Arkansas Football Newcomers On The Rise in Razorbacks' Training Camp

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Every fall camp produces a few surprises, especially when a new coaching staff is sorting through a roster filled with unfamiliar faces.

For Arkansas coach Ryan Silverfield, several newcomers have done more than simply make a good first impression. They've started working their way into legitimate roles with the Razorbacks' season opener against North Alabama approaching.

While some arrived through the transfer portal with college experience already behind them. Others weren't expected to factor heavily into the depth chart as freshmen.

But with Arkansas moving deeper into training camp, these five newcomers have given the coaching staff reasons to take notice.

Arkansas Razorbacks secondary coach Eddie Hicks during a spring practice. | Munir El-Khatib-allHOGS Images

Brandon Ford, DB

if there's one freshman equipped to surprise the masses after a strong fall camp it's the Crowley, Texas native. The Arkansas coaching staff, notably Silverfield, has continuously praised Ford's ability to make the right plays in practice, forcing the issue when it came to turnovers.

"I haven't talked too much about freshmen. Brandon Ford is a guy that — he keeps catching your eye," Silverfield said. "So often you're like, 'Who's that? That's that freshman.' Man, been pleased with him and what he's been able to do."

Ford has added plenty of weight to his frame over the offseason and is currently listed at 5-foot-11, 193 pounds. While most of his work has come with the third unit in practice, his dominance warrants some looks when everything goes live Sept. 5 against North Alabama.

Arkansas Razorbacks tight end Ty Lockwood pulls down a catch during practice. | Razorback Footbal

Ty Lockwood, TE

If there's a position group that couldn't afford to lose anyone it's the tight ends, especially after losing such a utility piece to the offense such as Maddox Lassiter.

Lockwood hasn't quite lived up to his billing as a top-100 recruit out of high school, but has emerged in a big way throughout fall camp. He even showed up a few times in the passing game during Sunday's scrimmage.

“Everybody knows Jaden Platt is our tight end," Silverfield said Sunday after the scrimmage. "A name I haven’t mentioned is Ty Lockwood. He’s done a really nice job and continues to make some exceptional catches out there. He does a good job in the run game.”

If he can become an extra offensive option to take pressure off Jaden Platt, his presence can certainly help the unit be more effective.

Former Baylor Bears linebacker Phoenix Jackson (31) against the Arizona Wildcats at Casino Del Sol Stadium. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Phoenix Jackson, LB

An accomplished veteran, Jackson has a chance to become a solid contributor in the linebacker room this season.

A former walk-on at Fresno State, Jackson showed he could contribute at the college level with a breakout year in 2023 with 34 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack and one interception. He returned for his junior year with the Bulldogs in 2024 and made 48 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, two interceptions and one pick six across 11 games.

Jackson transferred to Baylor last season, but missed the majority of 2025 with a foot injury. He didn't come alone to Arkansas either as fellow Bears teammate Jeremy Evans made the trek with him.

Defensive leader Bradley Shaw believes he can be a factor in the defensive rotation this fall.

“You can tell they’re familiar with each other,” Shaw said. “You can see it on the field when they play together. They’re very used to each other, and I feel like that’s a good thing.”

After nearly 10 months away from the gridiron due to injury, fellow linebacker transfer Ja'Quavion Smith is high on what Jackson can become a respected part of Arkansas' defense.

"Phoenix, he's one of the older guys in the room, so we've got younger guys that look up to him," Smith said. "I feel like he just brings it every day. He's coming to work. He's been dealing with some injuries, but he's going to bounce back. He's going to be good for the season."

Some QB work during today's Razorback football pratice: pic.twitter.com/I8rQs6YgSK
— Samuel Stubbs (@SamMageeStubbs) August 14, 2026

Hank Hendrix, QB

The freshman who reclassified from the 2027 class and was once considered a top-five passer has performed at an extremely high level for a 17-year-old. Hendrix should still be suiting up to begin his senior year of high school with the Purple Dogs down the street.

However, he's shown more than enough in reps throughout fall camp to show that he is more than ready to take on the workload at the college level. Arkansas quarterbacks coach Mitch Stewart even acknowledged how tough-minded of a competitor Hendrix is because nothing bothers him.

"He does not get rattled," Stewart said of Hendrix earlier this month. "Y'all [have] probably seen it. We've done some things where we've pulled him off of one field and put him up there and thrown him into some situations trying to see if he would wet his britches, so to speak, and he did not.

"For a guy who's 187, 188 pounds, he can produce a lot of power out of that body in his arm, and he makes really good decisions. He's a fun one. He's really fun, and he ain't scared of nothing. He gets in that huddle, he yells at people he gets them going. He ain't scared of nothing."

Listed at 6-foot-3, 190 pounds, Hendrix completed over 67% of his passes for 9,425 yards of total offense for 102 touchdowns and only 13 interceptions across three varsity seasons.

"Yeah, you know what, Hank has an unbelievable skill set, unbelievable arm talent, coaches kids, so he knows the game inside out," Arkansas offensive coordinator Tim Cramsey said Aug. 6. "You can talk to him like a 10-year coaching veteran, albeit he might've just turned 17."

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