HawgBeat - Names to watch for Arkansas after Day 1 of spring transfer portal
HawgBeat takes a look at the top names to watch for Arkansas after day one of the spring transfer portal window.
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The spring transfer portal window officially opened Tuesday, and Arkansas has already shown interest in plenty of talent with seven open scholarships remaining.
Head coach Sam Pittman and the Razorbacks are in need of help at defensive tackle, offensive line, wide receiver, linebacker and running back, which is evident through who the coaching staff seems to be prioritizing so far. Don't rule out possible additions at quarterback or kicker, either.
As things currently stand, Arkansas has 78 scholarship players on its roster. That leaves seven open spots for possible offseason additions to reach the 85 maximum limit. Underclassmen have until April 30 to enter the transfer portal, but that date is extended until May 1 for upperclassmen.
HawgBeat takes a look at some players with notable interest in the Hogs or vice versa after day two of the spring transfer portal window:
CJ West - Defensive Tackle, Kent State
Measurables: 6'2", 315 lbs.
2023-24 stats: 40 total tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss, two sacks, forced fumble
PFF Grades: 468 snaps, 85.9 DEF, 84.5 RDEF, 46.1 TACK, 79.9 PRSH
Intel: West is the first transfer player of the spring to pick up an offer from the Razorbacks. He's also been offered by programs like Texas A&M, Wisconsin, Colorado, Kansas State, Miami, LSU and others.
With interior defensive linemen at a premium, West is viewed as one of the top options available at the moment. West actually played against Arkansas in Week 2 of the 2023-24 season. In that game, he graded out with a season-low 45.6 defensive grade according to Pro Football Focus.
Despite that, he still finished the season with a remarkable stat line and PFF grade with an excellent pass-rush ability.
Brandon Lane - Defensive Tackle, SFA
Measurables: 6'3", 300 lbs.
2023-24 stats: 44 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks
PFF Grades: 405 snaps, 74.6 DEF, 79.9 RDEF, 76.5 TACK, 59.3 PRSH
Intel: Some may not remember Lane from his high school days, but he was recruited by former Arkansas head coach Chad Morris' staff in 2019 before ultimately ending up at South Dakota State.
The Missouri native transferred to Stephen F. Austin after spending two seasons with the Jackrabbits and the move paid off, as Lane had the most productive season of his career in 2023-24. So far, Lane has been offered by programs like West Virginia and Cal with reported interests from other SEC programs. Arkansas has not officially offered, but Lane told HawgBeat on Wednesday that he has received interest from the coaching staff.
Alani Makihele - Left Guard, UNLV
Measurables: 6'3", 350 lbs.
2023-24 stats: N/A
PFF Grades: 831 snaps, 57.8 OFF, 72.8 PBLK, 55.6 RBLK
Intel: Coached by former Arkansas defensive coordinator Barry Odom at UNLV, Makihele has the size required for the SEC and potentially the pass-blocking chops to serve as a solid depth option for the Razorbacks.
Makihele told HawgBeat on Wednesday that he has been contacted by Arkansas Offensive Analyst Miles Fishback, so we'll see how serious the interest is over the next few days.
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