Arkansas nearing end of spring drills

FAYETTEVILLE — Linebacker Brad Shaw saw limited action as a true freshman last year, but it appears he’s set for a much bigger role in 2025.

Shaw, 6-1, 235, was highly recruited out of high school as a four-star recruit. In 2024, Shaw had 13 tackles, four solo and one sack. Sam Pittman praised him on Tuesday.

“If we end up playing a lot of three-down front, I think Brad… You decide, is your fourth d-lineman physical?,” Pittman said. “Is he more valuable than having Brad Shaw on the field? We’ve looked at that. We looked at it Saturday in the scrimmage, as well. Brad Shaw is a really good player that can run, so he’ll play a ton of football for us. How much will depend, really on where we feel about are we going to be in that odd front with a big standing on the outside, or are we going to be in that odd front with Brad Shaw playing that edge.”

Four-Star Linebacker Making Move

Similar to Shaw in 2024, this year four-star Tavion Wallace, 6-1, 228, was the highest-rated recruit of the high school prospects in Arkansas’ Class of 2025. Wallace is currently working with the second unit and should be a valuable member of the team this fall.

“I really like him,” Pittman said. “I like him a lot. He can run. (JJ) Shelton is another guy that’s playing the Hog. Those are two young guys that have shown up. But I really like Wallace. Has done some really good things. I think he’ll help us in a lot of ways, but I know he’ll help us on special teams, and that’s how a lot of guys get their start. They get on the field, they make plays and next thing you know, they’re playing on defense.”

Shelton, 6-1, 202, was the other linebacker from high school Arkansas signed in the Class of 2025. He played high school football at Dallas South Oak Cliff. He was the Dallas Morning News’ Defensive Player of the Year for the 2024 season.

At this past Saturday’s scrimmage, Shelton delivered the hardest lick of the day. He knocked an Arkansas running back out of bounds and off his feet with a bone jarring tackle.

“I am,” Pittman said when asked if he’s impressed with Shelton. “And the other thing, too, he’s a linebacker, and you know, we moved him out to the Hog position and so you’re dealing with a lot more space. You’re not dealing with a nickel Willie — I mean, he’s played that, obviously — but in college it’s a little bit different position. It’s not your third linebacker, let’s say that, it’s a guy that can do both. But I’d say he gets better all the time, and I think he’s going to be a really, really good player for us. And you’re right: He had a hell of a lick on Saturday.”

Holding Down That End Spot

With Landon Jackson heading to what is likely a very prosperous career in the NFL, the Hogs seem to have found his replacement in junior Quincy Rhodes Jr.

Rhodes, 6-6, 276, is a junior who has played some while with the Hogs. In 2024, Rhodes finished with 15 tackles, six solo, one sack and a pass breakup. At Saturday’s scrimmage, Rhodes was outstanding. He had five tackles including two for loss. He had a pair of sacks and was all over the field. Pittman praised him Tuesday.

“Yeah, he did,” Pittman said. “That’s one going in- The great thing about coaching, and it doesn’t matter whether it’s high school, junior high, whatever, you’ve got a guy and you’re going, ‘Oh man, he’s got talent, but I don’t see him making plays,’ or whatever it may be. And there was really those three guys with Ian Geffrard and Danny (Saili) and Quincy Rhodes. Those guys we’re going, ‘Man, they’re very talented. When are they going to let it turn loose?’ And all three of those guys have. Really, really excited about those guys.

“But I love Quincy. He came in here, he’s easy to deal with, good family, and he’s talented. When he walks by, you’re going, ‘Okay, that’s an SEC defensive end or tight end or something. That’s a hell of a good looking player.’ And now his motor and his knowledge, Deke’s (Adams) done a really good job with him, is paying off for him. And I’m glad you mentioned him, because I’ve been really excited about him.”

Young Wide Receiver Making Improvement

When Krosse Johnson, 5-10, 185, inked with the Hogs out of New Orleans (La.) Holy Cross High School not many were aware of him.

In 2024, Johnson caught two passes for 25 yards as a true freshman. Johnson caught four passes for 63 yards on Saturday during the scrimmage. He has been steady all spring and could be in line for more action this fall.

“Yeah, I think he’s certainly [trying] to get in that top six,” Pittman said. “He’s right in there right now. Again, I think he’s got the talent for that. I think once he gets everything smoothed out a little bit more and breaking away from defenders and route running and consistent urgency, I think he [will] because he’s very, very talented. He wants to be good, so I think he’ll just keep improving. He’s got a lot of speed.”

Warren Pipeline

The news that Bo Hembree has another outstanding wide receiver from his high school at Warren causes people to take notice because that school has produced a long list of talented players at that position.

The latest is Antonio Jordan, 6-6, 230, who inked with the Hogs in December. The Razorbacks lost some big wide receivers such as Andrew Armstrong, Isaac TeSlaa and Tyrone Broden and are looking for players at that position with size. Jordan didn’t enroll at midterm, but will be in Fayetteville in June. Can he help immediately?

“I’ll tell you this, when Ronnie (Fouch) went and watched him, he thought he was the Taj Mahal baby,” Pittman said. “Watching him on tape, a big physical guy. Love the kid, just a great kid and well, well coached. Bo Hembree is one of the best coaches in the state of Arkansas and has that respect. If anybody can do it, it would be that combination of coach, player, person, family. We’re going to find out, I promise you.”

Confidence in Scott Starzyk

The true freshman kicker Scott Starzyk had a rough day on Saturday missing several field goals. Is Pittman considering signing a place kicker in this portal opening?

“No, not at all,” Pittman said. “We’re pleased with our kickers that we have. We didn’t have the greatest day Saturday there, but we hit the ball well. So kickers — to me, you get nervous about kickers when the ball is going so fast, they’re mis-hitting it. But that’s a valid question, but no, I really like who we have.”

The spring game, weather permitting, will be Saturday at 1 p.m.