Pittman praises leadership heading into 2024 season

Many felt one of the issues with Arkansas last season was the lack of leadership, but Sam Pittman feels that could be one of the strengths of this year’s team.

Pittman praised quarterback Taylen Green and others for the leadership they have provided this offseason. Green transferred in from Boise State at semester and has impressed Pittman. The transfer portal where the roster flips over more than in the past has made finding leadership a little trickier than maybe 5-10 years ago. But Pittman has seen some good leadership thus far from this group.

“Obviously Taylen Green,” Pittman said. “I just don’t know how you have success if your quarterback isn’t the top guy leadership, character wise on your team. He’s certainly one of them.

“Fernando Carmona, our left tackle, is the same way. Keyshawn Blackstock our right tackle and Addison Nichols our center. Those guys have come in out of the portal and they’ve been like they have been here for awhile. Obviously Andrew Armstrong at wide receiver, Luke Hasz is back.”

Pittman then talked about the leadership he’s getting from the players on defense.

“On defense, I think you look at Cam Ball (tackle) and Landon Jackson (end),” Pittman said. “Eric Gregory has been around for awhile too. Xavian Sorey has done a really good job at linebacker since he came in as a man and player.

“We’ve got a couple of portal guys we haven’t seen yet in Larry Worth and Stephen Dix (linebackers). Then in the back end Jayden Johnson has played a lot of ball for us. (Jaylon) Braxton has played a lot of ball for us. Hudson Clark has played a lot of ball for us.”

It’s worth noting that many of the players Pittman named only landed at Arkansas in January transferring in from other schools. Pittman then talked about the feel of the team and acknowledged it is a good one.

“The feel of our football team is as good as it has been since I’ve been there,” Pittman said. “I think we’ve got a talented football team. But I love the leadership. I love what the strength coaches have done in the weight room. I just really like the feel. I liked it in spring ball. I like the feel of our coaching staff.

“But I love the fact that we’ve got a quarterback that is a leader and can do it on the field as well.”

Arkansas opens the season on Thursday, Aug. 29, in Little Rock’s War Memorial Stadium against UAPB with a 6:30 p.m. kickoff and televised on ESPNU.