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re: Arkansas Football 2023 Recruiting Thread **WR Dazmin James Commits**
Posted on 1/8/23 at 1:24 pm to RazorHawg
Posted on 1/8/23 at 1:24 pm to RazorHawg
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Arkansas has landed a commitment from Baylor transfer safety Alfahiym Walcott. The 6-2, 219-pound senior went public with his decision on Sunday, becoming the Razorbacks' seventh incoming transfer commitment of the cycle.
Walcott made his announcement a day after wrapping up an official visit in Fayetteville.
"I would say because of the coaching staff,” Walcott said. “These guys are really genuine. They kept it real with me from the jump, since the first call. I really think they could develop me for the next level and prepare me for there.”
Walcott posted 82 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, an interception and 4 pass break-ups in 13 games this past season. He was recruited to The Hill by new defensive coordinator Travis Williams and new defensive backs coach Marcus Woodson.
SATURDAY'S POST-VISIT RECAP
"Everybody is great people. It's amazing," Walcott said. "The community here is a tight-knit community. That's what I'm looking for in a school. I feel like this is a school where I could develop. I only have one more year so I could be able to develop around a group of coaches that can help me to the next level. That's what I'm looking for in a school. The head coach and all the coaches here are showing a lot of love and I really appreciate it. That's what I'm looking for in a school."
"Great impression. Ever since they called me I knew Arkansas was a place I wanted to visit. They went into depth about how they could help me.get to the next level and develop as a person first and then an athlete. That's what caught my eye.
"Just the energy these guys bring. The new coaching staff they bring a lot of energy and that's what I'm looking for. I'm an energy type of guy and that's what I want to bring to this team in the back end."
Walcott's former teammate at Baylor, cornerback Lorando Johnson, also visited the Hogs this week and went public with his commitment on Friday. The Razorbacks still have plenty of room for new additions in the secondary and could use an uptick in physicality, as well.
"I'm a guy that brings physicality," Walcott said. "I love being physical. That's what I'm about. Then I'm a guy that's going to bring that leadership role. I don't expect mediocracy. If I come in that is what I expect of us as a team."
What's next for the coveted transfer who has one year of eligibility remaining?
"I plan on making my decision early, Tuesday or Wednesday," Walcott said, "but I want to think it on it and talk to family."
DW's TAKE: Getting Johnson on board was a nice start to an important stretch of decisions being made by several midyear transfer targets. If you watched the Razorbacks of 2020 at all, not a lot needs to be said about the current situation at safety. The Hogs lost two difference makers in Jalen Catalon and Myles Slusher but now have an opportunity to take a significant step forward with new faces. As for Walcott, I like Arkansas' chances a lot after this visit and would be surprised if he ends up anywhere else.
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Posted on 1/9/23 at 11:12 am to RazorHawg
Do we know which transfer DT’s we are targeting?
Posted on 1/10/23 at 10:24 pm to RazorHawg
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Arkansas gained a major transfer commitment on Tuesday when Hillsdale College wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa announced his decision to join the Razorbacks.
TeSlaa, 6-4, 210, visited the Hogs last week during the NCAA’s five-day visit window for transfers who plan to enroll at their next institution later this month. He chose the Razorbacks over offers from Iowa, Iowa State, Oklahoma State, Baylor, Nebraska, Miami, Houston, Wisconsin, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Colorado, Arizona, Purdue and others.
The Hudsonville (Mich.) native will have two years of eligibility remaining in Fayetteville. TeSlaa was recruited to Arkansas by wide receivers coach Kenny Guiton and offensive coordinator Kendal Briles.
TeSlaa said his decision came down to "what’s best for me culturally and obviously coming somewhere I can have a big role on the offense," he said. "They showed me that so the opportunity is there for me. That's definitely a good point.”
TeSlaa blew up this season, recording 68 catches for 1,325 yards and 13 touchdowns. He had 45 grabs for 698 yards and 7 scores in 2021 after seeing action in three games as a true freshman in 2020, which preserved his redshirt status in a Covid season that did not count toward his eligibility.
In the 5-day transfer visit window of January 4-8, Arkansas has hosted wide receivers Dont’e Thornton (Oregon), Isaac TeSlaa (Hillsdale College), Xavier Weaver (South Florida) and Marlon Crockett (Memphis), tight ends Jake Roberts (North Texas) and Cane Berrong (Notre Dame), linebacker Antonio Grier (South Florida), Lorando Johnson (Baylor), and safeties DJ Taylor (Arizona State) and Alfahiym Walcott (Baylor).
In addition to TeSlaa, Arkansas also has transfer commitments from quarterback Jacolby Criswell (North Carolina), wide receiver Andrew Armstrong (Texas A&M-Commerce), offensive lineman Joshua Braun (Florida), outside linebacker/edge John Morgan (Pittsburgh), linebacker Antonio Grier (South Florida), cornerback Lorando Johnson (Baylor) and safety Alfahiym Walcott (Baylor). Former Memphis wide receiver Marlon Crockett also committed to the Razorbacks as a preferred walk-on.
