Sam Pittman shares what Rocket Sanders must show to play on Saturday

The Arkansas Razorbacks have been without running back Raheim ‘Rocket’ Sanders for much of the 2023 season. But it looks like that is all about to change in Week 10 against the Florida Gators.

Earlier in the week, Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman discussed Sanders’s presence back on the practice field, highlighting that there was a strong possibility he would be on the field Saturday when they take on Florida. Still, the Razorback’s head coach is looking for something, in particular, to signify that his star out of the backfield is ready to go. And on Wednesday, Pittman revealed the last few things he needs to see out of Sanders for him to play against Florida.

“Just another, to be perfectly honest with you, just another couple of days of consistency,” said Pittman. “Flashes that I’ve seen, I feel really good about him being able to play. But just another couple of days of consistency. Obviously, today’s a big third-down day for us. How is he going to be able to protect things of that nature? Just the whole week of what the whole Monday through Thursday encompasses. The first two days, I feel confident that he’ll be able to go out there and help us.

This season, Sanders has seen action in just three of Arkansas’s eight games. In those three games, he has 34 carries for 91 yards and two touchdowns. To say that the Razorbacks offense has missed his production out of the backfield this season would be an understatement. Still, if there is a possibility Arkansas can get these services of Sanders back again in Florida, it will be greatly appreciated and just in time as they are fighting to earn a bowl bid at the end of the season.

Pittman explains focus on ending losing streak

As Arkansas has struggled this season — the Razorbacks are on a six-game losing streak — head coach Sam Pittman has made some stark choices. Another one came this week as Arkansas prepared to travel to Florida after a bye week.

Pittman decided not to send coaches out on the road recruiting, choosing instead to have them pour their energy into ending the losing skid. This decision comes after offensive coordinator Dan Enos was fired following the most recent loss, and Pittman explained it on the SEC coaches teleconference on Wednesday.

“We’re certainly recruiting but wins have a lot to do, will help you a lot in recruiting. And we need to put a great product — we owe it to our kids on the team to put a great, we’ve gotta help them put a great product on the field. A nice team on the field. Especially since we’ve made the change at offensive coordinator, there’s so many things that we have to get right offensively. Defense has to defend and play well, special teams as well,” Pittman said.

Pittman said it was fair to consider it a circling-the-wagons move, and one he’s willing to make to get a much-needed win. But he and his staff will still be recruiting.

“We’re certainly recruiting but I did not want to send guys out on the road. When we went to Florida, I wanted them with the team because we need to win the game,” Pittman said.