Sam Pittman opens up on the impact Hayden Henry, Grant Morgan left at Arkansas

On3 imageby:Alex Weber08/16/22

Arkansas lost two of its three leading tacklers after their breakthrough season under Sam Pittman. Fifth-year senior linebackers Grant Morgan and Hayden Henry, who accounted for 101 and 100 tackles apiece last season, leave a big gap in the position group, obviously. But even more so than their roles in the middle of the defense, Henry and Morgan were leaders of the team. Whether with their voice or by their play, these two hard-nosed tacklers were example-setters for the Razorback defensive unit.

Coach Pittman knows there is no replacing that sort of impact. He thinks folks around Fayetteville are underselling the sort of loss that a guy like Hayden Henry is. Sure, great player on the field. However, his attitude helped set the tone for Arkansas on that side of the ball.

Here was his head coach praising the former Hogs LB and his “craziness” recently at a press conference:

“Well, you know, I never thought Hayden Henry got enough credit. I mean, when he was wired, there was wasn’t a shortage up there. I mean he’s crazy in a good way. And he’s fearless. Let’s say that. Crazy is the wrong word. He’s fearless. Fourth and one…and he’s gonna go in there and somebody’s getting hit. Him or somebody. I mean, he was at practice yesterday. He was invaluable to our football team. He really was.”

Hopefully, Henry imparted that sort of competitiveness in the younger generation of Razorback defenders, because they’ll need someone new to bring that edge this season.

Sam Pittman also explained why Grant Morgan was also a massive loss at linebacker. Like Henry, for reasons both on and off the field. Though he was a different style of leader compared to Henry, but equally effective and perhaps more personable.

“Grant was everything as well. He was a little more vocal. I think when Henry talked, they were kind of afraid of him. When Grant talked, it was kind of…we’re listening to you.”

Lastly, Pittman wrapped up his comments with a tip of appreciation to the former Arkansas linebackers.

“You know, wonderful kids that loved Arkansas. And they loved the culture that our coaches brought in here. They’ll be forever — we’ll be indebted to them. And then they recruited, you know. They’re recruiters as well. So yeah. They’re really good players and better people.”