Hogs' Sam Pittman Expecting Big Things from Trajan Jeffcoat

Razorbacks coach points out differences 40 years makes promoting grad transfer

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Honestly, I didn't pay as much attention to Arkansas' defensive front this year as it probably deserved. Graduate transfer Trajan Jeffcoat kinda flew under my radar this year in fall camp because of the scramble to get a little look at just about everything.

After Saturday's final scrimmage of fall camp, Razorbacks coach Sam Pittman called the big guy up to the table before the cameras. "In 1983, this is what an All-American defensive end looked like," Pittman said pointing to himself (he was an NAIA All-American) before turning to Jeffcoat. "In 2023, this is what one of them look like. He's 280, can run 20-21 (miles per hour). Very strong, very fast, great leader and to be honest with you, probably hungrier than you've ever been in your life, and that makes a big difference."

After making the all-SEC team by the Associated Press and coaches in a redshirt sophomore year in 2020, Jeffcoat didn't follow it up with those type of numbers as a junior and senior. He brings a wealth of experience and obviously size to a Hogs' defensive front that needs that desperately.

He played nearly 50 games over his time in his hometown of Columbia, Mo., and had 84 tackles with 11.5 sacks. The Hogs needed that, which is something they haven't had with rotating coaches and faces up front. Line coach Deke Adams is the first under Pittman to be here two years. He appreciated Pittman bringing him up front like that.

"It makes me feel pretty great," Jeffcoat said. "Coach Pittman, that’s a great guy to get acknowledged by, so that’s pretty cool.My camp has been great. It’s been tough sometimes going against the offense because they have some great plays, some great schemes. KJ Jefferson scrambling out of the pocket, I can’t catch him. But it’s been great."

That's the recurring theme we've heard from just about everybody during the fall camp without seeing much action of consequence. When that happens during camp, it usually means the coaching staff has lots of questions or just wants to wait until a couple of pancake games to open the season that will give everybody some answers.

HOGS FEED:

WHY THE BIG FUSS AND ABOUT FOOTBALL CAMP FIGHTS NOW BECAUSE THEY AREN'T NEW AND CAN BE GOOD

CAM LITTLE'S INCREASED RANGE GIVES RAZORBACKS MAY BE GIVING RAZORBACKS' OFFENSE MORE OPTIONS

LOUD NOISE OF LOGGAINS' SUCCESS AT SOUTH CAROLINA ADDS PRESSURE AT ARKANSAS

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