Sam Pittman reveals what he's most excited to see from Drew Sanders vs. Cincinnati

Drew Sanders was once a top-100 recruit who pledged to Alabama out of high school. After a fairly successful couple years for a young Crimson Tide player, though, he bolted for Arkansas, where he and Bumper Pool now form arguably the best one-two linebacker punch in the SEC.

However, before Sanders just snaps right into place at Arkansas, head coach Sam Pittman warns he’s still trying to acclimate himself with a different role than he’s had the last couple years. He’s moving inside after a long time spend outside.

When previewing the Hogs game against a ranked Cincinnati team to open the season, Pittman was asked about Sanders. Specifically, how quickly he’s expected to make an impact after transferring. The Razorback head coach was cautious to promise anything, explaining that Sanders is sort of shifting positions this season compared to his time at Alabama.

Sam Pittman on Drew Sanders adapting to new position

“He’s ready. I mean, he just never has played inside the box much, you know, in college,” Pittman said. “He’s been an edge guy. And so, obviously, he’s taking a lot of reps inside. We feel like he’s ready. I’m sure he is ready. I look for him to have a really good game, but it’s a different position. Anybody who’s ever played linebacker knows it’s much different.”

Sam Pittman then went on to explain the added challenges that come with playing more as an inside linebacker compared to a true edge rusher.

“If you’re where they can block you from either direction and when you’re out on the edge and, you know, everything’s funneling from inside out to you, there’s a lot of difference. And those are things that he hadn’t done in at least a year. I think he’s certainly ready for that.”

So reason to believe Drew Sanders could take a few weeks to catch up to expectations after switching from more of an outside linebacker to an inside guy. However, Sanders was a blue-chip recruit for a reason. He’s got the physical and fundamental tools to play several different positions. And he should adapt to the inside linebacker spot after a game or two.