Spring practice begins on Sunday, March 13. That’s when the Razorbacks will hold their first of 15 practices. It marks the beginning of the 3rd season under head coach Sam Pittman. So, who will step forward and into the spotlight to lead an Arkansas program on the rise? Will it be a seasoned veteran or a newcomer that picks up the torch and runs with it?

Here’s a look at 5 possible players who just might be that guy to take the Hogs to the next level in 2022.

1. QB KJ Jefferson

This one’s a no-brainer. Arkansas’ do-it-all quarterback was spectacular at times in 2021 and was solid overall as the Razorbacks rose to a 9-win season, their most since 2011. Anticipation is great for Jefferson as the redshirt junior looks to lead the team to new heights.

Jefferson led an offense that ranked 6th in the SEC last season but was tops in the league in rushing, and he was a big part of that as well. In addition to throwing for 2,676 yards and 21 TDs with just 4 interceptions, the crafty QB also paced the team in rushing with another 664 yards and 6 touchdowns.

Jefferson will certainly go into spring practice as the main focus of the Arkansas team, and it will be interesting to see what the ceiling is for this extraordinary talent.

2. LB Bumper Pool

The heart and soul of the defense, Pool returns for his senior season much to the delight of Pittman and Arkansas fans everywhere. Last year he led the team in tackles with 125, which ranked 3rd in the SEC. That included 7.5 tackles for loss.

If it’s possible, look for his stats and his responsibilities to grow in 2022 as does his leadership. He piled up 94 tackles in 2019, another 101 in 2020 before last season’s numbers. So if that trend continues, look for Pool to sit on top of the SEC in tackles.

3. RB Dominique Johnson

He really found his footing in the second half of last season and played a huge role in the success of Arkansas’ run game. Last year, as a sophomore, Johnson started 6 games and rushed for 575 yards on 97 carries. He had 4 games in which he averaged more than 6 yards per carry, including 91 yards on 6 carries for a 15.17 average per rush against Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

He capped an outstanding season with 77 yards rushing on 11 carries (7.0 average per rush) in the Outback Bowl against Penn State.

The 1-2 punch of Jefferson and Johnson will once again make Arkansas hard to contain on the ground in 2022.

4. Offensive line

As a group, they just might steal the spotlight in 2022. Returning most of its starting lineup from last season, the o-line looks to be a team strength once again with Ricky Stromberg, Brady Latham, Beaux Limmer and Dalton Wagner comprising a solid unit with which Jefferson, Johnson and the rest of the Razorbacks offense will thrive as it did in 2021.

5. RB Raheim Sanders

When Johnson isn’t churning out the yardage, look for Sanders to do damage. Sanders flashed signs of brilliance last season as a freshman with his best game coming against Ole Miss. He tallied career-highs in that one, rushing for 139 yards on 17 carries.

Toward the end of the season, he began to find the end zone with some regularity. He rushed for 4 TDs over the final 2 games of last season, including a 2-score performance in the Outback Bowl, where he ran for 79 yards on 13 carries.