Sam Pittman explains how he changed his fall camp approach

College football is constantly evolving. Sam Pittman is simply trying to keep up. On Wednesday, the Arkansas head coach discussed the most significant changes in his approach at fall camp this season.

“We’ve certainly changed carriers [with] he emphasis that we’ve had from last year, whether it be third down, whether it be short yardage, whether it be getting off the field or the goal line package,” Pittman said. “Trying to get our team physical and trying to start that early in practice.”

Change is necessary. After taking a massive leap forward in 2021 with a 9-4 record and victory over Penn State in the Outback Bowl, the Razorbacks regressed last season. The team squeaked by with a 7-6 record, just enough to secure a bowl game appearance.

Pittman wants more than bowl game appearances. He wants to compete at the top. However, nothing changes if nothing changes. Thus, Arkansas added a new offensive and defensive coordinator this season in Dan Enos and Travis Williams.

The Razorbacks were specifically weak last year on defense. Appropriately, Pittman is aiming to strengthen his squad.

“We lifted five days [this year at fall camp], which we didn’t last year. In a lift day, there’s always a conditioning part of it or an emphasis on conditioning,” Pittman said. “The culture, the attitude of the team is outstanding, which is extremely convenient in this climate of portal and NIL.

“We’re obviously bigger, which has a lot to do with the nutritionist, as well. But we’re bigger. Our body fat is down. A lot of good things, positive things,” Pittman said. “We pressed them pretty hard, and there was no bickering or anything of that nature. We don’t want to repeat last year. We want to go back to two years ago. So, obviously, we needed to change a few things, and that’s what we did.”

The team needs change, but it’s not drastic. Arkansas fell to Texas A&M, LSU and Missouri by a combined seven points last season. The ball rolls in a different direction on a few plays, and last year could have been Pittman’s best with the Razorbacks.

Nonetheless, it wasn’t, and Pittman isn’t making excuses.

“We just got to get back to old Arkansas football, and we started that obviously in January, but I really like where we’re at. I like the hunger of the team and things of that nature. We’ll have to wait and see,” Pittman said.

Arkansas will kick off its 2023 campaign on Sept. 2 against Western Carolina.