Better or worse? Previewing the Razorback defense in 2023

It’s going to be an interesting season on The Hill. Razorback fans and media are abuzz wondering exactly what the defense will look like this season.

Will they bring more pressure than last season?

How can the pass defense improve off last season?

Has the coaching staff recruited well enough in a short amount of time to mend an ailing defense?

Through the first two weeks of the 2022 season it looked like Arkansas would be able compete for an SEC title. Then, Missouri State came to town and quietly exposed the Razorback defense in a way that many thought would be shored up quickly.

Things continued to get worse as injures piled on top of each other and unfortunately finished dead last in pass defense in the FBS. There’s only one way to go and that’s progressively improving the backend of the defense.

Pressuring the QB: SAME

Arkansas was very successful at getting to the quarterback last season. In fact, they’re 39 sacks was the most by a Razorback defense since 2010. Credit the addition of all-American, Drew Sanders, and his ability to disrupt any teams rhythm last year. He recorded 10 sacks last season and now gone to the NFL. Where will the pressure come from?

There’s several very capable sack artists that currently reside in Fayetteville. Whether it be defensive ends Landon Jackson and Trajan Jeffcoat or linebacker Chris “Pooh” Paul, the Razorbacks are willing to attack in 2023. Especially under new defensive coordinator, Travis Williams, who’s been known to bring a physical and aggressive approach wherever he’s been.

Jeffcoat was at one time an all-SEC performer during his time at Missouri. Jackson really looked the part this spring after recovering from an ACL tear.

Paul was very dangerous when he spelled Bumper Pool. He was extremely productive finishing in the top five in total tackles as a backup.

Zach Williams and Jashaud Stewart have been capable backups during their time at Arkansas. When needed the pair of edge rushers can be effective at getting to the backfield. Last season, Williams recorded career highs with 6.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. Stewart finished with 2.5 tackles for loss and 2 sacks last season which were both career highs.

Run defense: BETTER

The Razorbacks weren’t very good against the run last season. They ended 2022 ranked 12th against the run giving up 2152 yards (179 ypg) and 26 rushing touchdowns which was 11th in the league.

With the additions of Anthony Booker and Keivie Rose, Arkansas has upgraded the interior line with mass. Both Booker and Rose tip the scale north of 300 pounds and were impact players at their former schools.

Booker (6’4 325 pounds) had a very nice season in his fourth year with Maryland recording 27 tackles, 5 tackles for loss and 2 sacks.

Rose (6’3 303 pounds) was a first team Conference USA performer after recording 24 tackles, four tackles for loss and two sacks. According to Pro Football Focus, the former Bulldog was the highest graded interior linemen at 69.7 and a 74.9 grade rushing the passer.

Taurean Carter and Eric Gregory have both flashed signs of excellence throughout their careers. The pair from the 2019 class have an opportunity to be key rotational players for an improved defensive tackle position.

Carter missed the 2022 season due to injury but Gregory has been a steady hand for most of his career. The Memphis native, Gregory, has recorded 11 tackles for loss and 5 career sacks at Arkansas. He has finally made his home at defensive tackle and that should help him develop in a singular role.

The added mass and bodies should help bolster them against adequate to above average rushing attacks.

Pass defense: BETTER, there’s no choice

Adding Lorando “Snaxx” Johnson and Alfahiym Walcott from Baylor was a win early during the offseason. These two helped the Bears be one of the best pass defenses in the conference and the hope is they can do the same as Razorbacks.

Jaheim Singletary is a former five star from the 2022 class who transferred from Georgia. Although, he didn’t record any stats last season as a Bulldog, Singletary displays everything you want in a shutdown defensive back.

Jaylon Braxton and Dallas Young are incoming freshman. Braxton, a Texas native, has already impressed the staff as an early enrollee this spring.

McGlothern returns as CB1 following a very good first season in Fayetteville. The former LSU Tiger has the potential to be an all-conference performer if the defense can improve this fall.

How bad were the numbers?

294 ypg: LAST in FBS

24 passing touchdowns: 123rd

8.53 yards per pass

13.94 yards per completion: 130th

Theres no way they can be worse, right?

Co-defensive coordinator, Marcus Woodson is putting more of emphasis with letting his defensive backs play with their head instead of being technique driven. Often times defenders would worry about not messing up instead of being free and easy. This mindset alone could help improve a terrible defensive performance from a season ago.

Overall: BETTER

The talent level is better. Quality of depth continues to develop nicely, too. Arkansas has been behind the eight ball defensively for a very long period of time. However, this team may have what’s needed to push their way back to the middle of the SEC.

Theres a nice blend of returning starters, experienced transfers and true impact freshmen to make this an unforgettable turnaround.