Sam Pittman excited for Keuan Parker’s opportunity in defensive lineup

After completely sitting out his first season with the Arkansas Razorbacks, redshirt freshman Keuan Parker is getting the opportunity for ample playing time in the defensive lineup. And head coach Sam Pittman couldn’t be more excited for the opportunity his young defensive back is getting.

“I like him. I’ve always liked him. He’s got he has good speed; he’s tough,” said Pittman. “Now, he’s not the most physical-looking guy, but I think he’s one of our best cover corners that we have. And so, I went up to him Monday and said, ‘Hey, this year, you got your opportunity now.’ I really believe in him. He can stop and turn on a dime. He’s very competitive and a willing tackler. I just, I really like him. I think this is going to be his time to shine when he gets out there. ‘Cause I’m very confident in him.”

According to On3’s recruiting consensus database, Parker was a three-star recruit out of the 2021 recruiting class for the Razorbacks. He played his high school ball in Tulsa, OK, at Booker T. Washington high school, where he ranked 10 in the state, 46 at cornerback, and 531 nationally. So far in the young season, Parker has yet to record any stats. And of the two games Arkansas has played, he only received playing time against the Cincinnati Bearcats.

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Pittman makes definitive statement on Ricky Stromberg’s NFL potential

Arkansas center Ricky Stromberg‘s NFL Draft potential has seen a continuous upward trend since his senior season began, and Razorbacks head coach Sam Pittman has taken notice – and he believes pro scouts should, too.

“I think Ricky (Stromberg) and coach Kennedy get along real well,” Pittman said on Wednesday’s SEC Coaches’ Teleconference. “I think that they trust each other. To see his improvement over the last two and a half seasons has been dramatic. I think he’ll be a guy who can play in the NFL. And he’s tough, I think he’ll play for a long time.

“His knowledge of the game has certainly improved. Obviously, as he’s gotten older, his physicality – he’s very quick off the ball – understands defensive structures. And I really like him, wonderful kid and we’re certainly glad he’s on our team. He kind of runs that offensive line and has a lot of respect, not only from the coaching staff but from the players on the team.”

A four-year starter for Arkansas, Stromberg won Co-SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors following a stellar Week 2 performance in the Razorbacks’ 44-30 win over South Carolina. He played 88 snaps against the Gamecocks where he protect his offense en route to amassing at least 400 yards of offense for the second-straight week.