Razorback Football: CFB analyst says “quiet confidence” abounds in Razorback football locker room

Ahead of an intriguing 2023 season, national pundits have Arkansas finishing anywhere r between third and sixth in the SEC this fall. Some even say the Razorbacks have a shot to win or maybe finish second.

Fortunately, there are several players with plenty of experience ready to prove that last season was no setback. Injuries mounted and tore apart the limited depth that this program had. Head coach, Sam Pittman and his staff identified the glaring weakness and have solved that with 18 additions through the transfer portal.

Not all of them will start. However, the majority of them will play extensive snaps this coming season. There’s players on this team that were all-conference, exceeded at their previous program they played for or competed for national championships.

There is quiet confidence in Fayetteville this offseason.

Don't be surprised if this Arkansas team is the best one yet under Sam Pittman.

Full interview:https://t.co/Z5xDs5HO5t pic.twitter.com/fc5VmurHPk

— SEC Mike (@MichaelWBratton) June 4, 2023

There’s a few things that have been picked apart this offseason. One of those has been the return of KJ Jefferson. The leadership and desire to compete cannot be overlooked when examining the state of this program.

The KJ Spotlight

The Sardis, (Miss.) native wants to put Arkansas on his back and put them back on the map as a nationally respected program. His return is huge for Razorback Football this fall. Jefferson can not only break school records this fall but win more games than any Arkansas starting quarterback since Matt Jones (24 wins).

“It doesn’t make national news but getting KJ Jefferson back, how dangerous he is. That is a huge deal for them,” Mansell said.

Keeping Jefferson healthy will be a focal point towards a successful 2023 season. It was apparent how valuable the 6’4 235 pound signal caller is while missing the Mississippi State and LSU games. Plus, when he played through a shoulder injury it showed how ineffective he could be when not 100-percent.

A healthy Jefferson gives this Arkansas team hope. It puts them over the top as contenders in the SEC West. If healthy, he’s a definite dark horse Heisman contender.

Portal Combat

“They had some great portal additions. Just talking to people in that program there’s some quiet confidence. Just let everyone else talk about everyone right here…we’re little ole Arkansas over here. There’s people out there that think they have a sneaky good roster,” Mansell said

While looking up and down the transfer additions it is apparent that Pittman and his staff have added quality depth and impact players to this roster. Will it help them to a special season similar to the 2021 season? That is yet to be known but there is plenty of optimism and rightfully so.

The defensive line could be better than it has been in a very long time. With six capable edge rushers and a rebuilt interior that does five to six deep as well, Arkansas stands to be better against the rush.

There is an elephant in the room that does need to be discussed. Pass defense wasn’t much of a strength last season and that may be an understatement. Ranking 131st in the FBS in that category they stand to be better this season. Sprinkled throughout the secondary are transfers like Lorando “Snaxx” Johnson, Alfahiym Walcott and Jaheim Singletary will be instant playmakers.

Keeyon Stewart and AJ Brathwaite join the roster to add quality depth behind current starters, too. All five secondary additions have seen extensive playing time at the Power Five level. That should at least give the Razorbacks and their fanbase hope for a better 2023 season.