Here’s a look at Arkansas’ scholarship wide receiver depth now that TeSlaa is in the fold:
Projected 2023 Wide Receiver Depth
Andrew Armstrong (Sr.)
Isaac TeSlaa (R-Jr.)
Jaedon Wilson (R-So.)
Bryce Stephens (R-So.)
Landon Rogers (R-So.)
Samuel Mbake (R-Fr.)
Isaiah Sategna (R-Fr.)
Davion Dozier (Fr.)
Posted on 1/13/23 at 1:30 am to RazorHawg
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of note:
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IMO we are done adding transfer WRs for spring ball.
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Tuesday also saw Arkansas pick up a commitment from Hillsdale College wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa, who caught 68 passes for 1,325 yards and 13 touchdowns at the Division II level this season. He’d drawn offers from Iowa, Iowa State, Oklahoma State, Baylor, Nebraska and many others since entering the portal.
Impact receivers are considered a premium talent in this era of college football and schools are turning over every stone possible to find them.
of note:
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Xavier Weaver, WR: South Florida wide receiver transfer Xavier Weaver, who caught 53 passes for 718 yards and 6 TDs this year, has had an interesting recruitment. He looked very close to committing to Arkansas, but things have seemed to cool on both sides. Moving forward I’d watch South Carolina, Colorado and West Virginia for Weaver.
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Arland Bruce, WR: Bruce is fresh off an official visit to Fresno State. He also took visits earlier in the cycle to Arkansas and Mississippi State. He was also recently offered by Oklahoma State. The former Iowa signee was a four-star in the 2021 class.
IMO we are done adding transfer WRs for spring ball.
Posted on 1/15/23 at 1:50 pm to RazorHawg
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Arkansas has landed another key addition at wide receiver in Bowling Green transfer Tyrone Broden.
The 6-7, 210-pound receiver went public with his decision on Sunday, becoming the Razorbacks’ ninth scholarship transfer addition of the offseason.
Broden took a late official visit at Arkansas over the weekend and chose the Hogs over Oklahoma, Tennessee and others. He was recruited to Fayetteville by wide receivers coach Kenny Guiton and offensive coordinator Kendal Briles.
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Broden, who has two years of eligibility remaining, caught 32 passes for 506 yards and 7 touchdowns in 2022. He had 36 grabs for 596 yards and 6 scores in 2021, and 6 for 91 in the Covid season of 2020. Broden redshirted in his first season with the Falcons.
In the 5-day transfer visit window of January 4-8, Arkansas has hosted wide receivers Dont’e Thornton (Oregon), Isaac TeSlaa (Hillsdale College), Xavier Weaver (South Florida) and Marlon Crockett (Memphis), tight ends Jake Roberts (North Texas) and Cane Berrong (Notre Dame), linebacker Antonio Grier (South Florida), Lorando Johnson (Baylor), and safeties DJ Taylcor (Arizona State) and Alfahiym Walcott (Baylor).
In addition to Broden, Arkansas also has transfer commitments from quarterback Jacolby Criswell (North Carolina); wide receivers Isaac TeSlaa (Hillsdale College) and Andrew Armstrong (Texas A&M-Commerce); offensive lineman Joshua Braun (Florida); outside linebacker/edge John Morgan (Pittsburgh); linebacker Antonio Grier (South Florida); cornerback Lorando Johnson (Baylor) and safety Alfahiym Walcott (Baylor).
Arkansas also has a commitment from former Memphis wide receiver Marlon Crockett.
Here’s an updated look at Arkansas’ projected scholarship depth at the wide receiver position for the 2023 season:
PROJECTED WIDE RECEIVER DEPTH
Tyrone Broden (R-Sr.)
Andrew Armstrong (Sr.)
Isaac TeSlaa (R-Jr.)
Jaedon Wilson (R-So.)
Bryce Stephens (R-So.)
Landon Rogers (R-So.)
Samuel Mbake (R-Fr.)
Isaiah Sategna (R-Fr.)
Davion Dozier (Fr.)
Posted on 1/20/23 at 7:48 pm to RazorHawg
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QUINCY RHODES JR., 2023 DL - ARKANSAS SIGNEE
Another "Top247 watch" candidate is North Little Rock (Ark.) four-star Quincy Rhodes, a large-framed front-line defensive standout who signed with Arkansas. Rhodes is legitimately 6-foot-5+, approaching 6-foot-6, and more than 250 pounds. But Rhodes is not a lumbering defensive lineman. He's a consistently fluid mover who flashes above average twitch when required. That includes his closing burst in backside pursuit, as well as his hand violence when disengaging. Honing his leverage consistency will only raise the ceiling on his long-term potential, but Rhodes has periodically shown encouraging dip-and-bend nuance when asked to run the arc as a pass rusher. He's a big-framed defensive lineman who can play on the edge or slide to the interior depending on personnel and provide valuable roster flexibility.
