Arkansas added five new assistants in the offseason and they already have team buyouts after two spring practices.
Head coach Sam Pittman brought in a group of coaches who he said they thought were home run hires.
“Very, very loyal,” Pitman said on Tuesday, “Hard workers. Basically once we decide out there that’s what we’re going to do – to a T – that’s what we’re going to do. And it’s on both sides of the ball. It’s all our new coaches, including Our strength coaches are included. So I feel like at this point, and I don’t think it’s going in any other direction, I feel like we really hit a home run with our hires.
The Razorbacks added Dan Enos as offensive coordinator, Travis Williams as defensive coordinator, Marcus Woodson as co-defensive coordinator, Morgan Turner as tight ends coach, and Deron Wilson as secondary coach.
All five have been seen working hard with their respective groups during the team’s open practices this week, and a high level of enthusiasm has been seen among the players.
“I mean everybody’s just buying,” quarterback KJ Jefferson said on Friday, “We’re all learning. It’s a new system so everyone is taking time to adjust and accept the change and everyone is coming out and paying attention and just focusing on the little details . Everyone is buying into the process and embracing the change. Feel like everyone is doing it.” Really good. Feel like we’re in a really good place and off to a great start.”
While the team is clearly not ready for the game, and has already had a fair share of hiccups, they seem willing to learn quickly. There are new plans on both sides of the ball that will take time to implement, but the goal is to win more going forward.
“I thought the pace, I thought the coaches did a really good job, and the kids responded to that,” Pitman said after Thursday’s practice, “I think our kids are really responding to our strong staff and our coaches and that’s how I think you can get better a lot faster. They’re taking the coaching, and I felt really good today.” I really enjoyed it.”
Not only did the Razorbacks add new coaches, but they also have over 20 new scholarship players on their roster this spring. New faces lead to a whole new level of competition as everyone is trying to earn their place.
Jefferson said he’s seen a strong work ethic from a trio of transfer wide receivers — Tyrone Broden, Isaac Tesla and Andrew Armstrong.
Jefferson said, “Those guys were always up for extra work, trying to perfect their craft any way they could, whether it was in the meeting room, catching balls on the field, running, catching.” Are.” “Whatever, those guys are always trying to perfect their craft. Just bringing that work ethic out here and just everybody else just being able to feed off the energy and that work ethic just going to make that room and the level of competition.” I enhance that talent.”
Arkansas will hold three more practices – Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday of next week – before leaving for spring break next Saturday, March 18. Red-White game on Saturday, April 15.