The Hog Pod with Bo Mattingly

There's something special about the No. 5 jersey at Arkansas. It takes a special player to live up to the impossible standard set by the GOAT, Darren McFadden. But Rocket Sanders is doing his best—and as it turns out, his best is pretty darn good. The sophomore leads the SEC in rushing and is on pace to have the best season by a Razorback running back since McFadden. And having that No. 5 jersey is a big motivating factor. And as important as living up to the legacy of No. 5 is to Sanders, there's something even bigger to him: being a dad. Sanders grew up most of his life without a father figure in his life. He's determined to play a major role in his son's life. Rocket Sanders has big shoes to fill, but if the early returns are any indication, he's well on his way to leaving a lasting legacy on—and off—the field.

Jadon Haselwood was born to make plays. But sometimes, the right opportunity doesn't come straight away. After committing to Oklahoma as one of the top recruits in the country, Haselwood had his moments, but a major injury and lack of targets had left him struggling to catch on in his three seasons in Norman. A decision to transfer landed him at Arkansas, with a fresh start, bolstered by a coaching staff who believes in what he can do. Being a top recruit can come with a lot of pressure, and Haselwood has dealt with it throughout his career. But a new outlook has propelled him to an impact role at Arkansas, and is seeing him become the best version of himself.

Eric Musselman is doing things at Arkansas that Razorback fans haven't seen in quite some time. He's been to back-to-back Elite Eights and already has two wins over No. 1-ranked teams. And as Musselman enters the fourth year of his Arkansas tenure, expectations are sky high. Fans care about seeing a winner, and the Head Hog embraces it. Beyond the on-court success, there's a freshman class ranked as one of the best in the country. Winning leads to more winning, and people are noticing. Now all that's left is to keep the moment going. Arkansas and Musselman have their sights set on another deep run in March.

Running is hard. Doing it over long distances at consistent top speeds is one of the most impressive athletic feats. So when you're an All-American in cross country, indoor and outdoor track like Isabel Van Camp, you're doing something right. Add in a collegiate record in the women's 4 x 1500m relay and a national title in the distance medley relay, and Van Camp is living her best life. But after struggling at times early on in her Razorback career, there were doubts. But remembering she was part of something bigger helped Van Camp push through. That team-first attitude has served Van Camp well, and makes all the hard work worth it. Van Camp aspires to greatness on—and off—the track. And her time at Arkansas has served her well in pursuit of her goals.

What's in a nickname? For Arkansas soccer standout Ava Tankersley…everything. "Tank" is an apt nickname. Tall, athletic, and full of offensive firepower, Tankersley has bulldozed her way through opponents and ranks among the best in the country in assists. But make no mistake, the junior forward likes to score, too. Athletic success runs in the family. Her dad played in the big leagues with the Padres, and her mom's a marathon runner. It's given her an easy career goal—matching her parents. But it takes hard work to get to that level. And Tank has Arkansas coach Colby Hale to thank for reaching new heights. Her performances have been off the charts for a program that has won three-straight SEC titles in the three years she's been on campus. In this conversation with Hogs+ senior contributor Clay Henry, it's the story of how Ava Tankersley has developed into a key cog for the Razorbacks.

Gaby Lopez is one of the best Pro Hogs around. After a standout career at Arkansas that saw her finish as national runner-up, she's now won three times on the LPGA Tour. The Mexico native wasn't always a star, though. She routinely was shooting in the 100s when she started playing, and, while she was having fun, something was missing. Her play eventually attracted the interest of Arkansas, where she would learn the skills necessary to have success—both in college and at the next level. And when she won for the first time on the LPGA Tour, it validated all the hard work. In 2021, she earned perhaps her biggest honor to date: Being the flag bearer for Mexico at the Summer Olympics. Gaby Lopez shined bright at Arkansas, and is doing big things as a professional. Her story is one of determination and success. And there's nobody better to help tell it than Arkansas women's golf coach Shauna Taylor.

Joe Adams' football career could be summed up with one word: Electrifying. He returned five career punts for touchdowns—third in SEC history—won national awards and was a first-team All-American. But his time as a Razorback wouldn't have happened without a last-minute change of heart. The signing day decision to play for his home-state Razorbacks meant the Hogs would be loaded with some all-time greats. But Adams didn't want to take on the task of stepping into another legend's number. Adams made No. 3 his own, dazzling fans and opposing defenses alike with his shiftiness and speed as he became one of the best receivers in school history. Now, having been inducted into the Razorbacks' Hall of Honor, Adams' spot as an Arkansas legend is secure.

How do you end up going from growing up in Australia to coaching volleyball in the SEC? Ask Jason Watson. It's been a long journey from Down Under to Arkansas for Watson, who played college volleyball at BYU and spent 11 years as an assistant before finally getting the chance to lead his own program at his alma mater. Along the way, Watson has developed a coaching philosophy that's helped him guide teams to seven NCAA Tournament appearances and get buy-in from every athlete he coaches. Watch a match and you might not see Watson say a lot. He chooses his words and timing carefully. Watson has turned the Razorback volleyball program around. And though it bothers him that the team hasn't been selected for an NCAA Tournament yet, he's happy building a winner in his new home.

In just one season, Cam Little proved to be clutch. It's not easy being a college kicker, but the sophomore from Oklahoma has embraced the spotlight…and the pressure that comes with it. Little had a remarkable freshman season, connecting on 20-of-24 field goal attempts and hitting all 46 of his extra points en route to being named a Freshman All-American. But Little wants to be known as much for what he's doing on the field as he is off it. Cam Little is making an impact for the Razorbacks—and for so many others—with every kick. And that's just the way he likes it.

Trey Knox is a different person than when he first arrived on Arkansas' campus—literally. He started for the Razorbacks as a freshman wide receiver, and is now a bulked-up tight end and No. 1 on the depth chart. Sometimes, the idea of less playing time or a position change has a player looking elsewhere. But not Knox. He loves Fayetteville and wanted to fight for his place on the team. Knox has emerged as a leader for a Razorback team filled with confidence. And he believes last season's 9-4 record helped everyone realize there are bigger things to come. Knox wanted to be a Razorback. Now he wants to help lead the Hogs to new heights.