base defense since he arrived in Fayetteville has been more of a 3-2-6 (3 down linemen, 2 linebackers, and 6 defensive backs), which he has run primarily to adapt to his personnel.

While Arkansas’s defense showed flashes of greatness in 2020, they also experienced growing pains. The season started strong, with the defense holding Georgia to 5 points in the first half, giving up only 14 points to Mississippi State (one week after the Bulldogs had defeated reigning champions LSU), and forcing 7 turnovers (including 6 interceptions) against the high-powered Ole Miss offense. But as the season progressed, Arkansas was reminded how far away it is from competing against the higher-tier teams in their conference, such as Texas A&M, Florida and Alabama. They finished the season at or near the bottom of the SEC in most defensive statistics, including 12th in rushing yards allowed per game (192.1), 12th in rushing touchdowns allowed (21), 9th in passing yards allowed per game (259.6), and tied for last in sacks (14).

The good news for Arkansas fans is that this defense returns a plethora of talented, experienced, and well-coached players at almost every position, including 10 starters from 2020. Look for this defense to resemble the one we saw in September and October last season, not the one we saw in November and December. 

Departed Starters

Jonathan Marshall – DT – NFL

Defensive Line

The Razorbacks’ defensive line experienced the most change under Barry Odom. Their base defense went from a traditional 4-man front (2 defensive tackles and 2 defensive ends) to a 3-man front (1 nose guard, 1 defensive tackle, and 1 defensive end), with a linebacker/defensive end (Jack) coming off the edge. But it’s not quite that simple – Odom frequently moves players around and blurs the lines of their traditional roles. This was quite an adjustment, and the resulting inconsistent play up-front contributed significantly to Arkansas’ poor defensive statistics overall. Fans last season recognized that it was a period of transition for the defensive line, but the grace period is over. 

Inside will be headlined by graduate transfer nose guard John Ridgeway III (6-6, 320) who comes from FCS program Illinois State. If it wasn’t for the FCS playing a limited spring season in 2021, Ridgeway would almost certainly have replicated his junior year success at Illinois State – 50 tackles (including 3 for a loss), 2 broken-up passes, and a forced fumble – and found his way onto an NFL roster. However, after only playing in 4 games his senior season, Ridgeway took advantage of his extra year of eligibility to prove he can play at the highest collegiate level possible. He brings size and strength to the inside, but most importantly, he will provide a pass rush up the middle. Behind Ridgeway should be redshirt sophomore Taurean Carter (6-3, 300), who saw action in 8 games (one as a starter) in 2020 and made 11 tackles, with 1 broken-up pass.

Joining Ridgeway inside at defensive tackle will be either redshirt junior Isaiah Nichols (6-3, 300) or Missouri graduate transfer Markell Utsey (6-4, 290). Nichols started in 7 of his 9 appearances last season, finishing with 24 tackles, half a sack, and one quarterback hurry. Nichols was effective in eating up blocks last season, but he needs to be quicker off the ball. Meanwhile, in 7 appearances for Mizzou last year, Utsey made 19 tackles (2 for loss) and broke up one pass. As the season progresses, expect to see Utsey playing more snaps than Nichols. 

Redshirt sophomore Eric Gregory (6-4, 295) should resume his role as starting defensive end. He finished his first collegiate season with 27 tackles (3 for loss), 1 quarterback hurry, 1 interception, and a team-leading 2.5 sacks. Gregory may be the youngest player on this line, but his speed off the edge and gap discipline will earn him the starting role. He is also versatile enough and strong enough to slide inside when Odom switches things up with a traditional 4-man front. 

Sam Pittman is also high on Zach Williams (6-4, 255), who spent the entire offseason dedicated to bulking up from his former 225 pounds. Junior Mataio Soli (6-4, 245) will fight for playing time after making 9 appearances (including 1 start) in 2020 and finishing the season with 5 tackles (0.5 for a loss) and one quarterback hurry.  

The Jack position should be filled by another Missouri transfer, Tre Williams (6-5, 255). Williams saw significant playing time throughout his career at Missouri, finishing the 2019 season with 24 tackles (3 for loss), 1 sack, and 5 quarterback hurries, before following Odom to Arkansas in 2020. Behind Williams should be red-shirt senior Dorian Gerald (6-3, 265). 

Linebacker

This linebacking corps is the equivalent to a special forces unit, small in numbers but elite in talent. Returning is consensus first-team All-SEC Grant Morgan and Coaches’ poll second-team All-SEC Bumper Pool. Morgan (5-11, 235) led the team in tackles last season with 111 (7.5 for loss), along with 2 sacks, 1 interception, 5 broken-up passes, and 1 quarterback hurry. He returns for his fifth year and could be a first-round selection in the 2022 NFL draft. Pool (6-2, 230) is no slouch either, finishing second on the team with 101 tackles (6.5 for loss), 5 broken-up pass, 1 quarterback hurry, and half a sack. No matter what scheme Odom uses, these two will be on the field. If Odom wants to move a Jack or Star to provide a third linebacker, look for Morgan to slide into the middle and Pool play on the weak side. 

Behind these two is another pair of upperclassmen, Hayden Henry (6-2, 225) and Deon Edwards (6-1, 220). Henry saw playing time in all 10 games last season, finishing with 25 tackles (3 for loss), 1 sack, and 1 broken-up pass. Meanwhile, Edwards has seen most of his playing time on special teams but looks to expand his role in his final season.

