Sam Pittman marvels at Drew Sanders, reveals which defenders stood out this spring

Drew Sanders originally came to Alabama as a highly touted linebacker in the 2020 recruiting class. Now, after entering the transfer portal and transferring to Arkansas, Sanders is looking to make a major impact with the Razorbacks in 2022.

Sanders was rated as a five-star linebacker and a national top 30 recruit in the 2020 class, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

In two years at Alabama, Sanders totaled 33 tackles with 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack and two passes defended in 15 games. Even without a ton of production to begin his collegiate career, Sanders has certainly had an impact in the eyes of Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman.

In Arkansas’ latest spring scrimmage, Sanders’ talents were on display and caught the eye of Pittman.

“He’s fast,” said Pittman. “I mean the guy can run. I don’t know what his 40 time is or anything like that, but he runs sideline to sideline. The first scrimmage we had, he made the first two plays just running people down. I mean he had angles, but today, that was a wow deal for me, too, because Malik (Hornsby)’s out there in the open and usually he’s leaving everybody.

“I’m not saying Drew can outrun Malik, I’m not saying that. But he did turn him up, he did tag him up. So yeah, I think he’s a pretty good player.”

Sanders wasn’t the only player that has stood out for Arkansas

Outside of Sanders, multiple other players also stood out for Arkansas in its latest scrimmage. Pittman saw quite a few players that had impressive performances, giving serious optimism heading into next season.

“I think Isaiah Nichols, seemed like he was back there by me quite a bit in the pass rushing game,” Pittman added. “Eric Thomas flashed a few times, Drew Sanders flashed a lot. He can run, I mean he’s a good player. But the guy that really made a lot of plays today was Keuan Parker. He’s moved up at corner because of his physical, hard playing style and I noticed him. He made a lot of plays.

“But if I just said guys, Drew Sanders stood out to me and Nichols stood out to me and Keuan Parker.”

Arkansas finished last season with a 9-4 record after taking down Penn State in the Outback Bowl. The Razorbacks also went 4-4 against SEC opponents. The 2022 season begins with a tough home stretch against Cincinnati and South Carolina in the first two weeks.