Will Hogs Have Enough Quality Depth Defensively?

Spence leads a group of underclassmen that includes Carson Dean, Kaden Henley, Alex Sanford and converted defensive back Julius Pope. The Razorbacks lost four linebackers to the transfer portal following the season in Chris Paul (Ole Miss), Jordan Crook (Arizona State), Jaheim Thomas (Wisconsin) and Manny Powell (UNLV).

The freshmen trio of Bradley Shaw, Wyatt Simmons and Justin Logan will join the team this summer. 

Defensive tackle is another position of concern with depth issues. Super seniors Eric Gregory and Keivie Rose return for another season. Redshirt junior Cam Ball has been developed well and is a candidate for a breakout season this fall. Redshirt freshman Ian Geffrard came to Arkansas as 'one biscuit short of 400 pounds' according to Pittman when the Georgia native arrived to Arkansas last summer. The 6-foot-5, 380 pounder has the size to be a run stuffer in the SEC.

Injuries to the offensive line has shortened the depth this spring. The Razorbacks are expected to add at least one more offensive lineman via the transfer portal this spring. SMU transfer Branson Hickman visited Fayetteville March 8 but will be at TCU  on March 22. The 6-foot-3, 294 pounder is the No. 3 player currently available in the portal, per 247sports.

Former Georgia lineman Chad Lindberg could be a name to watch. He is a former 4-star prospect during the 2020 recruiting cycle and was ranked the No. 140 player in his class, per 247sports composite rankings. 

Transfers have played key roles in each of the past four seasons for Arkansas. Notably Feleipe Franks play at the quarterback position in 2020 helped the Razorbacks transition from the programs worst stretch of football since the Otis Douglass days. 

Others like linebacker Drew Sanders, cornerback Dwight McGlothern and defensive end Landon Jackson have proven to be key additions over the past few seasons. Arkansas can hang its hat on portal success at the very least.