Sam Pittman reveals role for LSU transfer Landon Jackson on Arkansas defensive line

The Arkansas Razorbacks went to the transfer portal for seven new contributors for the 2022 squad this offseason. Five practices into spring ball, head coach Sam Pittman described what he believes former LSU transfer Landon Jackson’s role will be in Fayetteville after he finishes rehab on his knee.

“We recruited him to play defensive end, we recruited him for rush ability,” Pittman said. “He certainly is big enough to play the run, but our thoughts are him, and for that matter, Nico Davillier, will be a defensive end. Now he’s a big man, but I think he’s talented enough to get to the passer.

“To me, we’re either going to have to blitz to get to the passer or we’ll have to get in a four-man line and go get him. Right now, I think we’re getting better at doing that, but we’ve got a ways to go. I like how they’ve come along these five practices on the defensive line.”

In Arkansas’s defense led by Barry Odom, the Razorbacks play a lot of three-man fronts. However, after posting just 25 sacks in 2021, which was 13th out of the 14 SEC programs, the Hogs are planning to adjust with more blitz and more four-man fronts. Arkansas lost two top defensive linemen to their NFL Draft following the season – Tre Williams and John Ridgeway – both were one year transfers.

Jackson ready to contribute for the Hogs

Landon Jackson opted to leave LSU after entering five games for the Tigers as a true freshman. Jackson was an early enrolee for the Tigers before picking up an injury during practice. He worked his way back to the field during the fall, earning a spot in the defensive line rotation.

In the portal, Jackson ranked as the eighth best-available prospect on the edge, despite his limited experience. The 6-foot-6, 240-pound defensive end is from Texarkana, on the border between Arkansas and Texas. He went to Pleasant Grove High School where he was a four-star prospect. Jackson was the No. 171 recruit in the country, No. 15 edge, and No. 30 overall in the Lone Star State, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Prior to signing with LSU, Jackson considered a large list of programs that included Alabama, Oklahoma, Texas and Texas A&M.