Secondary 

Despite the lack of quarterback pressure last year, this secondary still found a way to force turnovers and prevent big gains, finishing tied for first in the SEC with 13 interceptions. They return all of their starters should finish in the top half of the conference in key coverage statistics. 

At cornerback are redshirt senior Montaric Brown (6-0, 190) and redshirt sophomore Hudson Clark (6-2, 180). Brown is a veteran who has started in the past two seasons; he finished 2020 with 31 tackles (2 for loss), 1 interception, 1 forced fumble, and a team-leading 6 broken-up passes. Although Brown is a talented cornerback, he was overshadowed by Hudson Clark last year. Clark began last season as a walk-on but started in 7 of the 8 games in which he appeared, finishing in the team’s top 5 in total tackles (47) and passes broken-up (3), and tying safety Jalen Catalon (see below) for the most interceptions (3). Now on full scholarship, Clark enters his redshirt sophomore year as a fan and team favorite. Behind these two should be redshirt junior LaDarrius Bishop (6-0, 190) and sophomore Khari Johnson (6-0, 185), who should see a lot of playing time given how frequently Odom deploys six defensive backs. 

The safety positions will be locked down by redshirt sophomore Jalen Catalon and senior Joe Foucha. Catalon (5-10, 200) flashed his potential in four appearances during his 2019 redshirt season, but then took the SEC by storm last year. Starting in 9 of his 10 appearances, Catalon racked up 99 tackles (2 for loss), 3 interceptions, 4 broken-up passes, 1 fumble recovery and 2 forced fumbles. He finished as a Freshman All-American on the Football Writers Association of America and The Athletic teams, as well as several All-SEC teams. Catalon’s performance also landed him a spot as a Jim Thorpe semifinalist. Upon completion of his redshirt sophomore year, he will have fulfilled the three years post-high school required for eligibility for the NFL. If Catalon plays like he did in 2020, this could be his last season in a Razorback uniform. 

Foucha began 2020 as a backup but earned the starting role at free safety by game 3. He solidified his lock on the starting role over the rest of season, recording 60 tackles (3 for loss), 1 sack, 2 interceptions, 3 broken-up passes, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery. He moves well at the top of the defense and was the main contributor to preventing deep yard plays last year. 

The nickelback position should be assumed by junior Greg Brooks Jr. (5-11, 185), who will build off a successful sophomore campaign of 39 tackles (3 for loss), 2 interceptions, 1 broken-up pass, and 2 quarterback hurries. Brooks can fit any safety position and fill in at linebacker, if needed. He is Odom’s ideal player when he talks about fluidity among positions. 

Special Teams

True freshman Cameron Little (6-2, 185) should take over responsibilities at place kicker. Little was ranked as the top kicker in his recruiting class and has impressed coaches through fall camp. His strong leg should give Arkansas an advantage on special teams against almost every opponent they face. There is a battle for the starting punter job between redshirt senior Sam Loy (6-1, 195) and redshirt junior Reid Bauer (5-11, 200). Although Bauer started most of last season, it appeared that Loy had the momentum going into fall. Treylon Burks is the only member of the team with significant return experience, but he might be too valuable at receiver to risk on special teams. Look for Greg Brooks, Bryce Stephens, or Nathan Parodi to share return duties.    

Impact Players

1. KJ Jefferson – QB – Barring a major shift, Jefferson should be QB1 going into the 2021 season. His decision-making in the pocket needs to be consistent. He also needs to maintain his composure when feeling the heat from the pass rush, being disciplined in working through his progressions before deciding to take off. If he can do so, this offense will surprise people. 
2. Treylon Burks – WR – Burks has the opportunity and talent to land in the first-team All-SEC. He will be used all over the field to create mismatches and should be the go-to target for Jefferson. However, Burks will need support from his fellow receivers to prevent defenses keying on him, a situation where he has been known to struggle. 
3. Grant Morgan – LB –  Finishing a 10-game season with over 110 tackles is remarkable. Morgan has a knack for finding the football in the run game and finishing tackles.  
4. Bummer Pool – LB – Morgan wouldn’t be nearly as successful without Pool by his side. His specialty is in the passing game, whether it’s coming off the edge or dropping into coverage, which complements Morgan well. 

Schedule

Sept. 4 — vs Rice

Sept. 11 — vs Texas

Sept. 18 — vs Georgia Southern

Sept. 25 — vs Texas (Arlington, TX)

Oct. 2 — at Georgia

Oct. 9 — at Ole Miss

Oct. 16 — vs Auburn

Oct. 23 — vs University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) 

Oct. 30 — BYE

Nov. 6 — vs Mississippi State

Nov. 13 — at LSU

Nov. 20 — at Alabama

Nov. 27 — vs Missouri

Conclusion 

Pittman finally has Arkansas on the right track. They’re recruiting well, but more importantly, they are being well-coached. But despite the high caliber coaching staff, fans and experts realize they can’t undo the failed Chad Morris Project in one season. Furthermore, the Razorbacks play in the toughest division in the best football conference, and they host a reinvigorated Texas team eager to establish themselves as a future top-tier program in the SEC.

With this schedule, it’s difficult for fans to measure where they stand as a ball club. For example, Arkansas might get blown out by Georgia and Alabama, but both of those schools have established coaches and elite recruits. That said, there are three games fans should circle – Texas, Mississippi State, and Missouri. All three programs are around the same level of recruiting and have relatively new coaches. Auburn and Ole Miss feel a step ahead of the Arkansas in terms of current talent, but don’t be surprised if Razorbacks get a win in one of these games.         

Prediction 5-7