By Otis Kirk

FAYETTEVILLE -- Arkansas returned to the practice fields on Tuesday and Sam Pittman praised both KJ Jefferson and Jacolby Criswell at quarterback.

Pittman has a new offensive coordinator in Dan Enos and Travis Williams now heads the defense. On Tuesday, Pittman talked about the contrasting styles of those two compared to Kendal Briles and Barry Odom.

"We’re in a whole different front on defense," Pittman said. "We’re very aggressive. Very aggressive on defense. I think that would be the most significant change. The kids are really adapting to T-Will and (Marcus) Woodson and (Deron) Wilson, and of course Deke’s (Adams) back. But they have a really good rapport with the kids.

"Dan is a totally different style in that it’s more of a pro-style offense. To me there’s a lot of identification and reads before you snap the ball in a pro-style offense and in a quick, fast-pace a lot of your decision-making comes after the snap of the ball. So I think that’s probably the biggest difference and KJ, you know we’re going under center some. KJ’s really taking to that. I’ve got to say this, I think Criswell over the last two practices is starting to catch on, and he’s showing his arm strength and his accuracy so I’ve been really pleased with those two guys. But I’d say that’s probably the biggest difference in a pro style, which Dan brings to us and a fast-paced offense."

Criswell is a transfer from North Carolina who was a prep standout at Morrilton High School. The previous head coach at Arkansas prioritized his son over Criswell out of high school and by the time that Pittman was hired the strong-armed quarterback had already made his decision. In December, Criswell entered the transfer portal and opted for Arkansas. 

Will Jefferson, Criswell and the other quarterbacks have a go-to wide receiver this season? 

"As of right now no," Pittman said. "I guess we have to understand a little bit in Tyrone Broden is having a little bit of MCL issue, nonsurgical. He was out there today, but not necessarily healthy. Of course we know about Jaedon Wilson. Those two guys aren't out there right now. There really hasn't been a wide out that you go, 'that's the guy' yet. Probably close thing to that has been Bryce (Stephens). 

"We do feel comfortable with who is out there, but you're talking about a guy that can catch for 700 or a 1,000 yards or something like that. I don't know that guy has yet identified himself. I'm not saying he's not on the team. I just don't know we know for sure. A lot of that is speed you are playing and it's hard to play fast, fast when you are still concentrating on where am I supposed to be, my alignment, what's my route and what am I in the progression? Things like that. I felt like they got a little bit better today. And I think that's with their install has about seized at this point and time."

One wide receiver who has taken advantage of Wilson and Broden missing some time is redshirt freshman Isaiah Sategna. The former standout at Fayetteville High School is coming on and competing for a spot in the rotation.

"I mean he's playing his speed is what I guess I need to say," Pittman said. "He's gotten bigger. He's playing physical. Playing physical doesn't always mean blocking. It means getting off of people and being able to separate yourself physically from the defender. He has been one of the most impressive guys over the last three or four practices to me. He's always had the speed and things like that. But I've been really impressed with his progression and I think he will be a really good player for us. I really do."

Pittman agreed that it seems Sategna really picked up his performance once Wilson and Broden went out. He has been given an opportunity and seems to be running with it.

"I would imagine that certainly went through his mind," Pittman said. "But KJ hit him with a nice pass in two-minute today.  So, anytime you want the ball, and it’s been this for a long time. You know receivers want the ball all the time. Well, it’s not only that you have got to get open and you’ve got to catch it, but the main thing is the quarterback has to believe in you. I mean, he’s got to look for you. I think KJ is starting to have a little more and more belief in Sategna getting open."

Arkansas will next practice on Thursday. The spring game is set for Saturday, April 15, at noon and that will also be the next time Arkansas scrimmages.