Nico Davillier should have large role for Hogs this fall

FAYETTEVILLE — Junior defensive lineman Nico Davillier is seeing his role increased this spring as he competes for a starting spot.

Davillier, 6-4, 271, signed with Arkansas out of Maumelle High School. He has played, but had a limited role his first two seasons. In 2023, Davillier had 11 tackles, four solo, 3.5 for loss, a sack and one quarterback hurry.

“I think I waited my time patiently, learning from all the older guys and Coach (Deke) Adams and Coach (Kelvin) Green,” Davillier said. “I think it’s just my time now. I’m ready to put on a show.”

Davillier is playing the Buck position allowing him to come off the edge.

“It’s just a Buck,” Davillier said. “It’s basically like a little outside linebacker but a defensive lineman. We drop in coverage. We play the run, pass rush. It’s just a stand-up end basically.

“I like it because I get to be more versatile. I just get to help my team out a lot more than I would be probably in the 4i. It’s just a mint front. An okie front.”

In the defense on Tuesday, linebacker Carson Dean was lined up inside stunting.

“Yeah, certain plays, you have a guy that’s the tight end and I have to be outside of him,” Davillier said.

Davillier talked about what he has learned most about himself to improve like he has.

“I think the most I learned was actually learning the playbook, being more physical and getting all the techniques down,” Davillier said. “I feel like the older guys and Coach Adams and the other assistant d-line coaches, they’ve helped me a lot and put a lot of effort into me. I feel like we’re just going to have a great year, as well.”

Davillier has gone against newcomer Keyshawn Blackstock in practice. Blackstock, a transfer offensive tackle from Michigan State has made an impression on Davillier.

“I like Blackstock,” Davillier said. “He’s going to make me put my best foot forward every day. He’s going to go hard, he’s going to give me some different assets. Some different hands. As he says, ‘we’re just trying to get better every play.’”

Another newcomer that has impressed Davillier is quarterback Taylen Green.

 “He’s fast,” Davillier said. “He’s real fast. That’s all I can say. Real fast. He’s long.”

Arkansas will return to the practice fields on Thursday morning. They will hold an open scrimmage Saturday morning at 9 a.m. in Razorback Stadium. It’s open to the public.

Fans wishing to attend Saturday’s open practice can park in Lot 44 (north of the stadium) for free and enter Gate 14 on the northeast side of the stadium beginning at 8:30 a.m. Fan seating will be located on the east side of the stadium only. No concession stands will be open but outside food and drinks will be allowed.