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Ranking Arkansas football’s impact transfers

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Ranking Arkansas football’s impact transfers


The first in a series detailing the Arkansas football team by class

FAYETTEVILLE — Who are the top Arkansas Razorback football players, sorted by class, heading into the 2023 season?

There are some Razorbacks who you know will automatically bolt toward the top of the list in their respective classes, such as senior quarterback KJ Jefferson and junior tailback Raheim “Rocket” Sanders, but those non-spoiler giveaways will be forthcoming as the series proceeds.

There could be some surprises along the way as well, and maybe some projections based more on observations during spring practices as opposed to on-field objectivity.

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When starting a project like this, there’s always the consideration of how to break down the classes. For instance, nowadays there are three groupings of seniors: super seniors (those taking advantage of their bonus covid-19 season like Zach Williams), fifth-year seniors (of which Jefferson and offensive linemen Brady Latham and Beaux Limmer are part) and fourth-year seniors (like cornerback Dwight McGlothern and defensive lineman Jashaud Stewart).

And on the other end of the experience spectrum, there are different groups of freshmen. There are true freshmen, many of whom went through spring ball like the highly-regarded tight end Luke Hasz.

Then there are redshirt freshmen like receiver Isaiah Sategna and tight end Ty Washington, who have been with the Razorbacks for a full season, and a guy like Jaheim Singletary, the No. 8 cornerback prospect in the country in 2022 who played in three games last season for national champion Georgia.

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The best option seemed to keep it simple: Just one set of rankings for each class, regardless of redshirt, bonus year, transfer or any other kind of status.

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In this series, we will present a list of the top five Razorbacks in each class. Some of the groupings proved very difficult to rank, particularly the loaded class of seniors.

We’ll start the series with the only curveball, one that seems appropriate in the quickly advancing age of the transfer portal. That would be our projections of the top impact transfers, regardless of classification.

As an example, players who would have ranked well in this category a year ago would be linebacker Drew Sanders, cornerback Dwight McGlothern, defensive lineman Jordan Domineck and receivers Jadon Haselwood and Matt Landers.

Some of these players could wind up in the class-by-class rankings, but that is not as likely as they are up against established Arkansas players. Additionally, a solid number of the transfers came after spring ball, thus missing out on the all-important eye test.

Also, look for bonus content, such as the “player we wish we could rank” in each class and other nuggets.

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Transfers who could have the biggest impact:

1. CB Lorando Johnson

The cornerback who goes by the nickname “Snax” wears jersey No. 1 and he rose to a starting position fairly quickly during spring drills.

Johnson had his ups and downs in coverage drills early, but he settled in and made his mark before the halfway point of the 15 spring practices. He even made a media appearance late in spring and told the story of how eating Hot Cheetos out of a gym bag earned him his nickname as a freshman at Baylor.

He and 2022 transfer Dwight McGlothern have the opportunity to rank among the leaders in SEC cornerback duos this fall.

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2. LB Antonio Grier

The transfer from South Florida originally announced his plan to head to Central Florida last December, but that was before Golden Knights defensive coordinator Travis Williams made the move to join Sam Pittman’s staff at Arkansas.

Grier, who racked up 92 tackles, 3 sacks and 2 interceptions in 2021, played in four games last season, preserving a year of eligibility.

Listed at 6-1, 228 pounds, Grier looks shorter than that in person, but he arrives at tackle scenes with a wallop. He could be heard on the sideline during the spring constantly immersed in play calls and checks to be able to play fast in Williams’ schemes.

3. DL Trajan Jeffcoat

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The transfer from Missouri could catapult up this chart based on some of the previous work earlier in his career.

Jeffcoat, a native of Columbia, S.C., should be motivated to have a big senior season. He was part of the defensive end group that Pittman touted as being deep and talented. Specifically talking about Jeffcoat, Pittman said the 6-4, 280-pounder had proved very hard to block.

4. WR Isaac TeSlaa

One of a large group of transfer wideouts, TeSlaa’s first couple of days of spring looked a little shaky as he made the big leap up in competition from Hillsdale (Mich.) College.