Posted on 1/22/23 at 8:42 pm to RazorHawg
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Arkansas landed a major transfer addition on Sunday when former Missouri defensive lineman Trajan Jeffcoat went public with his decision. The 6-4, 269-pound senior from South Carolina was initially expected to choose the Gamecocks prior to visiting the Razorbacks over the weekend.
Jeffcoat, who was reportedly expected to remain at Missouri through the spring is now joining the Razorbacks immediately this semester, per sources. He will have one year of eligibility remaining in Fayetteville.
Arkansas now has a total of ten scholarship transfers in this cycle, including Jeffcoat, quarterback Jacolby Criswell (North Carolina), wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (Hillsdale College), wide receiver Andrew Armstrong (Texas A&M-Commerce), wide receiver Tyrone Broden (Bowling Green), offensive lineman Joshua Braun (Florida), outside linebacker John Morgan (Pittsburgh), linebacker Antonio Grier (South Florida), cornerback Lorando Johnson (Baylor), and safety Alfahiym Walcott (Baylor).
Here's more on Jeffcoat from the official Missouri website:
2022 (Redshirt Senior): Saw action in all 12 games this season, making 10 starts, has appeared for the Tigers 47 times in his career … finished the regular season with 21 total tackles, 2.5 tackles-for-loss and a sack … made three tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss at Auburn (9/24) … had three tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and a sack against Georgia (10/1) … had three tackles against Kentucky (11/5).
2021 (Redshirt Junior): SEC Academic Honor Roll … Week 12 SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week .. started all 13 games on the defensive line with 34 tackles, 23 of which were solo stops … racked up 10 tackles for loss for 56 yards … 3.5 sacks went for 37 yards … tied for the team lead with four QB hurries ... made 3.5 TFL against Florida (11/20) … forced a fumble in the season opener against Central Michigan (9/4) and recovered a fumble against South Carolina (11/13).
2020 (Redshirt Sophomore): SEC Academic Honor Roll … first-team All-SEC selection by the Associated Press and the league coaches … recorded 23 tackles, 6.0 TFL, 6.0 sacks, seven quarterback hurries and a forced fumble … 6.0 sacks led the team, 6.0 TFL ranked third on the squad … recorded sacks in six of 10 games … career-high five tackles and 1.0 sack vs. Arkansas (12/5) … four tackles and 1.0 sack against No. 12/10 Georgia (12/12) … one sack, three tackles and four quarterback hurries vs. No. 17/16 LSU (10/10) … three tackles and one sack at No. 20 Tennessee (10/3) … three tackles and one sack in return to team vs. No. 2 Alabama (9/26).
2019 (Sophomore): Redshirted the season.
2018 (Freshman): Saw action in all 13 games … totaled seven tackles, including one quarterback sack, which came in the regular-season finale against Arkansas (11/23) as the Tigers pitched their first conference shutout (38-0) since 2010 … made two tackles in Mizzou’s Homecoming win over Memphis (10/20) … credited with three quarterback pressures.
High School: Rivals.com rated him as a three-star prospect at DE and the No. 19 prospect in the state of South Carolina … 247Sports.com rated him a two-star prospect … participated in the South Carolina Shrine Bowl … guided Irmo to its first six-win season since 2013 as a senior in 2017 … led the team with 13.0 sacks and 23 additional quarterback hurries … Finished third on the team with 72 tackles from his defensive end spot … forced three fumbles as a senior.
This post was edited on 1/23/23 at 12:03 am
Posted on 1/26/23 at 5:36 pm to RazorHawg
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Arkansas' 2023 signing class has a brand-new Top247 member in North Little Rock (Ark.) edge Quincy Rhodes Jr., according to the final Top247 rankings that were released Wednesday afternoon.
Rhodes, 6-6, 252, went from an unranked four-star all the way to 182nd in the nation, making him the Razorbacks' second-highest-rated signee in the 2023 cycle.
“God is good, without him none of this is possible," Rhodes told HawgSports. "I worked hard to be in this position and I would like to give thanks to my family, friends, trainers, teachers, and community for wanting the best for me and helping me through it all.”
Rhodes rose in the rankings after producing 66 tackles and 9.5 sacks through 10 games as a senior. Rhodes attended Jacksonville High as a sophomore and junior.
247Sports scout Gabe Brooks recently gave a glowing review of Rhodes' game and what can be expected in Fayetteville:
"Rhodes is legitimately 6-foot-5+, approaching 6-foot-6, and more than 250 pounds," Brooks wrote. "But Rhodes is not a lumbering defensive lineman. He's a consistently fluid mover who flashes above average twitch when required. That includes his closing burst in backside pursuit, as well as his hand violence when disengaging. Honing his leverage consistency will only raise the ceiling on his long-term potential, but Rhodes has periodically shown encouraging dip-and-bend nuance when asked to run the arc as a pass rusher. He's a big-framed defensive lineman who can play on the edge or slide to the interior depending on personnel and provide valuable roster flexibility."
