Sam Pittman hints at Cam Little’s ability to run fake field goals
Opposing teams better be on their toes when Cam Little lines up to kick for Arkansas. Razorbacks coach Sam Pittman has not been afraid to run fake field goals in the past, and could have another one up his sleeve this season.
Following a scrimmage on Saturday, Pittman raved about Little after the kicker nailed a 58-yarder. But it wasn’t just the kicking strength that impressed the coach. He also highlighted Little’s speed, alluding to the possibility of giving him the chance to show it off on a fake.
“I can’t believe the guy’s leg,” Pittman said. “He’s just a little bitty fella, but man, can he kick it. He’s fast, too. Maybe we can have a fake with him. But he’s fast and he’s powerful and man, he’s kicking good. He’s hitting ’em and he’s got a leg. He’s earned the kickoff spot, too.”
Cam Little arrived in Arkansas in 2021 as the No. 1 kicker in the 2021 class according to the On3 Industry Rating, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He immediately made an impact to hit 20-of-24 (83.3%) of his field goals and earn Freshman All-American honors in 2021.
So far in his career, Little has yet to miss an extra point attempt, hitting all 96 of his PATs through two seasons. He followed up his freshman campaign by going 13-of-16 (81.3%) on his field goal attempts in 2022 with his longest make coming from 51 yards out.
Now in addition to his field goals, Little will take on the added duties of handling kickoffs as he figures to again play a big role on special teams. Perhaps we’ll even get to see him add six points to the board this season, too.
Arkansas is set to kick off the 2023 season at 3 p.m. CT on Sept. 2 in Fayetteville against Western Carolina.
Sam Pittman reveals Sam Mbake, Nathan Bax suffered injuries in Arkansas scrimmage
Arkansas didn’t come away unscathed from the scrimmage, as Pittman revealed that receiver Sam Mbake and tight end Nathan Bax suffered injuries. Unfortunately, he didn’t have much information on their status at the time.
“We did have a couple of guys that got banged up,” Pittman said. “Sam Mbake and Nathan Bax. At this time, I don’t know the full extent of their injuries. But they did get injured and were not able to come back to the scrimmage.”
Bax, who began his career as a walk-on, is set to enter his sixth season of college football and his fifth with the Razorbacks. He played 11 games this past season and earned a start in the Liberty Bowl against Kansas.
As for Mbake, he is entering his second season after being a member of Arkansas’ 2022 recruiting class. He got a lot of playing time during his freshman year but most of it was on the special teams unit.
On3’s Griffin McVeigh contributed to this report.