Sam Pittman uses unique analogy to emphasize relationships with recruits

There is more to a five-game losing streak for a college football program than on-field problems. Recruiting classes can fall apart incredibly quickly if damage control is not done. Thankfully for Arkansas and Sam Pittman, that has not been the case thus far amid their struggles.

Relationships are what Pittman credits to keeping Arkansas’ class together. There has been a lot of faith instilled in one another throughout the tough times. Pittman is proud of what the coaches have been able to do to this point.

“If you don’t have a keen relationship with the kids and the family, a lot of time, you’ll lose a guy,” Pittman said. “We have not. I think that says something about the relationship-building type guys and the belief in the coaches that we’ve been able to keep these guys.”

While they have not had any decommitments to this point, there has not been any face-to-face time either. Arkansas has not played a game in Fayetteville since Sept. 16 against BYU. Three road games as a neutral site vs. Texas A&M have kept Pittman’s team on the road and recruits at home.

Saturday against Mississippi State will finally be a game in front of the Razorback faithful. Pittman understands not too many schools can get away without having a good recruiting weekend for nearly a month, crediting their loyalty.

He also used a funny analogy to explain what could have been with a few decommitments.

“In order to keep your girlfriend, and you don’t see her for five weeks, and she’s had the chance to see this guy, this guy, and this guy — she’s going to leave you,” Pittman said. “Unless you’re Elvis Pressley or whoever.

“We’ve got to get them here. We’re trying to get them here. We’ve got to get back with them and get around them.”

Heading into the weekend, Arkansas has the No. 20 recruiting class per the On3 Industry Team Rankings. Compared to their SEC foes, it ranks No. 11 in the conference and 19 commits are currently pledged to play for the Razorbacks.

Pittman is not yet done, most likely still wanting to add some players to the class. There has just been no opportunity to get in front of them and their family. Having an 11 a.m. game vs. Mississippi State certainly will help too, having the rest of Saturday to connect with them.

A big weekend ahead on the field and in the recruiting world.