Razorbacks Want to Develop a Faster, More Physical Defense

Offensive rule changes make it harder, but Hogs working to change direction

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Let’s face it. Somewhere along the line, offense took over football. Whether it be the rule changes or the increased role of the quarterback, offense rules. New defensive coordinator Travis Williams is looking to take back some pride for the defense.

Williams knows that offenses have become more aggressive and brazen attacking his unit, but the former Auburn linebacker will use all the tools at his disposal to take it to opposing offenses.

“Offenses put defenses on their heels,” Williams said. “They’ll get you unbalanced. They'll give you formation in the boundaries. A lot of times defenses are reacting. It’s always good for the defense to throw a curveball and make the offense panic a bit. That’s my mindset when it comes to blitzing.”

The complex scheme run by offensive coordinator Dan Enos is giving Williams plenty of opportunity to test out his combative approach to defensive play calling.

“You have to process what they are doing.” Williams said. “So many different shifts and motions. You hear coach (Sam) Pittman say it all the time. ‘He’s one of the best play callers he’s ever been around.’ Very smart and does things that really hurt defenses. They do things to make us better and in return we make them better.

Williams, who was known for his blitzing in his time at UCF, is already installing that kind of mentality and personality across the entire defense.

"He (Coach Williams) doesn’t like to sit back and they throw the first punch,” sophomore Chris “Pooh” Paul said. “We go after them. We want to welcome any type of physicality and speed. Starting fast.”

Arkansas finally has more depth to implement a style such as the one Williams brings to the table. After years of struggling to accrue enough players to make it through the season.

“We have enough depth,” Williams said. “You don’t want to get anybody hurt, but you have to get guys ready. There’s always guys getting reps.”

If the Hog defense does not improve from a lackluster 2022 in which they allowed the most yards per game on defense in the SEC (465.2), it will not be because of passive play calling.