Sam Pittman says John Morgan battling lower leg injury, 'nothing bad'

John Morgan III sat out during Arkansas‘ fall camp on Thursday. Nonetheless, Razorbacks head coach Sam Pittman claims fans have nothing to worry about.

“I don’t think that’s anything more than — hopefully, tomorrow he’ll be back,” Pittman told the press. “Just a lower-leg injury, nothing bad at all. We have not had a guy during camp that certainly can’t play for the season or can’t play next week.”

Although Morgan has yet to play a game at Arkansas, he’s expected to be a pivotal piece of the Razorbacks’ defensive line this season. After spending five seasons at Pittsburgh, Morgan transferred to Arkansas this offseason.

In 2022, Morgan tallied 12 appearances with five starts. The 6-foot-2 defensive tackle collected 19 total tackles, with 5.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. Additionally, Morgan was credited with six quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles last season.

Morgan was a three-star recruit in high school, according to On3 Industry Rankings. Further, the Maryland native was the No. 12 prospect in his state his senior year. Packing significant talent, Morgan is expected to make an immediate impact for the Razorbacks. He seemingly couldn’t be more excited.

“This is big-boy football. That’s what I’m looking for. I’m a big-time player, and I want to play in the biggest stages. This gives me an opportunity to do that,” Morgan said after his visit to Arkansas in December 2022. “You play against Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia. The big-time schools 24-7. That’s what I want to do. I want to be that guy.”

If Morgan can “be that guy,” the Razorbacks’ defensive line will give opposing offensive coordinators headaches. Last season, Arkansas broke a program record with 42 sacks. Nonetheless, the team still allowed 465.2 yards per game, ranking 124th in the nation.

Arkansas defense under new leadership

Pittman expects Arkansas to see quick improvement with new defensive coordinator Travis Williams. At SEC Media Days, Pittman revealed why he hired Williams.

“Understood urgency. It’s just different. Urgency of coaching in the SEC. Urgency of recruiting in the SEC, it’s different, man. Anybody says it ain’t, they’re lying. It’s different,” Pittman said. “He’s very, very aggressive. I liked his style. I like the fact that he’s going to keep four linemen on the d-line in the game, even if he’s in an odd front, he’d walk one up.”

Sounds like Arkansas isn’t shying away from its pressure-focused defense. Hopefully for Razorbacks fans, Morgan will be a part of it. On Sept. 2, Arkansas will kick off its season against Western Carolina.