What to expect from five key Arkansas football transfers in 2022 season

Christina Long, Fort Smith Times Record

July 28, 2022 at 7:01 AM·3 min read

Arkansas football added more than a dozen players out of the transfer portal this offseason, including walk-ons. Four of those players came from within the SEC.

The Razorbacks are returning plenty of experienced players, particularly on offense. But which transfer players can make an immediate impact? With preseason practices beginning next week, here are five new additions to watch.

Latavious Brini, DB, Georgia

Brini joins Arkansas after starting 11 games at nickelback for last season's national champions. He totaled 38 tackles and eight pass break-ups, second-most on the team.

Arkansas lost starting nickel Greg Brooks Jr. to the transfer portal, but coach Sam Pittman said he plans to adapt Brini into something of a hybrid between nickel and boundary safety. In the spring, Pittman said the redshirt senior was facing a "learning curve" with his new team. Expect Brini to combine his skills with experienced defensive backs like Jalen Catalon and Myles Slusher to contribute in Arkansas' secondary.

Jadon Haselwood, WR, Oklahoma

Haselwood is already carrying the weight of preseason hype. The redshirt junior was a big contributor for the Sooners in 2021. He played in all 12 regular-season games with a team-high 39 receptions for 399 yards and six touchdowns.

Since his transfer to Arkansas, Haselwood has been lauded as the talent who can help the Razorbacks replace star Treylon Burks. At 6-foot-3 and 211 pounds, Haselwood is similar in stature to Burks. But Pittman has said repeatedly that Arkansas won't be using one player to make up for the loss of Burks. Instead, it will be done "by committee." Expect Haselwood to be a leading receiver for the Razorbacks, but don't make a one-to-one comparison between him and Arkansas' former star.

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Landon Jackson, DL, LSU

Jackson was brought in to help Arkansas find a defensive end that can get to the quarterback better than the Razorbacks did last year. The 6-7, 275-pound sophomore played special teams for LSU last season but was a four-star prospect out of high school.

Jackson was limited in the spring while recovering from an ACL injury he suffered last year, so he's a relative unknown. But Pittman noted in spring practices that Jackson was recruited for his ability to rush the quarterback, and his size gives him a unique advantage. Expect Jackson to lead the Razorbacks' pass rush.

Dwight McGlothern, DB, LSU

Arkansas got McGlothern out of the portal to serve as a man-to-man cover cornerback. Pittman shouted out the 6-2, 211-pound junior's length as an asset in the role.

Star safety Jalen Catalon said in spring practice that while there's plenty of talented defensive backs on Arkansas' roster, McGlothern has the technique and mindset to be a key contributor. Expect McGlothern to start at corner for the Razorbacks if he has a good preseason.

Drew Sanders, LB, Alabama

Sanders is one of Arkansas' most exciting transfer additions. The 6-5, 232-pound junior played in 12 games for Alabama last season and was a five-star recruit out of high school.

In the spring, Pittman lauded Sanders' speed and instincts, comparing him to Bumper Pool. Expect Sanders to team up with Pool in the middle of the Razorbacks' defense and contend with the fifth-year senior for the team lead in tackles.

Christina Long covers the Arkansas Razorbacks. You can email her at clong@swtimes.com or follow her on Twitter @christinalong00.

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Arkansas football transfers: What to expect from them in 2022 season

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