Before long, Sam Pittman was talking about the consistency of his pass catching and his improvements in knowing and understanding the playbook. By the end of spring, the 6-4, 214-pounder was routinely making highlight reel grabs and impressive one-hand catches.

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5. WR Andrew Armstrong

This 6-4, 201-pound redshirt senior could basically be paired with TeSlaa in terms of expected contributions, body type and moving up in level of competition from Texas A&M-Commerce.

Armstrong suffered a knee injury in a collision with fellow wideout transfer Tyrone Broden during the first week of drills. He showed his toughness by coming back that day and fighting through that pain, which he described as being “the hurtest I’ve ever been and that isn’t even a word,” making him an instant favorite with media types.

Player we wish we could rank:

LB Jaheim Thomas

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It stands to reason the 6-4, 245-pound transfer from Cincinnati, who had 7 tackles against the Hogs in a 31-24 loss in last season’s opener, will have a chance to break into the two-deep for coordinator and position coach Travis Williams. Thomas, who notched 70 tackles last season, transferred to the Razorbacks in May, after spring practices.

Also in contention:

Defensive end John Morgan III, defensive back Al Walcott, defensive lineman Anthony Booker, tight end Var’keyes Gumms, defensive back Jaheim Singletary



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Arkansas

Where Arkansas transfers landed

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Where Arkansas transfers landed


Where Arkansas transfers landed

While the Arkansas Razorbacks have been hitting the transfer portal hard, it is partially as a result of having more than 20 scholarship players decide to enter the portal after a 6-6 regular season that was capped off with a Liberty Bowl win over Texas Tech on Dec. 27.

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The transfer portal officially opened Dec. 9 and it was open for a 30 day window through Dec. 28. There is also an additional five-day window for players to enter once their season is over, plus there will be an additional 10-day portal window from April 16-25.

ALSO READ: Arkansas Football 2025 Roster Tracker

HawgBeat provides a look at where former Razorbacks have transferred so far…

Note: “GP” denotes games played. Even if a player appears on special teams, that counts as a game played.

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OL Patrick Kutas – Ole Miss

From: Christian Brothers High School (Memphis, TN)

Transferred to: Ole Miss

Seasons spent at Arkansas: 3

Career Stats: 25 GP

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TE Luke Hasz – Ole Miss

From: Bixby High School (Bixby, OK)

Transferred to: Ole Miss

Seasons spent at Arkansas: 2

Career Stats: 17 GP, 42 REC, 577 YDS, 7 TD, 13.7 YPC

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CB Jaylon Braxton – Ole Miss

From: Frisco Lone Star High School (Frisco, TX)

Transferred to: Ole Miss

Seasons spent at Arkansas: 2

Career Stats: 11 GP, 20 tackles, 1 INT, 11 PDEF, 1 FF

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OL Joshua Braun – Kentucky 

From: Florida

Transferred to: Kentucky

Seasons spent at Arkansas: 2

Career Stats: 50 GP

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S TJ Metcalf – Michigan

From: Pinson Valley High School (Pinson, AL)

Transferred to: Michigan

Seasons spent at Arkansas: 2

Career Stats: 24 GP, 72 tackles, 3 INT, 10 PDEF, 1 TFL, 1 FF

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DB Tevis Metcalf – Michigan 

From: Pinson Valley High School (Pinson, AL)

Transferred to: Michigan

Seasons spent at Arkansas: 1

Career Stats: 12 GP

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DE Nico Davillier – UCLA

From: Maumelle High School (Maumelle, AR)

Transferred to: UCLA

Seasons spent at Arkansas: 3

Career Stats: 34 GP, 34 tackles, 5 TFL, 2 SACK

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C Addison Nichols – SMU

From: Tennessee

Transferred to: SMU

Seasons spent at Arkansas: 1

Career Stats: 26 GP

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LB Brad Spence – Texas

From: Klein Forest High School (Houston, TX)

