FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — There are nine weeks left until Arkansas football returns.
The Razorbacks will open the 2024 season in Little Rock against UAPB. Kickoff is scheduled for Thursday, August 29th at 6:30 pm (ESPNU).
Arkansas is coming off a disappointing 4-8 season that saw offensive coordinator Dan Enos fired midseason and saw the transference of two of the team's faces, KJ Jefferson and Raheim “Rocket” Sanders.
more:In-state wide receiver Antonio Jordan joins the Arkansas football team.
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In response, the Hogs hired Bobby Petrino, accessed the transfer portal and acquired a slew of new faces for what should be a pivotal season for head coach Sam Pittman.
Over the next month, the Southwest Times Record will be conducting a position preview twice a week, asking two questions and offering one bold prediction: Earlier this month, we looked at the entire offense, including key position groups like quarterback and offensive line.
Heading into 2024, let’s take a look at some other big names on the defensive line.
Does Arkansas football have a clear-cut starter on the defensive line?
Defensive end Landon Jackson and defensive tackle Cam Ball might be the two most talented players on the entire team, so they're sure to be starters for the Razorbacks this fall.
Jackson, a potential first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, led Arkansas in tackles for loss (13.5) and sacks (6.5) last season. Ball started the final four games of the 2023 season and had a dominant spring. The defense's success this season will depend on Jackson and Ball playing to their full potential.
PitmasterArkansas football DT Cam Ball is parlaying his passion for barbecue into a future career
The other two positions remain open. Eric Gregory was the No. 2 tackle entering spring training but will face competition from Kaybee Rhodes and transfer Danny Saili. Nico Davilier saw more first-team practice sessions in preseason camp than Anton Junkai, but Davilier has little collegiate experience and Junkai is in his fifth season.
Sophomore Quincy Rose and freshmen Sharee Collins and Kavion Henderson all have the potential to move up the roster.
In reality, it doesn't really matter who starts at this position group. Defensive line coach Deke Adams wants a healthy rotation to keep players healthy in the fourth quarter. Fans can expect to see anywhere between eight and 12 defensive linemen rotating this fall.
Can Anton Junkai thrive in the SEC?
Junkai was a tremendous FCS player last season, which raised a lot of optimism when he committed to the Hogs in early January. He recorded 15 sacks last season at Albany, good for third in the FCS, and also recorded 21.5 tackles for loss on his way to being named a first-team All-American.
But he struggled this spring, and Pittman said Junkai needs to be in shape in the first week of practice and that the SEC rookie needs to improve his run attack to maximize his snaps this season.
Still, the potential is there: The last elite pass rusher to transfer from Albany was Jarrett Barth, who was the 19th pick in this year's NFL Draft after two years at Florida State.
Junkai's potential isn't as high, but if his past performances translate to the league, he and Jackson could form one of the best pass-rush duos in the SEC.
Bold prediction: Landon Jackson will record double-digit sacks.
In a recent 2025 mock draft by CBS Sports, Jackson was projected to be selected 30th overall by the Baltimore Ravens, and he should improve his draft rating after a stellar senior season in Fayetteville.
Perhaps the biggest key to this projection is the play of his teammates. Arkansas needs to develop the rest of its defensive line to keep Jackson from getting double-teamed every time.
Coaches' comments this spring
“I think he's taken his game to the next level. Coach Adams does a great job of coaching all four of his guys on that front line and getting them ready. You can see the growth from last year, starting with Cam Ball.”
— Arkansas defensive coordinator talks about Cam Ball's development.
Projected Depth Chart
- Landon Jackson, Sr.; Cam Ball, Redshirt Jr.; Eric Gregory, Redshirt Sr.; Nico Davilier, Jr.
- Anton Junkai (fourth year), Kayvee Rose (redshirt senior), Danny Seiri (third year) and Quincy Rose (sophomore).
- Charlie Collins, freshman. Ian Jeffrad, redshirt freshman. Caleb James, redshirt freshman. Kavion Henderson, freshman.