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One of the larger issues at Arkansas under sixth-year coach Sam Pittman has been the inconsistent play along the offensive line.
Last season, Arkansas gave up 36 sacks last season which ranked No. 12 in SEC and No. 114 nationally, a slight improvement considering the result from 2023. The left side of the offensive line seems to have settled in a bit with Georgia Tech transfer Corey Robinson manning left tackle while Fernando Carmona slides over to guard.
"I don't know that we're going to, there's a movement, you know what I mean?" Pittman said April April 24. "I don't know that there's, 'We got a tackle we're going to move to guard,' or anything like that."
UCF transfer Caden Kitler, who's not mentioned below, is likely to take over at the center position with Addison Nichols' departure during the winter portal period. Now, the question Pittman will have to answer is who takes over at right guard and tackle.
Redshirt freshman Kobe Branham earned his first career start in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl against Texas Tech last season as Pittman came away impressed with his performance. There's also a chance he provides depth or value as an extra body for certain situational opportunities.
The 6-foot-5, 326 pound lineman played 66 snaps against the Red Raiders and earned himself a 73.5 pass blocking grade and 67.7 run blocking grade, according to Pro Football Focus.
"Obviously, when Kobe Branham comes back, I think we're going to be stronger there as well," Pittman said. "We really like what [second-year Michigan State transfer Keyshawn] Blackstock did. But that'll give us another guy who we believe in. I don't think we'll move anybody into center or anything."
Two larger options on the right side are redshirt junior journeyman E'Marion Harris and Oregon transfer Shaq McCoy, who enters his redshirt freshman season at Arkansas. Blackstock started nine games last season and provides another option with plenty of experience.
"I think your battle would be can Shaq win the tackle spot and then what do you do with E'Marion [Harris]," Pittman said. "If E'Marion wins the spot, then you leave Shaq right where he is, so I don't think there's a whole lot of movement as far as position goes. You'll be into the summer and into two-a-days trying to figure out who is first and second strings, but I don't see a lot of movement."
During Pittman's initial stint with the Razorbacks as offensive line coach under Bret Bielema, his unit allowed 19 sacks in 2013 (No. 43 FBS), eight sacks in 2014 (No. 3 FBS) and 14 in 2015 (No. 9 FBS). Known as one of the best offensive line mentors in the nation, Arkansas has been far from formidable compared to 2013-15.
The Razorbacks gave up 34 sacks in 2020 (No. 120 FBS), 30 in 2021 (No. 80), 31 in 2022 (No. 82) and plummeted to 47 sacks in 2023 (No. 128). Pittman said his unit is much improved and ready to face athletic fronts this season's schedule brings them.
"We are [improved], we definitely are," Pittman said. "And I think once we hone in on these are our seven, eight guys, I think we'll even be better. But yeah, I think we're, we're a lot deeper there. We're a lot bigger, lot stronger, and we have more veteran guys who have played than what we have in the past."
