FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas senior offensive lineman Keyshawn Blackstock has been moved to defensive tackle amid mounting concerns about depth at the position, coach Sam Pittman said Wednesday on his first radio show of the season.
Blackstock, 6-foot-5 and 320 pounds, shifted from right guard to defensive tackle during preseason camp following a knee injury to defensive tackle David Oke. Oke will miss the start of the 2025 season, Pittman said after the team’s second fall scrimmage. The move comes as Arkansas, which finished 4-8 last season, seeks to bolster its defensive line before the opener.
“We’re thin. Hell yeah, sure do,” Pittman said Wednesday night on his radio show, referencing the Razorbacks’ lack of depth on the defensive front. “We need another big over there and a guy that’s a veteran, so we’ll have to figure that out between now and Monday.”
Blackstock, a redshirt senior, started nine games at right tackle last season and appeared in all 12. This fall, redshirt freshman Kobe Branham moved ahead of Blackstock at right guard, allowing the coaching staff flexibility to address the defensive line shortage.
Pittman said the Razorbacks are confident in several young offensive linemen, including freshman Blake Cherry, who has moved into the backup left guard spot and could play either side if needed. E’Marion Harris, a returning starter at both guard and tackle, is currently ahead of Shaq McRoy, a redshirt freshman, at right tackle.
The Razorbacks’ defensive tackle rotation suffered a blow with Oke sidelined. Behind likely starters Cameron Ball, Danny Saili and Ian Geffrard, depth is limited to true freshmen and redshirt sophomore Kaleb James, who has seen little game action.
Blackstock is expected to see significant playing time, likely as the fourth defensive tackle.
“He’s big. He’s got great balance,” Pittman said. “He has great balance. I’m gonna say it, he really does. He’s been in a college weight room for a number of years.”
The position change is not ideal, Pittman said, but reflects the Razorbacks’ willingness to adjust amid injuries and a transfer portal that closed in April.
“When the portal closed back on April 25, my first thought was that they needed to stay healthy on the defensive line,” Pittman said. “We believe in our young freshmen, we do. Whether they’re ready or not right now, we’ve got to go have an honest conversation about that.”
Arkansas’ offense is expected to remain solid despite Blackstock’s move, thanks to improved depth and the emergence of underclassmen.
“There are plenty of easy moves they could make if an issue arises on the offensive line,” Pittman said.
Blackstock’s transition comes as Arkansas prepares for a challenging 2025 schedule. The Razorbacks open the season with a roster that will rely heavily on adaptability and contributions from new faces on the defensive line.
The move highlights the ongoing challenge for SEC teams in managing rosters with transfer rules and injury risks.
Arkansas will monitor Blackstock’s progress as he adjusts to his new position. The coaching staff will also continue to evaluate young defensive linemen as the Razorbacks look to shore up their rotation before the season begins.
Oke, a transfer who was expected to contribute immediately, could miss several games. His absence, according to Pittman, forced the staff to make “an honest conversation” about roster flexibility and player development.
The Razorbacks will open the 2025 season in September against Alabama A&M in Razorback Stadium at 3:15 p.m. The game will be televised on SEC Network.
Fans can also listen to the game on HitThatLine.com in selected broadcast markets or the Razorback Sports Network in ESPN Arkansas 99.5 in Fayetteville, 95.3 in the River Valley, 96.3 in Hot Springs and 104.5 in Harrison-Mountain Home.
