Sam Pittman has Arkansas rolling to open the 2021 season. The Razorbacks, who are now ranked No. 8 in the country, have won each of their first 4 games, picking up impressive victories over Texas and Texas A&M along the way.

It’s been a remarkable turnaround after Arkansas had won 4 or fewer games each of the previous 4 seasons. That included Pittman’s first year at the helm in 2020, when the Razorbacks went 3-7.

However, Arkansas’ players had faith in Pittman to lead the program to success, and that’s now what’s happening. And redshirt sophomore defensive back Jalen Catalon broke down what has made Pittman a successful coach during an appearance on “The Paul Finebaum Show” on Monday.

“He always says as much as he’s going to criticize us, he’s going to definitely praise us,” Catalon said on the show. “So when something good happens, he’s definitely going to let us know about it. But just like any coach, when you do something bad, he’s going to let you hear it. But I think he has a great balance for our team, that’s what makes him a great head coach and a great fit for this team, is because he’s able to balance that — give us the criticism we need, but also give us the praise that some guys need at times.

“Like I said, I think he’s the best coach in the country, if you ask me. I’m just glad he’s ours.”

The Razorbacks are going to continue to get tested, though. They play against a ranked team each of the next 3 weeks — at No. 2 Georgia, at No. 12 Ole Miss and vs. No. 22 Auburn. The Hogs also still have a road matchup coming against No. 1 Alabama on Nov. 20.

Arkansas and Georgia are set to kick off on Saturday at noon ET on ESPN.