Arkansas Defensive Line Deep With Experience, Talent

The Razorbacks have quietly assembled a deep defensive line this offseason

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - When Sam Pittman hired Deke Adams as defensive line coach following the 2021 season, much was made about his ability to recruit. No one knew the Razorback defensive line would become a unit not seen before, completely flipping his position room.

The Arkansas front seven in 2022 recorded a school record 42 sacks with 22 coming from defensive linemen. Linebacker Drew Sanders had the freedom to move around and play some edge rusher. The Alabama transfer was nearly unstoppable as he recorded a team-high 103 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and 10 sacks.

Last season, the Razorbacks hovered around the Top 20 in sacks through seven games. Its eight sacks in the final five games dropped them to No. 53 nationally. Defensive end Landon Jackson returns after a solid seasons which saw him record 13.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. His performance a year ago led to first team All-SEC honors.

A wealth of experience returns with sixth-year super senior Eric Gregory and redshirt junior Cam Ball back in the fold. Gregory has recorded 93 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks in five seasons. The Memphis native signed with Arkansas in the same cycle as Treylon Burks and KJ Jefferson, so he's been around a while.

Ball really came along as an integral piece to the defensive line over the past two seasons. The 6-foot-5, 310 pound defensive tackle has compiled 63 tackles, five tackles for loss and two sacks the past two seasons. 

Having these three players as consistent figures will pay dividends for Adams as he looks to employ a solid rotation. Maumelle's Nico Davillier enters his redshirt sophomore season following a year which saw him record 11 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. The 6-foot-4, 268 pounder can play multiple positions on the line whether it be inside or on the edge.

A trio of redshirt freshmen will hope to crack the rotation. Georgia native Ian Geffrard provides elite size at 6-foot-5, 394 pounds. A possible situational interior lineman, Geffrard could stuff plenty of space in down and distance. Kaleb James and Quincy Rhodes, Jr. could be quality pieces spell Jackson and others on the edge during early downs.

Three newcomers in transfer Anton Juncaj plus true freshmen Charlie Collins and Kavion Henderson will look to contend for early playing time. Juncaj comes to Arkansas as one of the most decorated FCS transfers stepping up to FBS this fall. The 6-foot-3, 273 pounder dominated his competition en route to All-American honors. He recorded 55 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, 15 sacks, five forced fumbles, 12 quarterback hurries and three pass breakups.

Collins was a force on the Arkansas high school scene during his prep career. He recorded 239 tackles, 77 tackles for loss and 24 sacks in 23 games as a high schooler. The 4-star edge rusher is the Razorbacks top-ranked signee and will likely see early playing time.

Henderson possesses great size which will help him see the field early in the SEC. The 6-foot-2, 246 pounder recorded 45 tackles with 10.0 tackles for loss and seven sacks. Due to the length of his commitment, his loyalty could help him see early reps during spring ball. 

HOG FEED:

• Pittman acts on good advice that benefits him, Arkansas fans

• Razorbacks get reinforcement in already stacked bullpen

• Claims of bias by fans against Razorbacks laughable, except in one specific sport

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