Arkansas defensive line coach Deke Adams was assigned the task of creating depth up front this season with a new cast of characters. So far during training camp, the first-year coach has liked what he's seen from the Razorbacks.
"It’s really been fun. This is a great group of kids," said Adams. "We’ve added some kids to the roster through the portal and other situations. It’s been fun with these guys. They’re working their behinds off. They’re eager. They want to learn. They want to be better. So it’s been a fun group to be with."
One of the new faces is El Dorado native Terry Hampton, who transferred to Arkansas from Arkansas State after entering the transfer portal. Hampton played in 36 games with 19 starts for the Red Wolves.
"Terry’s been very impressive," said Adams. "This is the first opportunity, I guess during camp, to have the chance to see him in pads in person and all that. He’s strong. I guess you say he has heavy hands. He has a defensive lineman aspect … He plays with great pad level … The maturity and all the different things he adds to the room, he’s been a great addition for us. We’re grateful to have him. He’s going to definitely be a big part of our success this year."
Other returning Hogs have also taken notice of the former Wildcat.
"From what I've seen, Terry's been dominant, man. Very dominant," said Eric Gregory. "He's more of a shorter guy, but he's not too short. So he has that power. He has that punch. He can pass rush, he can move. It's just, it's crazy just seeing how big he is, but he can move. It's crazy."
Added Zach Williams, "Yeah, he's strong. He has great technique. Like, even if someone gets their hands on him, he finds a way to, like, get their hands off of him. I feel like once he really learns our plays, he can be a really, really big help to us. So I can't wait to see what he does."
Both teammates said Hampton has been almost as impressive in the weight room as on the practice field.
"So I'm really his partner most time with benching and stuff like that. And he's throwing four or five (hundred) for reps. Just crazy. It's something that I can't do, basically," Gregory said. "And it's just crazy just seeing how he's just throwing it up. Like, man, I wish I could do that. And then squat, his number's like 650 easily. Just, it's crazy. It's crazy."
"Yeah, I don't lift with him because, you know, I don't lift that," said Williams. "But I just know he's really strong. So that's all I know."
(Editor's note: Tom Murphy of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette contributed to this story.)