Gameday Extra

11.20.2021 PITTMAN LOOKING TO FIGURE HIS 2022 ROSTER MATH The previous head football coach at Arkansas had a college degree in mathematics, but that didn't help Chad Morris and translated into only four wins on the football field in two years in a relationship that went sour and imploded quickly. Current Razorback head coach Sam Pittman has flourished by winning 10 games in two seasons with at least three more contests on tap this campaign. Because of that he'll happily have to do some math of his own in fitting next year's roster into the best 85 he can. It will be a bit of a chore as there are some covid seniors this year that have a year of eligibility left, but will count against the 85 limit next season when they did not this season. "You might be a little more selective of who you ask to come back because basically you are saying is he worth a freshman coming in or a (transfer) portal spot coming in to ask him back because it counts toward your 85," Pittman said. Factoring into that equation is also the knowledge that there are somewhere around a dozen Arkansas 2022 commits that are on target to be early enrollees. That includes all three linebacker pledges in Shiloh Christian's Kaden Henley, Duncanville, Texas, standout Jordan Crook and Fayetteville's Mani Powell, whose knee injury rehab is on schedule to have him ready for spring practice with the Razorbacks. It also includes three offensive line pledges in Joe T. Robinson's E'Marion Harris, Maumelle's Andrew Chamblee and Duncan (S.C.) Byrnes star Eli Henderson, Greenland defensive end JJ Hollingsworth and the Clarendon duo of tight end Dax Courtney and wide receiver Quincey McAdoo. Pittman may even bring some of the early enrollees in for Arkansas' bowl practices. "Yes, I am considering that," Pittman said. "Obviously they have to pay their on way here so it would be more of the local guys that we would do that with. It just depends on what bowl we get and what date. "Is it worth bringing a guy in for two or three practices? I'm going to say yes because we can get some of the medical things done when they still get in here. Then there will still be some acclimation to where they meet different people and understand a little bit and just be more comfortable when they get back. That would have a lot of value to it, too." Pittman reiterated his stance on building his program with high school prospects. "I have said it many times that I believe 80, 85, 90 percent, somewhere in that range, should be high school kids. If you are going to build a foundation, you need to do it off of high school kids… maybe closer to 80, but you have got to have a few where you can go out to the portal if you lose two or three linebackers, you may need an opportunity to get a young great one out of high school or go into the portal." Pittman noted his staff does have a system that helps the program facilitate which players would be worth checking on. "We have our portal board, but I am not going to share that because it would seem negative toward the kids we have," Pittman said. "But we have a portal board where we think if we have three or have five scholarships or whatever it may be, we would go to that area first." It is a group effort per the head coach. "We have several, more than just somebody," Pittman said. "We have a few that if we feel they are like our caliber, SEC caliber, then we get an evaluation from our recruiting department and it his moved on through the process. "The portal usually, if they are very, very good, goes pretty fast so you have to be rolling on that as fast as your probably can. The problem with it is that there is over 4,000 kids in the portal now, a lot of kids going in and not being able to get out." COMMENTARY DUDLEY E. DAWSON HOW WE SEE IT ARKANSAS VS. ALABAMA Special to the NWA Democrat-Gazette/David Beach Mani Powell will enroll early and hopes to be recovered from knee surgery to practice in the spring. CLAY HENRY HAWGS ILLUSTRATED Are there any Hogs who can block Will Anderson? If Damone Clark can blitz his way into the UA backfield, Anderson might have a field day. He may be the nation's best defender. It's simply the biggest reason not to pick against the Tide. Cam Little will make some more field goals, but not enough. Alabama, 27-19 DUDLEY E. DAWSON HAWGS ILLUSTRATED This is not the normal powerful, ultra-talented Alabama team, but the Crimson Tide are still really good. Arkansas is closing the gap, but … Alabama, 31-17 MATT JONES WHOLE HOG SPORTS Back-to-back road trips rarely turn out well in the SEC, and Alabama is rested after sitting its starters in the second half last week. It will be interesting to see if the Razorbacks can handle the Crimson Tide's physicality better than they did at Georgia. Alabama, 31-10 SCOTTIE BORDELON WHOLE HOG SPORTS For a second straight week, the Razorbacks find themselves playing in one of the toughest road environments in college football. Should playing at LSU last week help Arkansas in this game? A little bit, yes. But Alabama's depth and talent can be overwhelming. The Razorbacks will compete for a while, but the Crimson Tide pull away with their run game and stout defensive front. Alabama, 38-13 TOMMY CRAFT ESPN ARKANSAS Arkansas has done the unthinkable with seven wins, but this week might be an impossible task. Expect Sam Pittman to have the Hogs ready. Alabama, 31-24 TYE RICHARDSON ESPN ARKANSAS Grit and toughness got it done in Death Valley. The Tide have been up and down, not typical of a Nick Saban team. The Hogs bring energy, but not enough talent. Alabama, 31-17 BART POHLMAN SPORT & STORY For the first time in years, Alabama doesn't seem invincible. A trip to Tuscaloosa is never easy, though. Arkansas will fight, as we've seen from the Hogs all year, but the Tide keep their CFP hopes alive in a close one. Alabama, 31-24 Download the Whole Hog Sports app for all the latest Razorback's news and coverage Visit wholehogsports.com/alerts to recieve daily and breaking newsletters with the latest updates from Whole Hog Sports. The Best Gutters You Will Ever Have. Period. 479-221-9599 | 888-419-4906 www.leafguardandmore.com Fall = Clogged Gutters Football LeafGuard brand by Englert is the original and only one- piece gutter system, with a built-in hood that covers the gutter bottom and deflects leaves and other debris. This unique, seamless design keeps debris from collecting in your gutters which: • Prevents clogs from forming • Keeps water flowing freely • Eliminates leaks and the threat of water damage • Makes climbing ladders to clean gutters unnecessary Say Goodbye to CloGGed GutterS! Get LeafGuard gutters, a unique patented system designed to stay clog free. 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