Arkansas' highest-rated signee of the 2023 class is still four-star cornerback Jaylon Braxton of Frisco (Texas) Lone Star. Braxton had minimal movement in the final rankings, going from 141 to 142 overall while maintaining a grade of 94.
Tight end signee Luke Hasz of Bixby (Okla.) fell from 182 to 195 overall but actually saw his grade rise from 92 to 93. In other words, it wasn't that Hasz was dropped, others simply moved ahead of him in the final round of rankings.
Running back Isaiah Augustave of Naples (Fla.) did see a drop, however. After moving up to 165 in the last rankings update, Augustave finishes as the No. 224 player in the nation while seeing his grade fall from 93 to 92.
Rounding out Arkansas' Top247 members is four-star tight end Shamar Easter of Ashdown (Ark.). The 6-5, 225-pound target went from 224 to 229 overall while holding his grade of 92.
Braxton and Hasz have already officially joined the program as early enrollees while Rhodes, Augustave and Easter will enroll in the summer. Easter is the only remaining Arkansas commitment who hasn't yet signed with the Razorbacks but will do so next Wednesday.
The Hogs went into Wednesday's rankings release with the nation's No. 22 recruiting class per the Composite rankings, while 247Sports ranks the class 21st nationally for the 2023 cycle.
Posted on 1/27/23 at 6:53 pm to RazorHawg
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This is one I'm suprised we didn't pursue harder in Dec.
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JORDON HARRIS, 2023 ATH - MISSOURI SIGNEE
We mentioned Jordon Harris in December as a late-cycle gem for Missouri's 2023 class. Initially a high three-star 89, Harris will finish his senior year as a four-star 90 on 247Sports because of his extensive two-way experience at tight end and multiple defensive spots, plus his basketball background and physical tools. In the 6-foot-6, 235-pound range, Harris is a true jumbo athlete who could live at tight end or edge in the long run. The Pine Bluff (Ark.) High School product flashes impressive functional athleticism derived in part from his hardwood efforts. Body control and and coordinated movement patterns are evident on tape and certainly aided by that basketball participation. Harris owns virtually limitless upside if he can hone his craft at his eventual positional home, while continuing to develop his quick-twitch athleticism.
This is one I'm suprised we didn't pursue harder in Dec.
Posted on 1/31/23 at 9:13 pm to RazorHawg
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TE Shamar Easter expected to send his letter in tomorrow morning but pushed his ceremony back to 5 pm Thursday because of the weather.
Posted on 2/1/23 at 10:12 am to RazorHawg
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Arkansas put a bow on its 2023 football recruiting class Wednesday with the official addition of four-star tight end Shamar Easter of Ashdown (Ark.).
Easter, 6-5, 225, committed to the Razorbacks on August 13, 2021 but chose not to sign in the early signing period after former Arkansas tight ends coach Dowell Loggains left to become South Carolina's new offensive coordinator. The Hogs replaced Loggains with former Stanford tight ends coach Morgan Turner, who helped host Easter on an unofficial visit on January 13.
Easter reaffirmed his commitment to the Razorbacks during the visit and will hold a signing ceremony at his school on Thursday.
"Man, after all that’s has happened like some of the coaches leaving, it still felt like home," Easter said in a message.
247Sports scout Gabe Brooks gave a detailed review of Easter's game as a high school prospect:
"Easter possesses outstanding length with the arm measurement of an offensive tackle. That reach gives Easter a huge catch radius and combines with his height to make him a matchup problem in contested situations and red-zone opportunities.
Along those same lines, Easter's basketball background also helps his functional athleticism, body control, spatial awareness, and go-get-it ability in those 50-50 scenarios. He's not a high flyer, but plenty athletic enough to regularly serve as a rim protector and a finisher at the rim on the other end of the floor. His sport-specific skill aids should foster dexterity and hands-catching ability on the gridiron.
Additionally, Easter has a broad, varied track and field profile. In the spring, he ran the 110-meter hurdles and the 300-meter hurdles, while competing in the high jump, triple jump, and discus. He cleared 6 feet in the high jump, almost hit 41 feet in the triple, and threw the discus about 115 feet, respectable numbers from a generalist who does not specialize in any particular event."
Arkansas’ 2023 class ranks 22nd in the nation according to the industry-generated 247Sports Composite rankings, and 21st nationally according to 247Sports. The Razorbacks’ offensive haul includes Kennesaw (Ga.) North Cobb quarterback Malachi Singleton, Naples (Fla.) running back Isaiah Augustave, Moody (Ala.) wide receiver Davion Dozier, Ashdown (Ark.) tight end Shamar Easter, Bixby (Okla.) tight end Luke Hasz, Bentonville (Ark.) offensive lineman Joey Su'a, East St. Louis (Ill.) offensive lineman Paris Patterson, and Paris (Tenn.) Henry County offensive lineman Luke Brown.
