UAB safety Adrian Maddox impressed with Hogs

FAYETTEVILLE — UAB safety Adrian Maddox is one of the top safeties in the transfer portal the Hogs have made him one of their priorities.

Maddox, 6-3, 200, had a very good season in 2024. Maddox had 44 tackles, 30 solo, 7 pass breakups, 1 interception returned 99 yards for a touchdown and 2 forced fumbles. After his visit to Arkansas Tuesday and Wednesday he provided feedback on it.

“It’s been cool, been a good experience,” Maddox said. “Taking it day by day. I feel like it’s definitely a good fit for me. I’m just going to see where today leads me.”

The Hogs defeated Maddox and UAB 37-27 on Saturday, Sept. 14. The Hogs signed wide receiver and punt returner Kam Shanks, 5-8, 180, on Tuesday. In addition to Maddox, UAB offensive lineman Delano Townsend, 6-5, 330, visited Tuesday and Wednesday as well.

“It’s been fun, it’s been fun,” Maddox said. “My dawg Kam Shanks committed yesterday, so he’s been trying to get me down here to recruit me. It’s been fun. We’ve had a good experience though, most definitely.”

Though Shanks just jumped on board Tuesday he’s already recruiting for the Hogs.

“Most definitely, he’s trying to get me here,” Maddox said. “He’s telling me every day to come be a Hog. It’s been fun, been a cool experience.”

Maddox reflected back on the atmosphere when the Hogs hosted UAB this season.

“It was one I’d never seen,” Maddox said. “Stadium is so big, everybody is just, fan support, it was crazy. I ain’t ever seen fans coming out like that with their shirts off, Woo-Pigging everywhere. It was a good experience, for sure.”

Safety is a position of need for the Hogs with several running out of eligibility and TJ Metcalf entering the transfer portal.

“Most definitely, Coach T-Will and Coach (Marcus) Woodson, they recruit very good, so they’ve definitely been telling me they need some safeties,” Maddox said. “So I could definitely see a place for me here.”

Against Rice in November, Maddox picked off a pass and returned it 99 yards for a touchdown.

“It was crazy,” Maddox said. “I watched so much film that week, but people had never tried me. That was the week God just answered a prayer and he tried me. Oh, man. I’m like ‘He really threw the ball?’ I knew it was over with, I knew it was over with. I had to score that. 99-yard free touchdown? That’s the first touchdown of my career, I’ll take it.”

Maddox detailed his recruiting plans and where he’s at in the process.

“This is my first visit,” Maddox said. “After this, I’ll probably be going to Louisville, but that will probably be it, though.”

Is there any chance the Hogs get a commitment like with Shanks and you shut it down?

“It’s definitely up there, most definitely,” Maddox said. “And Kam coming here, that did it for sure. That did it.”

Maddox is impressed with Woodson and his skills as a recruiter.

“He’s a competitor,” Maddox said. “He’s a hard competitor, he’s going to recruit you. If he wants you, he’s definitely going to try and get you. He’s a real coach, I like him a lot.”

The Razorbacks have signed six players from the transfer portal thus far.