Transferred to: Texas

Seasons spent at Arkansas: 2

Career Stats: 23 GP, 70 tackles, 7.5 TFL, 4.5 SACK, 2 PDEF, 1 INT, 1 TD

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LB Carson Dean – Purdue

From: Hebron High School (Carrollton, TX)

Transferred to: Purdue

Seasons spent at Arkansas: 2

Career Stats: 4 GP, 1 tackle

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QB Malachi Singleton – Purdue

From: North Cobb High School (Kennesaw, GA)

Transferred to: Purdue

Seasons spent at Arkansas: 2

Career Stats: 5 GP, 21 COMP, 28 ATT, 358 YDS, 1 PASS TD, 17 RUSH, 74 YDS, 3 RUSH TD

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WR Isaiah Sategna – Oklahoma 

From: Fayetteville High School (Fayetteville, AR)

Transferred to: Oklahoma

Seasons spent at Arkansas: 3

Career Stats: 28 GP, 54 REC, 632 YDS, 3 TD, 11.7 YPC, 2 RUSH, 43 YDS

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DB Dylan Hasz – Appalachian State

From: Bixby High School (Bixby, OK)

Transferred to: Appalachian State

Seasons at Arkansas: 2

Career Stats: 24 GP, 2 tackles

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RB Rashod Dubinion – Appalachian State

From: Cedar Grove High School (Ellenwood, GA)

Transferred to: Appalachian State

Seasons at Arkansas: 3

Career Stats: 31 GP, 209 ATT, 888 YDS, 8 RUSH TD, 42 REC, 315 YDS, 2 REC TD, 7.5 YPC

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LB Alex Sanford – Purdue

From: Oxford High School (Oxford, MS)

Transferred to: Purdue

Seasons at Arkansas: 3

Career Stats: 23 GP, 1 tackle

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LB Kaden Henley – Harding

From: Shiloh Christian High School (Springdale, AR)

Transferred to: Harding

Seasons at Arkansas: 3

Career Stats: 1 GP

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OL Ty’Kieast Crawford – UCLA

From: Charlotte

Transferred to: UCLA

Seasons at Arkansas: 4

Career Stats: 39 GP

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OTHERS

Uncommitted

OL Amaury Wiggins

DB Dallas Young

WR Dazmin James (expected to enter portal)

Quit/kicked off before end of season

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LS Eli Stein (Wisconsin)

WR Jaedon Wilson (UCLA)

WR Davion Dozier (Appalachian State)

TE Ty Washington (Notre Dame)

TE Var’keyes Gumms (UNLV)

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**JOIN THE CONVERSATION WITH ARKANSAS FANS ON THE TROUGH, HAWGBEAT’S PREMIUM MESSAGE BOARD**



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Parade on Beale Street | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

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Parade on Beale Street | Arkansas Democrat Gazette


MEMPHIS –While Beale Street is famous for being the Home of the Blues, red was the color of the day Dec. 26 at the Beale Street Parade, where many watchers were clad in red — a team color for both teams playing in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl the following day.

Marching bands, vintage vehicles, cheer squads and floats marched, strutted and cruised down the historic street in downtown Memphis as fans of the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Texas Tech Red Raiders lined the streets, cheering as bands and cheer squads from their schools passed by.

The University of Arkansas Razorback Marching Band, cheerleaders and pep squad brought up the rear of the parade, creating a grand finale as they marched to meet Texas Tech’s Goin’ Band from Raiderland at Beale Street’s Handy Park for a festive Bash on Beale Pep Rally. Both the parade and the pep rally were sponsored by the Beale Street Merchants Association.