The defensive class includes Mansfield (Texas) defensive lineman Kaleb James, North Little Rock (Ark.) edge Quincy Rhodes Jr., Mableton (Ga.) Whitefield Academy defensive lineman Ian Geffrard, Oxford (Miss.) linebacker Alex Sanford, Carrollton (Texas) Hebron linebacker Carson Dean, Houston (Texas) Klein Forest Brad Spence, Frisco (Texas) Lone Star cornerback Jaylon Braxton, Gardendale (Ala.) cornerback Dallas Young, McDonough (Ga.) Eagle’s Landing cornerback RJ Johnson, McKinney (Texas) safety Christian Ford, Pinson (Ala.) Pinson Valley safety TJ Metcalf, and Bixby (Okla.) safety Dylan Hasz.
Arkansas also has a total of ten scholarship transfers in this cycle, including quarterback Jacolby Criswell (North Carolina), wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (Hillsdale College), wide receiver Andrew Armstrong (Texas A&M-Commerce), wide receiver Tyrone Broden (Bowling Green), offensive lineman Joshua Braun (Florida), defensive lineman Trajan Jeffcoat (Missouri), outside linebacker John Morgan (Pittsburgh), linebacker Antonio Grier (South Florida), cornerback Lorando Johnson (Baylor), and safety Alfahiym Walcott (Baylor).
All of Arkansas' signees enrolled earlier this month except for Augustave, Easter, Dozier, James, Rhodes, Geffrard, Sanford, and Ford.
Posted on 3/7/23 at 2:10 pm to RazorHawg
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The Arkansas Razorbacks have added a huge transfer addition in former Georgia cornerback Jaheim Singletary. The Jacksonville (Fla.) Riverside product was ranked as the No. 27 overall prospect in the nation, the No. 5 cornerback and the No. 5 prospect in the state of Florida, according to the industry-generated 247Sports Composite ranking in the Class of 2022.
Singletary, 6-1, 175, entered the transfer portal on Jan. 13, 2023, following the Bulldogs' national championship run. He was enrolled at Georgia less than a year following his commitment over programs like Ohio State, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Tennessee, USC and several others. He did not record any statistics for the Bulldogs last season while redshirting.
"He was here on his OV this Sunday, Monday," Arkansas coach Sam Pittman said. "We're excited about him. Big-time player out of Georgia."
For as bad as Arkansas' pass defense was last season, Razorback football actually finished the season out with two solid starters at the cornerback spots in Quincey McAdoo and Dwight McGlothern. The Hogs also added Baylor cornerback transfer Lorando Johnson in the offseason, a former four-star recruit.
After finishing 131 out of 131 FBS programs in passing yardage allowed (294.7 avg.), the Hogs now have a new secondary staff with co-defensive coordinator Marcus Woodson and secondary coach Deron Wilson. Arkansas will also have a new defensive coordinator in Travis Williams as well starting this spring.
The Razorbacks will kick off 2023 spring drills on Thursday and will hold five practices before spring break.
247Sports Evaluation: A larger corner that can essentially take away one side of the field. Measured just over 6-foot-2 the summer before his senior season. Uses that length to his advantage as he doesn’t give quarterbacks much room to work with, especially on deeper shots.
Has gotten more and more aggressive in press coverage over the years and is more than capable of getting a wide receiver off schedule. Relatively fluid hips allow him to mirror those same wideouts as they try to work their way down the field.
Does a nice job of anticipating throws and timing his breaks. Will fight through hands at the catch point in hopes of making a play. Willing tackler that lunges at ball carriers and strikes them before wrapping up.
Limited verified testing data makes it hard to gage true top-end speed. Does, however, appear to be pretty quick in pads and is able to close most gaps on Friday nights. Has produced time after time going up against strong competition in the Sunshine State having totaled 10 interceptions and 20 pass break ups in three years at the varsity level.
Must add some core strength and keep developing coverage techniques, but has what it takes to emerge as a potential CB1 type for a Top 25 program given long arms and instincts. Likely to find most success in a defense that wants its corners to man up on most downs. NFL upside.
Posted on 4/23/23 at 12:08 pm to RazorHawg
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North Texas tight end Var'Keyes Gumms has committed to transfer to the University of Arkansas.
Gumms, 6-3, 235, went public with his decision on Sunday, becoming the Razorbacks’ 13th scholarship transfer addition this offseason. Gumms is expected to officially join the team at the end of next month and will have three years of eligibility remaining in Fayetteville.
"I chose Arkansas because, back to the community and back to the football team in general, I feel like it's a perfect fit," Keyes said. "They need tight ends here. It's a tight end-heavy offense, it's not too far from home and it's still in the South."
Gumms, who was recruited by new Arkansas tight ends coach Morgan Turner, chose the Hogs over other transfer offers from California, West Virginia, Utah, Colorado, Oregon, BYU, and Florida Atlantic. The current redshirt-freshman announced his decision to enter the transfer portal in late March, and his first look at Fayetteville sealed the deal in short order.
"I loved the visit," Gumms said. "I love the people in Arkansas. I loved the fans. I feel like I can play a real big role here at Arkansas, not just build the football team but build the community too, to get things back rocking. I see the potential if games start being won around here. I see the potential of the fan base, of the community, and even the football staff."
