Key Offensive Line Target Schedules Visit With Hogs

Highly regarded transfer center could be next piece of Arkansas’ line transformation

Author:
Jacob Davis
Publish date:
Feb 23, 2024 10:02 PM EST

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — SMU transfer center Branson Hickman announced via X that he’ll take an official visit to Arkansas Match 8.

The Mustangs’ anchor was a second team All-AAC performer this season. Rhett Lashlee’s prolific offense has already groomed Hickman for what he is likely to see at Arkansas under new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino.

Son of a former All-Southwest Conference offensive tackle, the younger Hickman was lightly recruited out of high school as a 3-star prospect. He was ranked the No. 2.145 ranked player in the country for the class of 2020,No. 38 center and No. 290 in the Lonestar State.

He ultimately chose SMU out of high school over offers from Louisiana Tech, Texas State, Memphis and UL-Monroe.

The 6-3, 294 pounder played high school ball for his father at Jesuit College Prep and grew up in McKinney, Texas.

Hickman has played in 33 games throughout his career. He will be a graduate transfer with two years of eligibility remaining due to Covid.

For the Razorbacks, an addition of Hickman would give Arkansas four offensive lineman via the transfer portal. Keyshawn Blackstock (Michigan State) hopped aboard while the 2023 was still in session.

Once the transition was made from former offensive line coach Cody Kennedy to Eric Mateos, the Hogs added Mountain West Conference Honorable Mention Fernando Carmona. Then, Addison Nichols (Tennessee) made his commitment to Arkansas mid-January after a visit.

According to roster turnover, it appears Pittman can add up to a handful or so players out of the transfer portal during the spring period. So far, only two offensive lineman have entered the transfer portal. Joey Su’a left for Arizona State and Devon Manuel departed for SEC rival Florida.

Arkansas will need to replace a pair of longtime starters and all-league performers in left guard Brady Latham and center Beaux Limmer. The Razorback offensive line surrendered a SEC-high four sacks last season, 47 overall which ranked No. 128 in the country.