— Story and photos by Cary Jenkins

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    Maddie Hayley, Kim Hayley, Spphie Haley, Layne Haley, Toomy Haley, orey Hale and Abbie Hayley on 12/26/2024 on Beale Street, Memphis, Liberty Bowl Parade. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Cary Jenkins)
 
 
  photo  Caden, Colton, Amber and Drew Cates, all of Little Rock, on 12/26/2024 on Beale Street, Memphis, Liberty Bowl Parade. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Cary Jenkins)
 
 
  photo  D.J. Stutts, Shante Stutts and DAnte Stutts of Batesville, mother and siblings of the late Razorback football team member Dion Stutts on 12/26/2024 on Beale Street, Memphis, Liberty Bowl Parade. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Cary Jenkins)
 
 
  photo  Aspen Coad, Mattie Grace Fortenberry, Aylin Coad, Milli Fortenberry and Mac Fortenberry on 12/26/2024 on Beale Street, Memphis, Liberty Bowl Parade. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Cary Jenkins)
 
 
  photo  Aspen Coad, Mattie Grace Fortenberry, Aylin Coad, Milli Fortenberry and Mac Fortenberry on 12/26/2024 on Beale Street, Memphis, Liberty Bowl Parade. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Cary Jenkins)
 
 
  photo  Rhett, Dana Asher and Cooper Daniel of Rogers on 12/26/2024 on Beale Street, Memphis, Liberty Bowl Parade. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Cary Jenkins)
 
 
  photo  Jeff Box of Memphis on 12/26/2024 on Beale Street, Memphis, Liberty Bowl Parade. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Cary Jenkins)
 
 
  photo  on 12/26/2024 on Beale Street, Memphis, Liberty Bowl Parade. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Cary Jenkins)
 
 
  photo  Elivs Moya, Jennifer and Hunter Yurachek on 12/26/2024 on Beale Street, Memphis, Liberty Bowl Parade. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Cary Jenkins)
 
 
  photo  on 12/26/2024 on Beale Street, Memphis, Liberty Bowl Parade. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Cary Jenkins)
 
 
  photo  on 12/26/2024 on Beale Street, Memphis, Liberty Bowl Parade. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Cary Jenkins)
 
 
  photo  on 12/26/2024 on Beale Street, Memphis, Liberty Bowl Parade. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Cary Jenkins)
 
 
  photo  on 12/26/2024 on Beale Street, Memphis, Liberty Bowl Parade. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Cary Jenkins)
 
 
  photo  Sue E. Pig on 12/26/2024 on Beale Street, Memphis, Liberty Bowl Parade. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Cary Jenkins)
 
 
  photo  Sue E. Pig on 12/26/2024 on Beale Street, Memphis, Liberty Bowl Parade. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Cary Jenkins)
 
 
  photo  on 12/26/2024 on Beale Street, Memphis, Liberty Bowl Parade. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Cary Jenkins)
 
 
  photo  on 12/26/2024 on Beale Street, Memphis, Liberty Bowl Parade. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Cary Jenkins)
 
 
  photo  on 12/26/2024 on Beale Street, Memphis, Liberty Bowl Parade. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Cary Jenkins)
 
 
  photo  on 12/26/2024 on Beale Street, Memphis, Liberty Bowl Parade. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Cary Jenkins)
 
 
  photo  on 12/26/2024 on Beale Street, Memphis, Liberty Bowl Parade. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Cary Jenkins)
 
 
  photo  on 12/26/2024 on Beale Street, Memphis, Liberty Bowl Parade. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Cary Jenkins)
 
 
  photo  on 12/26/2024 on Beale Street, Memphis, Liberty Bowl Parade. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Cary Jenkins)
 
 
  photo  Jonathan and Brittany Hays with Paxton and Brooke Kellett, all of Jonesboro. on 12/26/2024 on Beale Street, Memphis, Liberty Bowl Parade. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Cary Jenkins)
 
 



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VIDEO: Calipari, Aidoo postgame – Florida 71, Arkansas 63

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VIDEO: Calipari, Aidoo postgame – Florida 71, Arkansas 63


Watch the postgame press conference from Arkansas head coach John Calipari and center Jonas Aidoo after the 71-63 loss to Florida on Saturday afternoon at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville.

Visit our homepage for complete coverage of Arkansas basketball, including everything you need to know from the Hoop Hogs’ game.



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