Sam Pittman details hopes to finish off 2024 recruiting class
Although signing day is in the rearview mirror, Sam Pittman isn’t done building his 2024 recruiting class. On Wednesday, the Arkansas head coach revealed what the Razorbacks still need to add before next season.
“I still think on the defensive side, out of the portal, we need to get a corner, a linebacker. I think you would need an edge and an interior,” Pittman said. “Then, on the offensive side of the ball, I think we need another interior offensive lineman. I think we’re fine at tight end. I think we’re fine at quarterback. I think we need a running back out of the portal and a wide receiver. I think that’s pretty close to eight right there.”
Arkansas hauled in the No. 28 class in the 2024 recruiting cycle, according to On3 Industry Rankings. The group includes 17 players, highlighted by five four-star prospects. While Arkansas has received high marks compared to national competition, the class is ranked No. 15 in the SEC.
After only winning one conference matchup last season, Arkansas will need more talent to turn the program around. Enter the NCAA Transfer Portal. Pittman and Co. have reeled in eight recruits, including former four-star recruit Xavian Sorey.
Sorey played three seasons at Georgia and logged career highs this past year. In total, he has 24 total tackles, 19 solo tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack, one interception, one pass deflection and one fumble recovery.
Sam Pittman weighs in on KJ Jefferson
Despite losing starting quarterback KJ Jefferson, Pittman believes the team is OK behind center.
Pittman spoke about Jefferson’s decision to transfer during his press conference on National Signing Day this week. Based on his retelling, Jefferson had made it known at the end of the ‘Hog’s season that he was planning on entering the portal at some point.
“Yeah, I mean it was basically whenever we had our exit meeting,” said Pittman. “We knew that he was going to go explore other colleges.”
“That was kind of understood that that’s what he was going to do,” Pittman said.
Jefferson has been in Fayetteville for a half decade and become one of the best quarterbacks in the Southeastern Conference. After appearing in eight games in his first two seasons, Jefferson started in 36 contests over the past three years.
Overall, Jefferson completed 65.1% of his passes for just under 8,000 yards. He threw for a total of 67 touchdowns and 18 interceptions. He also rushed for over 1,800 yards and put up 21 more scores on the ground.
The Razorbacks played well over Jefferson’s first two campaigns as QB1. They put up a combined record of 16-10, specifically with a 9-4 record in 2021. However, this past season went poorly for both sides on the field. Jefferson had his worst statistics as a starter for the team while Arkansas went 4-8.
Jefferson currently ranks as the No. 43 transfer overall and the No. 13 QB according to On3’s Portal Rankings. Per the latest regarding his move, Miami, TCU, and UCF are all three in the mix as far as destinations. Each could provide him something different as far as a new home for him in his sixth season.