Hogs On Verge Of Big Transfer Class, Surprises To Come?

Don’t be surprised to see Coach Sam Pittman swing a few former 5-stars before Early National Signing Day.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Razorbacks continue to trend for top level transfers this offseason in spite of a 4-8 finish to the 2023 regular season. Coach Sam Pittman knows his job on the line in his fifth season on The Hill. 

While the defense returns quite a bit of productivity, the offensive line is in desperate need of help. That unit was young last season, starting a pair of freshmen, Andrew Chamblee and Patrick Kutas on the bookends. Michigan State transfer Keyshawn Blackstock should be able to help right away at one of the guard spots. However, the Hogs need even more men up front to make a difference and create depth.

Fernando Carmona, Jr., LT
San Jose State

Speaking of more help to the offensive line, the former Spartan was a 24-game starter and was named to the Mountain West Honorable Mention team for his performance in 2023.

The Las Vegas native was the lone offensive lineman on his team to receive an NIL deal, according to The Mercury News. California Wet Burrito, a Mexican restaurant located just two blocks south of campus, negotiated a deal with Carmona that included naming a burrito after him and splitting a percentage of profits anytime a customer bought the item. He currently holds offers from Ole Miss, Michigan State, Arkansas, South Carolina, Texas Tech, and Auburn. Carmona will visit Arkansas in the coming days while visiting Auburn this weekend.

Jaekwon Bouldin, OT
Mississippi Gulf Community College

The 6-foot-7, 350 pound tackle definitely looks the part of a dominant blindside lineman. Bouldin has racked up offers from Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Auburn and Arkansas, but it sounds like the Razorbacks and Bulldogs are going head-to-head for his commitment. There is no secret to the struggles the Hogs had along the offensive line this season giving up an SEC high 47 sacks during the regular season. Retooling the line is imperative for new coach Eric Mateos and Pittman.

Doneiko Slaughter, DB
Tennessee

When Slaughter announced his entrance into the transfer portal it was met by sadness from Volunteer fans. The fan favorite spent the past four seasons in Knoxville recording 87 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, an interception and seven passes breakups.

Keaton Thomas, LB  
Northeast Mississippi Community College

Thomas earned first team all-conference honors after recording 107 tackles, 1.5 sacks and two interceptions for the Tigers.

The 6-1, 230-pounder will be a December graduate making him eligible to transfer following the semester. Although he is committed to Baylor, Thomas confirmed to allHogs that Arkansas remains in heavy contact with him and he is still considering taking a visit or two. 

Where Does Sudden Shift in Crutchfield Decision Leave Arkansas?

Xavian Sorey, LB
Georgia

Razorback media members galore took to social media on Tuesday when the news of Sorey's visit to Fayetteville was leaked. The former 5-star in the 2021 class is one of the top players in the transfer portal. This past season saw his production rise with a career high 19 tackles, one sack and a pass breakup for the Bulldogs.

Arkansas is looking for new blood at the linebacker position after losing three to the portal last week. Chris Paul and Jordan Crook provided the biggest hit to the depth chart while Mani Powell was primarily a back-up.

Nyland Green, DB
Georgia

Blackstock specifically mentioned trying to help Pittman recruit Green in an interview on 1037 "The Buzz" earlier this week. While the former Top 20 player in the 2021 class didn't get on the field during his career with the Bulldogs, Green still possesses plenty of talent. He is expected to visit North Carolina and Arkansas this week, per Matt Zenitz of 247sports.

Nathan Matlack, DE
Kansas State

The 6-foot-5, 245 pound edge rusher has been a utility defender for much of his career with the Wildcats. During his three seasons, Matlack recorded 39 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, three pass deflections, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. The junior holds offers from Arkansas, Arizona State, Central Florida, Texas Tech, Pittsburgh, Texas State and Colorado State.

Kemari Copeland, DL
Iowa Western

The former Army Golden Knight defender spent visited Arkansas Wednesday to play in the Junior College National Championship game against East Mississippi Community College in Little Rock. Iowa Western won, 61-14.

The 6-foot-2, 285 pounder currently holds offers from North Carolina State, Tennessee, Arkansas and Virginia Tech. Copeland ranks as the No. 12 player in the JUCO ranks and No. 5 among defensive linemen.

Addison Nichols, OL
Tennessee 

The Hogs are in need of offensive linemen and Nichols entered the transfer portal after two seasons in Knoxville. He possesses exceptional size at 6-foot-5, 327 pounds and was considered the No. 180 ranked prospect in the nation for the 2022 class, according to 247sports. 

Expected to arrive on Friday evening, Nichols received a fair Pro Football Focus grade of 61.3 for his performance in 2023. The Georgia native was expected to contribute to the Volunteers offensive line in 2023 with an injury to starting center Cooper Mays while also receiving snaps at left guard but couldn't nab a consistent starting role. Nichols contributed primarily on special teams.

Matthew Shipley, K
Hawaii

With Arkansas kicker Cam Little entering the NFL Draft, that left a huge hole in the special team's room. College kickers are not a dime a dozen either and the Razorbacks have likely found their man. Shipley is a native of Liberty Hill, Texas has been a big weapon for the Warriors throughout his four-year career. He's boomed 178 punts for 7,217 yards with an average of 41 yards per attempts, pushing opponents inside their 20-yard line 43 times. As a kicker, Shipley has been as accurate as anyone knocking down 49-59 field goal attempts the past three seasons including a long of 51 yards.

HOGS FEED:

THREE INSTANT OBSERVATIONS OF THE SEC SCHEDULE RELEASE INVOLVING RAZORBACKS, MIZZOU'S DRINKWITZ, FLORIDA'S NAPIER

WILL IT MATTER? RAZORBACKS HOME MOST OF NOVEMBER

GREEN DOESN'T SOUND LIKE HE EXPECTS TO BE BACK-UP QUARTERBACK

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