Position Preview: Defensive Line

Frankly, last year’s defense left a lot to be desired. It gave up more passing yards per game than any other FBS team. Yet, one of the bright spots on the defense was their pass rush, ranking number 8 in the FBS.

Unfortunately, Arkansas will have to do without the best pass rusher on the defensive line. Jordan Domineck was second on the team in sacks last year but decided to join coach prime in Colorado. To make matters worse, Arkansas’s starting DT, Isaiah Nichols, also transferred out to Purdue.

Apart from those two, Arkansas returns most of its production on the Defensive line and added some key transfers out of the portal. With a move to a four-man front and some position changes, the D-line could be as solid of a group as Sam Pittman has had.

PROJECTED STARTERS

Arkansas’ new Defensive Coordinator, Travis Williams, brings a defensive philosophy nearly the opposite of what we’ve seen the past few years. Williams’ defense will be aggressive, filled with blitzes and D-line Stunts.

One position integral to his scheme is the Jack or Buck position. The Jack will be played by the best pass rushers. Most likely Trajan Jeffcoat will be the starter.

The Missouri transfer had a great sophomore season. He recorded 34 tackles, 23 solo, 3.5 sacks, and a forced fumble and recovery. His Junior year saw a bit of a slump, but a new defensive coordinator could explain the decline.

On the other end of the line, another inter-SEC transfer Landon Jackson will probably get the nod. The 6’7, 269 lbs end is the tallest of the group and is a “problem” according to Coach Sam Pittman, “a good problem. He’s on our team.”

A prior ACL injury slowed Jackson down last season, but he still recorded 23 tackles and 3 sacks. So far, he’s been nothing but a headache for Arkansas’s offensive tackles during spring camp.

Clogging up holes in the middle will be Taurean Carter and Cameron Ball. Carter was thought to be the bonified starter in front of Isaiah Nichols, but an ACL tear in the spring game ended his season before it even started. Having been nearly a year and a half by the time the season starts, Carter should be able to earn the starting spot

Carter’s absence, however, gave room for Cam Ball to showcase his talents. The former 3-star from Atlanta made his mark as a redshirt freshman, recording more tackles (31) than any other interior lineman.

Right now, Ball is dealing with a sprained ankle, but there’s more than enough time to earn his starting spot back.

SIGNIFICANT PLAYING TIME

Eric Gregory played multiple roles for the Hogs last year. His unique size and speed combination allowed him to play in the 4i technique with a 3-man front, but also support inside as a nose tackle. A change to a 4-man front will most likely move him permanently inside, allowing him to focus on just one position.

Adding more support to the interior is former 3-star Marcus Miller out of Warren, Ar. Miller was another player bitten by the injury bug. A nagging knee injury caused him to miss most of fall camp and a lot of the 2022-23 season. If Arkansas can keep his injury from resurfacing, he’ll have a large role this season.

Another big one that could make some noise is Anthony “Tank” Booker. The former Maryland Terrapin transferred in just before the Arkansas spring game. Not going through spring camp could hinder his ability to climb to a starting position, but expect the 6’4, 320-pounder to make a serious impact.

As little depth as Arkansas has on the inside, they make up for it on the edge. Zach Williams, Jashaud Stewart, Nico Davillier, and John Morgan III (Pitt Transfer) are all talented pass rushers and add excellent depth.

Because of their size and length, Williams and Davillier will play behind Landon Jackson at the end position. Morgan III and Stewart are shorter, both at 6’2, but are a little shiftier, making them better candidates for the Jack position.

RESERVES

Arkansas brought in a few talented freshmen in this year’s class. Former 4-star Quincy Rhodes and 3-stars Ian Geffrard and Kaleb James were additions to the defensive line. With the depth at defensive end, Rhodes and Kaleb James will assumably redshirt.

On the other hand, Ian Geffrard is an incredibly massive and athletic human being. Standing 6-5 and weighing in at 370 lbs, he showed Sam Pittman his freak abilities by performing a handstand during his recruiting visit. Out of the three, he is most likely to crack the three deep with the depth Arkansas has now.

JJ Hollingsworth and walk-ons Kyle Thompson and Jon Hill will provide more support.

Forecasted Depth Chart

Out of the 12 players listed above, 6 are seniors or redshirt seniors making them one of the oldest position groups on the team. Considering their issues at depth, they desperately need that leadership.

Arkansas will need to add some more help from the transfer portal to be comfortable with what they have at defensive tackle. If recent history is any indication, it might even find a diamond in the rough as it did with John Ridgeway. As for edge rushers, they are right on track to be as good as they were last season.