After appearing in three games during his redshirt season of 2021, Gumms had a breakout year in 2022, posting 34 grabs for 458 yards and 5 touchdowns. Gumms played in 14 games with six starts, earning the coaches’ nod for first-team All-CUSA.
Gumms set North Texas single-season records for receptions and yards by a tight end, led the conference in receiving yards by a tight end, and finished 15th nationally in yards by a tight end.
Gumms is viewed as an important addition for the Razorbacks, who lost last year’s starter, Trey Knox, to South Carolina and return a combined total of four career receptions at the tight end position.
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TIGHT END (5)
Nathan Bax (RS-SR)
Var'Keyes Gumms (RS-SO)
Tyrus Washington (RS-FR)
Shamar Easter (FR)*
Luke Hasz (FR)
In addition to Gumms, the Razorbacks have added five other transfers on the offensive side of the ball, including quarterback Jacolby Criswell (North Carolina), offensive guard Joshua Braun (Florida), and three wide receivers in Andrew Armstrong (Texas A&M-Commerce), Tyrone Broden (Bowling Green) and Isaac TeSlaa (Hillsdale College).
The defensive additions include three defensive linemen in Trajan Jeffcoat (Missouri), John Morgan (Pittsburgh), and Anthony Booker (Maryland), linebacker Antonio Grier (USF), and three defensive backs in Al Walcott (Baylor), Lorando Johnson (Baylor), and Jaheim Singletary (Georgia).
Arkansas is still expected to be entertaining possible transfers at offensive line, tight end, defensive tackle, linebacker, safety and nickel. The 15-day transfer portal window comes to a close on Sunday, April 30.
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Another commitment has been announced for the Razorbacks, this time from the transfer portal, as North Texas tight end Var'Keyes Gumms announced Sunday he is committing to Arkansas.
After taking an official visit to Arkansas over the weekend, Gumms made it official by posting to his Twitter account.
Gumms, 6-foot-2, 230 pounds, entered the transfer portal on March 23 and received an offer from Arkansas on April 15. He chose the Hogs over Oregon, BYU, Colorado and others.
He spent two seasons with the Mean Green and appeared in just three games in 2021, recording no stats.
During 2022, however, he recorded 34 receptions for 458 yards and five touchdowns in 14 games. His efforts earned him First Team All-Conference USA and C-USA All-Freshman Team honors from the league's coaches.
Gumms' best game statistically came against UTSA on Oct. 22, when he recorded 92 yards and a touchdown.
Coming out of high school in Houston, Gumms was ranked a 5.5 three-star recruit and was listed by Rivals as a defensive end. He chose North Texas over Texas, LSU, Houston and others.
During the first transfer window in December and January, Arkansas hosted another tight end with similar stats from North Texas in Jake Roberts, but he committed to Baylor.
In last year's recruiting class, the Razorbacks picked up two four-star tight end prospects in Luke Hasz of Bixby, Oklahoma, and Shamar Easter of Ashdown, but another pass-catcher with college experience should shore up the position well.
Gumms is believed to have three years of eligibility at Arkansas. He is the second transfer commitment in April, joining defensive tackle Anthony "Tank" Booker from Maryland.
This post was edited on 4/23/23 at 12:35 pm
Posted on 5/1/23 at 12:44 pm to RazorHawg
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Arkansas added a key defensive piece from the transfer portal on Monday when former Cincinnati linebacker Jaheim Thomas went public with his commitment.
Thomas, 6-4, 245, visited Fayetteville shortly after entering the portal and also made an official visit with the Auburn Tigers. He is Arkansas’ 14th scholarship transfer addition ahead of the 2023 season.
A Cincinnati native, Thomas played in four games as a true freshman in the Covid season of 2020, which will not count against his eligibility. He then posted 23 tackles in 12 games in 2021, and broke out with a 70-tackle season in 2022.
Thomas will have two years of eligibility remaining in Fayetteville.
Thomas was a four-star recruit coming out of Princeton High School in the Class of 2020, choosing the hometown Bearcats over LSU, Alabama, Michigan State, Florida State, Georgia, Iowa, Ohio State, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Notre Dame, Michigan and several others.
According to 247Sports, Thomas was a three-star prospect, the No. 37 linebacker in the nation, and the No. 16 player in the state of Ohio for his class. The Composite rankings were higher on Thomas, placing him at No. 22 among all outside linebackers and No. 6 in his home state.
The Razorbacks have added six transfers on the offensive side of the ball, including quarterback Jacolby Criswell (North Carolina), offensive guard Joshua Braun (Florida), three wide receivers in Andrew Armstrong (Texas A&M-Commerce), Tyrone Broden (Bowling Green) and Isaac TeSlaa (Hillsdale College), and tight end Var’Keyes Gumms (North Texas).
The defensive additions include three defensive linemen in Trajan Jeffcoat (Missouri), John Morgan (Pittsburgh), and Anthony Booker (Maryland), linebacker Antonio Grier (USF), and three defensive backs in Al Walcott (Baylor), Lorando Johnson (Baylor), and Jaheim Singletary (Georgia).