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Five SEC games that will shape the College Football Playoff
Last season was a disappointment for the mighty SEC in the first season of the 12-team College Football Playoff. The conference garnered three bids, but it failed to place a team in the championship game for the second straight season after eight straight such occurrences. There's hype surrounding the league with Arch Manning's ascension to full-time starter at Texas and teams hoping to breakthrough in LSU and Florida. The mainstays of Alabama and Georgia will also be contenders. Here are five SEC games that will shape the CFP in 2025: Florida at LSU | Sept. 13 This is an early measuring stick for both teams as they kick off SEC play. Florida is hoping to cash in on the work head coach Billy Napier has done over the past three seasons. LSU's Brian Kelly is also hoping his team will ascend to new heights under his leadership in his fourth season. "This is the best roster that we’ve put together," Kelly said according to On3. "It’s part of a process that has taken a little more time than we wanted, but we’re doing it the right way, and we’re pretty excited about what our football team looks like.” For his part, Napier is also confident in his team's growth. "I think that's where we really took a big step in the right direction last year is we found a level of confidence that we could go toe to toe with any team in the country any place, anytime," he said at SEC Football Media Days. "You spot the ball last year — at the end of the year, you could argue we were playing as good of football as anybody in the country, and I think that that's a result of our development process." Alabama at Georgia | Sept. 27 This is always going to be a big one. Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer went 9-4 in his first season, narrowly missing the CFP. Kirby Smart's team was dispatched by Notre Dame in the CFP quarterfinals. Both squads will also be working with new quarterbacks. As teams jockey for position in the standings, it is paramount to win games like these. Should Alabama find itself in fourth place in the SEC once again, a win like this on its resume could be the difference in an invite or sitting at home. Texas at Florida | Oct. 4 Texas is predicted to win the conference. At worst, it should enter this game 3-1 with a loss at Ohio State. But this game is important and won't be easy in The Swamp. The Longhorns' remaining schedule includes Oklahoma, at Georgia and at home against Texas A M. The Gators have the toughest schedule in the conference. To factor into the CFP conversation they must beat a team they aren't supposed to. Here's an opportunity. Manning and DJ Lagway should provide great theater in the quarterback matchup. Manning is projected to get a Heisman invite, while Lagway has the skills to be in New York as well. Texas A M at LSU | Oct. 25 At this point, it will be getting late in the season and we should know whether these teams are in the conversation or not. It's become a natural rivalry since A M joined the SEC and this one could have big implications on the CFP. The Aggies will have already traveled to Notre Dame and hosted Florida. A date at Texas looms on Black Friday. A M will most likely be in must-win territory to keep its hopes alive. An item to note heading into this one: the home team has won the last six games. Texas at Georgia | Nov. 15 It's a good bet both of these teams will be in the CFP picture, but that doesn't mean this game doesn't matter. If teams want the first-round bye they must be ranked in the top four. Winning this game would go a long way to making that reality. Yes, the SEC Championship could be a rematch, but for teams hoping to get an extra week of rest, this one will certainly mean something. Besides the CFP implications, it will be fascinating to watch Manning play against one of the best defenses in the country.
Clemson looking to take care of business on field vs. LSU as 'Death Valley' debate persists
All signs point to Yankees moving on from Anthony Volpe
With the trade for Ryan McMahon now complete, it would seem New York Yankees’ general manager Brian Cashman has fulfilled one of his three priorities. He can now cross third base off the list, which leaves the rotation and bullpen as his remaining priorities. However, according to one Yankees writer, Cashman might not be done with the infield. Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reported this after the McMahon trade: “The Yankees may not be done adding to their infield. A team source said the Yankees are interested in adding a right-handed hitter who could play the infield.” Kirschner adds that the Yankees have had interest in Willi Castro and Amed Rosario. But the question now is, how would another player fit in the Yankees’ infield? Needless to say, Paul Goldschmidt and Jazz Chisholm Jr. aren’t going anywhere, and McMahon is just getting there. That leaves the low-hanging fruit. Anthony Volpe has been at the center of controversy all this season. His 13 errors, many of which had come at make-or-break moments, amount to the second-highest total in the game. In addition, his bat has not been able to compensate, hitting .214/.286/.407 with 14 home runs. There was always a lot to like about Volpe. He won a Gold Glove in his rookie year, his power has always been promising and his speed is nothing to scoff at. Unfortunately, his glove has become a liability and his speed has also produced very few results. Volpe has swiped just 10 bags in 17 attempts. His power is the one thing that still has some upside, but it hasn’t been enough to justify a spot in the lineup. Both Castro and Rosario have been far more productive at the plate this season than Volpe. Kirschner doesn’t clarify how serious the Yankees are in their pursuit of another infielder, but that most likely isn’t available information. Having just turned 24, Volpe could still become the type of player that was expected from him as a top prospect. However, his recent performance has weighed heavily on his team’s efforts and it may be buying him a ticket out of the Bronx — or at least a spot on the bench.
Yankees have finally found their third baseman in Ryan McMahon
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Trade rejection speaks volumes about Red Sox's Jarren Duran intentions
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