Sam Pittman raves about Patrick Kutas with interesting NFL comparison

Arkansas coach Sam Pittman knows offensive line talent when he sees it, and Patrick Kutas fits the bill. The second-year Razorbacks player saw limited action as a true freshman in 2022, playing both center and left guard.

This spring, however, Pittman has given Kutas the opportunity to see reps at right tackle. The coach has been impressed with the sophomore thus far, saying that his transition reminds him of that of future first-round pick Andrew Thomas at Georgia.

“I like him a lot,” Pittman said. “Obviously, Kutas has got value because he can play center. He can play left guard. It’s sort of like Andrew Thomas. Andrew Thomas at on point at Georgia was starting for us in preseason at left guard and I’m thinking, ‘hell, he might be the best right tackle we had.’ Now we had Isaiah Wynn, who was a first-rounder as well, but you kind of want to start your program from the tackles to the center and then plug in the other guys.”

Sam Pittman recruited Patrick Kutas as a right tackle out of Christian Brothers High School in Memphis, where he was a four-star prospect. He ranked as the No. 267 overall player and No. 17 interior offensive lineman in the 2022 class according to the On3 Industry Rating, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

There wasn’t room for Kutas at right tackle last season, but with the makeup of this year’s roster it appears he’ll finally get his chance at the position. He also mentioned a few other players who will compete for time there.

We know Brady Latham can go out there. I’ve been really impressed with Devon Manuel. Kutas has done really well out there. We recruited him as a tackle and of course we haven’t needed him at that position. But we do now. I think we’re solidifying that area with him and (Ty’kieast) Crawford and (E’Marion) Harris and (Andrew) Chamblee and of course (Devon Manuel). I think we’re gonna be OK out there.”

The Arkansas offensive line paved the way for 236.7 rushing yards per game last season, second in the SEC. However, the Razorbacks will hope to improve a sack rate of 8.1% that ranked 99th in the nation.

Kutas has a couple more practices to show off his skills at right tackle before Arkansas’ spring game on Saturday. Kick time for the spring game is noon CT and the game will be televised on SEC Network+ and ESPN+.