Who will step up for Arkansas at linebacker?

During fall camp, the linebacker position is pivotal for the Arkansas Razorbacks as they look to develop some quality depth and settle on a clear starting group. After the first day of practice on Wednesday, head coach Sam Pittman spoke highly of the unit and looks forward to seeing its continued evolution.

There isn’t a ton of proven experience to be found at linebacker for the Razorbacks. Sophomore Brad Spence appeared in 11 games last year and made a start for the Hogs as a true freshman, but he’s the only returning Razorback linebacker with experience against an FBS team on defense.

Georgia transfer Xavian Sorey Jr. seems like a safe bet to contribute after making two starts for the Bulldogs a year ago, and Pittman believes he’s starting to find his stride after getting his feet wet in Fayetteville this spring.

“I think there’s going to be a great battle there,” Pittman said. “We like (Alex) Sanford and (Carson) Dean coming out of camp. Sorey is coming into his own; he really can run. He’s got a smile on his face all the time. I think he knows what he’s doing, so he can play a little bit faster. He really shot some gaps today and looked really good doing that.

“Brad (Spence), we were moving him up on the ball as a Sam. Anytime they go bigger than 11 personnel, we’re keeping him in the box right now. So, we’ll see how that works for us. I think he’s the same way: You go from a freshman to a sophomore, you should get better in your confidence, your body and all that. I feel like he has. It’s hard to tell you a lot without pads on, but he was in the right place.”

The Razorbacks added a pair of veteran linebackers to bolster the group this offseason in Marshall transfer Stephen Dix Jr. and Jacksonville St. transfer Larry Worth, who were both described by Pittman as ‘physical specimens’ prior to camp. But after the first day of practice, it was Utah State transfer Anthony Switzer – who earned All-MWC honors last year at safety – Pittman spoke highly of after testing him at the linebacker position.

“Part of it is where we need guys. Switzer looked really good inside, really good,” Pittman said. “He looked unafraid, very aggressive. Obviously we don’t have pads on, but still. In pads or out of pads, you’re going to find out a little bit about the guy’s aggressiveness and his physicality. So, I like where he’s at in there.

“It’s basically about needs and what we’re trying to find. Obviously, you need them all over the place, but you want your bigger, faster, stronger guys as close to the ball as you can get, so that’s what we’re trying to do right now.”

The Arkansas Razorbacks will open the 2025 season on Thursday, Aug. 29 against the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions inside War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock (Ark.). Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. (CT) and will be televised nationally on ESPNU.