DB Shakur Smalls signs with the Razorbacks

FAYETTEVILLE — Maine defensive back Shakur Smalls is the second defensive back to sign with Arkansas in this portal opening.

Sam Pittman has said signing secondary help will be a priority. Smalls, 6-0, 205, said the Hogs recruited him to play safety or the Hog position. He wrapped up his official visit on Saturday and signed with the Hogs before leaving the campus.

“It was a great visit,” Smalls said. “The coaching staff, it’s a loving place. Coach T-Will and Coach (Marcus) Woodson, everybody praying before me, it’s a great feeling to be around guys that are like-minded, so I can’t wait to get on campus.”

In 2024 at Maine, Smalls had 43 tackles, two for loss, one interception and six pass breakups. He told Hogville why he chose the Hogs.

“It was a no-brainer just getting on campus,” Smalls said. “Once I felt the energy, that’s really why I was taking my visits. I had visits to Pitt and a couple other schools next week, but I canceled on them because I really felt like the culture here was already built. This is my last year, so I can’t have any funny business going on. I trust these guys and they trust me, it’s a no-brainer.”

Smalls will be at Arkansas in late May set to play the 2025 season.

“It’s a great relationship so far, I’ve only been there a couple of days but I feel like I’ve known them for a lifetime,” Smalls said. “I just can’t wait to get on campus. I can help them, they can help me, and it should be a great season this year.”

Smalls had Pitt and others recruiting him hard, but knew the Hogs were the perfect fit for him.

“Wake Forest, might not want to say the other schools right now, but a few other schools,” Smalls said.

Arkansas also signed Kent State linebacker Trent Whalen, 6-3, 235, and Stanford defensive back Julian Neal, 6-2, 200, this weekend.