In the world of college football, few transitions are as dramatic as the journey from a standout college player to an NFL rookie. Drew Sanders, a former Arkansas Razorback linebacker, is currently living out that transformation as he embarks on his professional career with the Denver Broncos. Yet, despite his new chapter in the NFL, Sanders has not forgotten his roots. Recently, the young star sent a bold and fearless note to Sam Pittman, the head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks, sharing his thoughts on the struggles of the team during his time in Fayetteville.
Sanders’ time with Arkansas was marked by his rise as one of the team’s most dominant players on the defensive side of the ball. He transferred to Arkansas from Alabama in 2021, after spending a season with the Crimson Tide. At Arkansas, Sanders quickly made an impact as a linebacker, showcasing his athleticism, speed, and leadership. He played a pivotal role in the Razorbacks’ defensive success, and his impressive performances on the field made him one of the standout players in the SEC.
However, despite Sanders’ individual success, the Razorbacks experienced struggles that affected their overall performance during his tenure. In his message to Pittman, Sanders pulled no punches, addressing the challenges the team faced and shedding light on what he believes were key factors behind their struggles.
The first point Sanders made in his message was the lack of consistency on the field. Arkansas showed flashes of brilliance but failed to maintain that level of play over the course of an entire season. There were moments where the Razorbacks appeared to be on the verge of greatness, yet injuries, poor execution, and a lack of depth in key positions led to costly losses. Sanders expressed frustration with how the team would often take one step forward only to take two steps back, unable to capitalize on their potential.
Another major issue Sanders highlighted was the lack of discipline and focus at critical moments in games. In his note to Pittman, Sanders made it clear that while talent was not in short supply, it was the mental aspect of the game that often led to breakdowns. The Razorbacks struggled to make adjustments in the second half of games and failed to close out opponents when the opportunity presented itself. Sanders noted that many of the team’s losses could be traced back to mental lapses and undisciplined play, especially in high-pressure situations.
Sanders also took time to acknowledge the leadership within the team. While he praised the coaches and some of his teammates for their efforts, he did not shy away from mentioning how leadership at times was inconsistent, both from the coaching staff and within the locker room. The Razorbacks lacked a clear, unwavering leader who could rally the team during difficult stretches. Sanders believes that this absence of strong leadership at key moments hindered the team’s ability to come together as a cohesive unit.
Despite these criticisms, Sanders emphasized that he has the utmost respect for Sam Pittman and his coaching staff. He understands the challenges that come with building a successful program and recognizes the difficult job that Pittman has in turning around a team that has often been overlooked in the competitive SEC. Sanders made it clear that his message was not one of blame, but rather a candid reflection on the challenges he witnessed firsthand. He believes that the Razorbacks can still achieve greatness under Pittman, but it requires a concerted effort from everyone involved to overcome the mental and physical barriers that have plagued the team.
Now, as Sanders takes on his new role with the Denver Broncos, he reflects on the lessons learned during his time at Arkansas. He credits his experiences with the Razorbacks for preparing him to face the challenges of professional football. His time in Fayetteville instilled in him a work ethic and mentality that has helped him transition to the next level. But as he continues to build his career with the Broncos, he remains deeply invested in the success of the Arkansas program, which he hopes will eventually break through and return to prominence.
Sam Pittman, in turn, has acknowledged Sanders’ message and is appreciative of the former linebacker’s honesty and perspective. He understands the need for constant improvement and knows that the Razorbacks will need to make some changes to get back to being a competitive force in the SEC. While there are no quick fixes, Pittman has stated that he is committed to addressing the issues raised by Sanders and ensuring that the Razorbacks return to their winning ways.
Drew Sanders’ fearless note to Sam Pittman provides valuable insight into the struggles that have hindered the Arkansas Razorbacks over the years. It serves as a candid and heartfelt reminder that success in college football is not just about talent, but also about consistency, mental toughness, and leadership. As Sanders continues to chase his NFL dreams, his message to his former coach is clear: the Razorbacks can do better, and they deserve to know the truth behind their struggles.