Arkansas is still expected to be entertaining possible transfers at wide receiver, tight end, defensive tackle, linebacker, safety and nickel. The 15-day transfer portal window comes to a close on Sunday, April 30.
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Arkansas received more help out of the transfer portal Monday with the addition of Cincinnati linebacker transfer Jaheim Thomas.
Thomas, who comes to Arkansas with two seasons of eligibility remaining, announced his commitment to the Hogs on his Twitter account.
The 6-foot-4, 245-pound linebacker spent three seasons with the Bearcats, and helped Cincinnati to its first College Football Playoff appearance in 2021. In three seasons, Thomas has racked up 95 tackles, those of those for loss, and 2.5 sacks.
Thomas' 70 tackles in 2022 ranked third on the Bearcats and he was second with 6.5 tackles for loss to go along with two sacks. He appeared in all 13 games and rotated with the first team at linebacker. He played 33 snaps and recorded five tackles in the Bearcats' Week 1 loss at Arkansas.
According to Pro Football Focus, Thomas graded out with a career-best 74.7 overall grade in 2022. He added an 80.6 grade in run defense and an 84.1 pass rush grade on the season.
The Ohio native was ranked a 5.8 four-star recruit in the class of 2020 and he committed to Cincinnati over LSU, Kentucky and others. He entered the transfer portal on April 16.
Thomas is the second linebacker transfer for Arkansas, joining South Florida transfer Antonio Grier. He is the eighth defensive transfer addition since the end of the 2022 season for the Razorbacks.
This post was edited on 5/1/23 at 12:49 pm
Posted on 5/2/23 at 6:11 pm to RazorHawg
Gumms decommits.
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The Hogs' transfer portal class took a hit on Tuesday, as tight end transfer Var'Keyes Gumms de-committed from Arkansas, Chris Hummer of 247Sports reported.
Gumms had initially committed on April 23 following an official visit to Fayetteville, but he scrubbed his social media of his Arkansas commitment post and then Hummer reported that Gumms told 247Sports of his de-commitment.
On Tuesday, Gumms posted that he was planning on taking an official visit to California this weekend. That seemed to be an early sign that he was no longer committed to the Razorbacks.
Last season, Gumms recorded 34 receptions for 458 yards and five touchdowns in 14 games. His efforts earned him First Team All-Conference USA and C-USA All-Freshman Team honors from the league's coaches.
Coming out of high school in Houston, Gumms was ranked a 5.5 three-star recruit and was listed by Rivals as a defensive end. He chose North Texas over Texas, LSU, Houston and others.
The decommitment leaves Arkansas' tight end room in need of a veteran, with two freshmen in four-star recruits Luke Hasz and Shamar Easter headlining the position group and veteran Nathan Bax providing experience.
Posted on 5/12/23 at 6:48 pm to RazorHawg
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Arkansas landed its 15th transfer commitment on Friday when Louisville tight end Francis Sherman announced his decision to play for the Razorbacks in 2023.
Sherman’s decision comes after a 2-day visit in Fayetteville that began Thursday. The 6-3, 235-pound Ohio native was recruited by new position coach Morgan Turner, who also helped the Hogs land coveted tight end Var'Keyes Gumms of North Texas.
Sherman is expected to join the Razorbacks later this month and will have two years of eligibility remaining.
As a prospect out of Bay High School in Bay Village (Ohio), Sherman turned down smaller scholarship offers before walking on at Louisville. He appeared in nine games during his true freshman year of 2020, which will not count against his eligibility. Sherman posted 3 receptions for 19 yards and a touchdown on the year, all of which came in the Cardinal’s 45-21 loss to Wake Forest in the regular-season finale.
After appearing in all 13 of UL’s games in 2021, Sherman played 13 more with a pair of starts in 2022. Sherman’s lone reception for the year came in a 1-point loss at Boston College.
The tight end was one of two departing official visitors on Friday as the Hogs also hosted Louisiana Tech transfer defensive lineman Keivie Rose on an official visit.
The Razorbacks have added six transfers on the offensive side of the ball, so far, including quarterback Jacolby Criswell (North Carolina), offensive guard Joshua Braun (Florida), three wide receivers in Andrew Armstrong (Texas A&M-Commerce), Tyrone Broden (Bowling Green) and Isaac TeSlaa (Hillsdale College), and tight end Var’Keyes Gumms (North Texas).
The defensive additions include three defensive linemen in Trajan Jeffcoat (Missouri), John Morgan (Pittsburgh), and Anthony Booker (Maryland), linebackers Antonio Grier (USF) and Jaheim Thomas (Cincinnati), and three defensive backs in Al Walcott (Baylor), Lorando Johnson (Baylor), and Jaheim Singletary (Georgia).
Arkansas is still expected to be entertaining possible transfers at wide receiver, defensive tackle, linebacker, safety and nickel. The 15-day transfer portal window comes to a close on Sunday, April 30.
