It’s been less than a week since Keyshawn Blackstock made the move from the Arkansas offensive line to defensive line in hopes of bolstering the group’s depth. After just a handful of practices, the 6-5, 320-pound redshirt senior is still settling in at his new stop as the season-opener with Alabama A&M approaches.

The idea to move Blackstock came about a week ago thanks in large part due to the injury of David Oke. Since Oke is expected to miss at least the first week, if not longer, the concerns of depth behind Cam Ball and Danny Saili on the interior D-line grew.

Blackstock was in a battle with Kobe Branham for the starting right guard job on the offensive line, but it’s been clear since the end of fall camp that Branham had mostly won the starting nod. With Blackstock out of the mix for a starting spot on the offensive side of the ball, the staff agreed a move to the defensive line made sense.

As Sam Pittman explained on Monday, Blackstock played the position in high school and it gives him an opportunity to help the team in a bigger way than if he stayed on the O-line. 

“I think it was about six days ago,” Pittman said. “We had talked about it a little bit simply because of the depth there at D-line. Now, we’re very, very happy with the young freshmen we have in there. Kevin Oatis comes up, Reginald Vaughn, those guys can play. We’re very, very happy with those guys.

“But to get a veteran, older guy… And he played it in high school, as well. Keyshawn was the guy I went to first and asked him if he would be interested in it because he wasn’t starting on the offensive line. It wouldn’t effect the offense as much as… At all, actually, for right now. And we needed him to play when David got hurt. He’s done a good job over there.”

Despite only having limited practice time, Blackstock was listed as the backup behind Ball on the Arkansas Week 1 depth chart released Monday. Pittman explained the Razorbacks will work this week of practice to have him ready for some crucial game reps this weekend. Regardless how the move pans out, though, Pittman loves the mindset and response from Blackstock when approached with the move.

“He’s only practiced three times over there, but we have this week to get him ready as well and I think he’ll be ready,” Pittman said Monday. “He’s wanted to do it. He said, ‘Anything for the team.’ So when I talked to him, he was outstanding in that part. I also think he knew and we know that he has an opportunity to go help us on that D-line.”

So far, Blackstock has received similar praise from his teammates since making the move. Redshirt junior defensive end Quincy Rhodes noted last week that while there’s been an adjustment period, Blackstock has been a welcome addition to the D-line room.

“He’s been a great addition to the room,” Rhodes said. “I know he’s been in and out of the team meeting rooms with my coaches – Coach (Hopper), Coach [Deke Adams] coach, and the other coaches. So, like I said, he’s just been trying to get used to the way the scheme and how things roll on the defensive side of the ball.”

Starting center Caden Kitler has already gotten reps going against Blackstock since he moved to defensive tackle, and it’s been an adjustment. Kitler mentioned there’s been some friendly trash talk between the two, but he respects that Blackstock is doing what’s best for the team.

“That’s been different. But, you know, I’ve had a good time doing that,” Kitler said. “We talk a lot of smack against each other, so I’m just happy that he’s doing what’s best for the team. And that just shows you what kind of player he is.”

The Razorbacks open the season against Alabama A&M on Saturday in Razorback Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3:15 p.m. (CT), and SEC Network will have television coverage of the game.Â