Friday Brings Notable Transfers Toward Razorbacks' Way

Little Rock native among those receiving offer from Arkansas

Author:
Jacob Davis
Publish date:
Dec 9, 2023 11:07 AM EST

In this story:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Coach Sam Pittman and his staff were searching in all different parts of the college football world for talent and experience to shape out the Arkansas roster these last few days. It appears Arkansas has at least drummed up enough interest to bring a handful of visitors to Fayetteville this week while also landing strongly on the radar of others.

Sam Franklin, RB
^UT-Martin

The Little Rock native made a huge splash at the FCS level in 2023 when he rushed for nearly 1,400 yards and 11 touchdowns. Tennessee State head coach Eddie George gave high praise to Franklin before the in-state rivals met midseason in 2023.

"Franklin is the best back that we've seen this year," George said. "We've faced some pretty (darn) good backs starting with Notre Dame and then Arkansas-Pine Bluff (Johness Davis) and two weeks ago Gardner-Webb has a running back (Narii Gaither) who was an All-American."

At 5-foot-10, 200 pounds, Franklin is a hard runner with underrated breakaway speed in the open field. He currently holds offers from Oklahoma, Indiana, USC, South Carolina and now Arkansas.

Sam Brumfield, LB
^{Middle Tennessee State}

With Arkansas losing two of its productive linebackers in Chris 'Pooh' Paul and Jordan Crook, defensive coordinator Travis Williams is seeking productive pieces in the portal who can play significant snaps. Brumfield, played just one season in with the Blue Raiders out of junior college. He led the team in tackles with 81, in sacks with 3.5, and was third in tackles for loss at 6.5. There are plenty of potential suitors to hold off, including Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Baylor, Virginia Tech.

Mekhi Mews, WR
^Georgia

The Peach State native was used sporadically as a receiver this season catching 13 passes for 155 yards and a touchdown. However, Mews was active on special teams with 15 kick returns for 402 yards and 20 punt returns for 205 yards and a touchdown against Ball State. He tells allHogs that if Arkansas offers that he would be interested in the Razorbacks. Syracuse, East Carolina, Jacksonville State and Georgia Tech have offered since he entered the portal on Friday.

Other Notes

Boise State transfer quarterback Taylen Green arrived to Fayetteville on Friday evening for an official visit. The 6-6, 225 pounder has playmaking ability and will provide solid competition at starting quarterback if KJ Jefferson decides to move on from the Razorbacks. He completed 121-212 passes for 1,752 yards with 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions on the season. Green does have some wheels rushing for 436 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground. The former Bronco is coming off a strong Mountain West championship winning performance, completing 12-15 passes for 226 yards and two touchdowns while also running for 90 yards and additional two scores.

Montana State offensive line transfer Omarrian Aigbedion received an offer from the Arkansas on Thursday. The Razorbacks currently lead for his services, per On3 Recruiting. With a grade of 90 from Pro Football Focus-College, the Katy, Texas native ranked as the top offensive linemen at the FCS level in 2023.

Dumas native and UCA transfer running back Kylin James will be in Fayetteville for an unofficial visit, according to Otis Kirk of Hogville. James has rushed for 1,300 yards and nine touchdowns with the Bears in three seasons.