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TIGHT END (6)
Nathan Bax (RS-SR)
Francis Sherman (RS-JR)
Var'Keyes Gumms (R-SO)
Tyrus Washington (RS-FR)
Luke Hasz (FR)
Shamar Easter (FR)
Posted on 5/13/23 at 4:31 pm to RazorHawg
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Louisiana Tech transfer defensive lineman Keivie Rose has committed to the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Rose, 6-3, 303, went public with his decision on Saturday, approximately 24 hours after wrapping up an official visit in Fayetteville. He chose the Hogs over Miami and TCU after taking visits with all three programs.
"They fit in all the categories that I named and even more," Rose said. "There's a couple of them (categories) that I've been sorting through my process."
Rose announced April 24 that he planned to enter the transfer portal. Forty-eight hours later he announced his first offer – from Arkansas – then posted an offer from Ole Miss exactly one minute later. Rose’s list eventually grew to Colorado, West Virginia, Mississippi State, Virginia Tech, Missouri, TCU and Miami.
Through 12 games last fall, Rose recorded 24 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 3 quarterback hurries and 2 forced fumbles. He played in 12 games in 2021, as well, posting 25 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 4 quarterback hurries and 2 pass break-ups.
In the Covid season of 2020, which will not count against Rose's eligibility, he recorded 23 tackles, 1.5 behind the line, half a sack and a pass break-up.
Rose will be left with two years of eligibility remaining at his next stop, as noted in his parting message to Louisiana Tech.
"It's probably comes as one of the hardest decisions I've ever made,” Rose tweeted on April 24. “I've spent countless and restless nights praying, talking with family, and took time with myself to make a decision but I have to do what I feel is best for me, my career as an athlete and my future after football. I want to send a special thank you to Louisiana Tech University. To coaches, staffers, teachers, fans. THANK YOU ALL. For the past four years y'all have truly made an impact on me. But most importantly to my teammates, y'all are the reason this decision was so hard to make. Through thick and thin, The BULLDOG BROTHERHOOD will continue to hold a special place in my heart. I love y'all boys continue to strive and be great, I will forever be y'all biggest supporter. With that being said I will be entering the transfer portal with 2 years left of eligibility."
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DEFENSIVE TACKLE (8)
Eric Gregory (RS-SR)
Taurean Carter (RS-SR)
Keivie Rose (RS-SR)
Marcus Miller (RS-SR)
Tank Booker (RS-JR)
Cameron Ball (RS-SO)
JJ Hollingsworth (RS-FR)
Ian Geffrard (FR)*
Posted on 5/13/23 at 6:17 pm to RazorHawg
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Arkansas landed another transfer commitment on Saturday afternoon with the addition of Western Kentucky safety AJ Brathwaite, who was previously committed to Florida International.
Brathwaite, a 6-0, 195-pound safety, went public with his decision during an official visit with the Hogs. His commitment gives the Razorbacks two for the day, as Louisiana Tech defensive lineman Keivie Rose also committed to Arkansas earlier on Saturday.
Brathwaite, a 2018 product of Miami (Fla.) Central, is a grad-transfer and will be listed as a redshirt-senior in 2023.
The safety was limited to just eight games of action due to injuries last fall, but owns 48 career games played, 98 tackles, 2 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles for his career. Brathwaite's 2021 season included 64 tackles, a pair of forced fumbles and a sack.
Brathwaite recorded a tackle against the Hogs in 2019 when Western Kentucky drummed Arkansas 45-19 in what would become then-head coach Chad Morris' final game in Fayetteville.
Posted on 5/16/23 at 7:51 pm to RazorHawg
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Arkansas has landed a commitment from Butler (Kan.) Community College cornerback Christopher Rhodes.
The 6-0, 185-pound defensive back went public with his decision on Tuesday following a one-day unofficial visit with the Razorbacks, choosing Sam Pittman’s program over other offers from UT-Martin, Towson and Mississippi Valley State.
"I'm a Razorback," Rhodes told HawgSports. "Worked out really well, actually. Loved the visit, Pitt (head coach Sam Pittman) is super cool!"
Rhodes has already received his associate degree and plans to move in at the UA on May 26. The Independence (Mo.) Truman native will have three years of eligibility remaining in Fayetteville.
Rhodes was recruited by defensive backs coaches Marcus Woodson and Deron Wilson, along with the help of defensive coordinator Travis Williams.
Rhodes told HawgSports over the weekend that he initially planned to stay at Butler C.C. through the 2023 season in order to stockpile more game film, but an offer from the Razorbacks would be too much to turn down, he said.
“Since I just received my associates degree I’m able to leave now, but the plan was to come back to get a full season’s worth of tape and then leave in December,” Rhodes said. “But obviously if I go on this visit and they offer me, I’m committing on the spot!”
Posted on 5/17/23 at 3:36 pm to RazorHawg
Flipped TCU CB Keeyon Stewart who was a transfer commit to Michigan State. He went to North Shore HS in Houston, TX.
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