Pittman Goes Looking for Diamonds in Transfer Portal

How does the Razorback coaching staff scour the portal for future Hogs?

Author:
Daniel Shi
Publish date:
Aug 24, 2023 10:26 PM EDT

In this story:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — There is no manual or how-to, but there is a method to the madness. Even though there are no instructions on how to navigate the crazy bidding war of NIL and the portal, Pittman just might be leading the way on one.

With seniors Issac TeSlaa and Andrew Armstrong penciled in as starting receivers to help the offense, defensive lineman Trajan Jeffcoat looks to make an immediate impact on the other side of the ball. These are just a few of the transfers that will be scattered all over the field come opening week against Western Carolina. How did these players even get here?

There is the usual overlap between the portal and recruiting. Watching the players on film and getting their 40-yard dash time, all of the mundane tasks that come with getting any player. With the portal, it extends beyond that.

"A lot of it relies on where they are transferring from," Pittman said after Thursday's practice indoors again because of the heat. "We want to call and talk to as many folks as we can from the school that he is transferring from. Character becomes the number one concern."

Pittman also acknowledged that Arkansas doesn't have the most resources in the bidding war of NIL, but if a player is looking for "some NIL and not necessarily the highest bidder," then Pittman has a decent shot.

Communication between coaching staffs has opened up as a byproduct of the portal, where Pittman's well-liked nature could play a big role.

"I've got enemies out there but I don't think I have a lot of enemies in the coaching business, Pittman said. "They're willing to talk to us, and we certainly are to them. We want to help our kids if we decide to leave."

Rivalries will still be there. Pittman was quick to clarify the extent of the communication.

"I'm not talking about the SEC," Pittman said. "I've called (Georgia head coach) Kirby (Smart)... I'm talking about TeSlaa and guys like Kelvie Rose (defensive lineman transfer from Louisiana Tech).

Who knows where the portal goes from here and what it looks like as college football continues to evolve, but Pittman is well on his way to establishing a system to take advantage of transfers to replenish his roster each year.