FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas football is gearing up for an exciting stretch of spring football.
There will be a competition to determine the starting quarterback, and the Razorbacks will welcome a handful of new coaches, including the return of Bobby Petrino. The pressure is on head coach Sam Pittman to show meaningful improvements in 2024 after a disappointing 4-8 campaign last fall.
Outside of quarterback, there are still three position groups left unresolved after Arkansas’ work in the transfer portal and on the high school recruiting front.
Here’s a look at those three spots, and potential candidates to take a step forward this spring.
Sep 23, 2023; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Dan Jackson (17) and linebacker Xavian Sorey Jr. (18) celebrate against the UAB Blazers in the second half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Linebacker
This position represents the most obvious hole on the roster. The Razorbacks lost Chris Paul Jr., Jaheim Thomas, Mani Powell and Jordan Crook to the transfer portal this offseason. Paul and Thomas combined for 164 tackles in 2023.
The linebackers currently on the Arkansas roster have combined for 41 tackles in their collegiate careers, but there is promise among the group.
More: Arkansas football lands commitment from state’s top 2025 recruit Carius Curne
More: Why Arkansas football’s 2024 recruiting class emulates struggles of 2023 season
Sophomores Brad Spence, Alex Sanford and Carson Dean were all three-star prospects in the 2023 recruiting rankings, and coaches raved about that trio in fall camp. Only Spence logged significant snaps during the season.
Xavian Sorey Jr. transferred in from Georgia and was a consensus five-star prospect coming out of high school in 2021. The Hogs also loaded up at the position in this year’s class, with…
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