FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas Continues Transfer Momentum with Commitment from Maine DB Shakur Smalls
Arkansas has added another key piece to its defense, landing a commitment from Maine transfer defensive back Shakur Smalls, he confirmed to Hogs on SI.
Ahead of his official visit over the weekend, Smalls expressed excitement about the possibility of playing in the SEC. Now, that possibility is becoming reality.
The 6-foot, 205-pound cornerback has consistently been one of the top defenders in the FCS ranks since joining Maine as part of the 2020 recruiting class. Smalls becomes the third of four transfer visitors to commit to the Razorbacks, joining Julian Neal (Stanford) and Trent Whalen (Kent State).
Smalls Brings Experience and Versatility to Razorbacks’ Secondary
Shakur Smalls brings a wealth of experience to Arkansas’ defense, having played in 38 games over the past five seasons. During that span, he’s recorded 164 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 20 pass breakups, four interceptions, and three forced fumbles—making him one of the most productive FCS defensive backs in recent years.
Earlier this week, Smalls shared that Arkansas plans to utilize him primarily at nickelback or safety, roles that suit his physicality and versatility. Despite Arkansas having more than a dozen scholarship defensive backs on the roster, the addition of a proven playmaker like Smalls adds valuable depth and experience to a competitive secondary.
According to his agent, Smalls has also drawn interest from several SEC and Big Ten programs, further highlighting his impact potential at the Power Five level.
Arkansas Reshapes Secondary Under New Leadership Amid Defensive Overhaul
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Razorbacks are undergoing a major transformation on defense, especially in the secondary, as new defensive backs coach Nick Perry takes the reins in his first season with the program. Perry inherits a unit that has struggled significantly in recent years, ranking among the worst in the FBS in two of the last three seasons.
In 2024, Arkansas’ secondary fell to No. 108 nationally in pass defense, surrendering just over 242 yards per game through the air. As a whole, the Razorbacks’ defense allowed 376 yards and 25 points per contest, placing them 73rd and 66th in the country in those respective categories.
Perry arrives with a strong NFL background, most recently serving as a quality control assistant with the Seattle Seahawks. His experience is expected to bring a fresh perspective and much-needed structure to a secondary that’s been in rebuilding mode throughout the offseason.
Injuries have already impacted the spring, with Cincinnati transfer Jordan Young still recovering, forcing Arkansas to lean even more on its new additions. The Razorbacks added several defensive backs through the winter portal period, including Quentavius Scandrett (Eastern Michigan), Caleb Wooden (Auburn), and Kani Walker (Oklahoma). Despite last year’s pass coverage ranking of No. 111 nationally, head coach Sam Pittman has praised the new group for their effort and commitment to improvement.
One of the most exciting newcomers is JUCO standout Keshawn Davilla, ranked as the No. 1 cornerback and No. 6 overall JUCO prospect by 247Sports. The Northwest Mississippi Community College product is already making a push for a spot in the rotation this fall.
With Perry leading the charge and a revamped group of defensive backs in place, Arkansas is determined to flip the script and build a more competitive secondary for the 2025 season.
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