Hogs Add Extra Blocker for Newest Transfer Commitment

Eastern Michigan tight end is second portal addition of this cycle for Razorbacks.

Author:
Jacob Davis
Updated:
Dec 11, 2023 8:24 AM EST
Original:
Dec 10, 2023

In this story:

FAYTTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas picked up its second transfer of the offseason with tight end Andreas Paaske out of Eastern Michigan Sunday. The Eagles tight end hasn't set the world on fire, but has been a solid blocker at tight end. The junior has 14 receptions for 245 yards and two touchdowns in his college career. It appears the Razorbacks earned his commitment over Sam Houston State.

The rising redshirt junior looks to be a solid run blocker for an area the Razorbacks struggled in 2023. Arkansas averaged just a shade over 130 yards rushing per game, but scored only one rushing touchdown during SEC play from a running back. With the addition of the 6-foot-6, 255 pounder, the Hogs get the perfect replacement for departing tight end Francis Sherman who came from Louisville to help bolster Arkansas' rushing attack.

While Petrino was head coach from 2008-11, the tight end position used 12 personnel heavily in run blocking schemes. Former Razorback DJ Williams was awarded the John Mackey Award for his all-around performance during the 2010 season. Williams was the first Arkansas player to win the award in program history. The Hogs will have plenty of opportunity to feature tight ends in the passing game if Petrino prefers with the position group catching 36 passes for 488 yards and five touchdowns in 2023.

As a Denmark native, Paaske is the second player of Danish descent to commit to the Razorbacks. Former Arkansas great and current Arizona Cardinal offensive lineman Hjalte Froholdt signed with the Razorbacks in the 2015 class and played four seasons before entering the draft in 2018.

Arkansas currently sits fourth in the SEC transfer portal rankings behind Kentucky, Missouri and Ole Miss. Since the transfer portal opened on Dec. 4, the Razorbacks have seen 11 scholarship players enter the transfer portal with additional three walk-on's joining them for a total of 14.

2024 Tight Ends Scholarship Chart
Luke Hasz, Sophomore
Ty Washington, Redshirt Sophomore
Shamar Easter, Redshirt Freshman
Var'keyes Gumms, Redshirt Junior
Gregory Genross, Junior
Andreas Paaske, Redshirt Junior