Arkansas Football: Transfer linebackers have had an instant impact

The transfer portal has been a curse or a blessing to most teams in the country. For Arkansas, it’s been overwhelmingly a blessing. During the offseason and fall camp, most of the hype revolved around—and deservingly so—the wide receiver’s Andrew Armstrong and Isaac TeSlaa. But a couple of additions on the defense side of the ball have also shown out, especially at linebacker.

Jaheim Thomas

Former Cincinnati Bearcat Jaheim Thomas has been a silent workhorse for Travis Williams’ defense. In his first game as a Razorback, Thomas led the team in tackles with eight (four solo) and 1.5 tackles for loss. He lost no momentum going in the game against Kent State either. Thomas recorded a team high again with 12 tackles (3 solo), 1.5 sacks, and 2 TFLs. For reference, in his best season with Cincinnati he recorded just 70 tackles and two sacks.

He’s not just one of the best defenders in a Hog jersey, he may end up being one of the best in the country. According to Pro Football Focus, Thomas has graded out the past two weeks as the best linebacker in the SEC at 87.2. That grade makes him a top 20 LB in the nation.

Arkansas Razorback LB, Jaheim Thomas is the highest rated Linebacker in the SEC, per PFF..

Huge game yesterday.. 2 sacks, 2 hurries..#AllSEC @JaheimThomas454 #Razorbacks 🐗 pic.twitter.com/4fnKNjD66H

— SECpix (@VolsPix) September 10, 2023

Antonio Grier

Jaheim Thomas looks to be the real deal, but another transfer LB also had an exciting day Saturday. Antonio Grier missed Arkansas’ first game of the season due to an injury he sustained during fall camp. When he finally got to suit up, his presence was felt instantly.

On his very first play as a hog, Grier intercepted Kent State’s Michael Alaimo nearly point-blank at the KSU 25-yard line and took it back to the house. He only finished with three tackles but at that time, Arkansas’ offense was anemic at best. His explosive play broke the ice and finally put points on the board.

ANTONIO GRIER GETTING GREEDY pic.twitter.com/zgnzbEeXLO

— Will Whitson (@will_whitson2) September 9, 2023

The WRs might be the more flashy transfer portal pickups, but Thomas and Grier look like they could be great additions as well.

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