New linebacker paves the path for returning SEC players.
Pittman potentially secured a transfer gem to aid Arkansas in returning to form.
In Fayetteville, Arkansas, the Razorbacks have secured another top-ranked transfer according to PFF College.
Stephen Dix, arriving from Marshall University, stood out as one of the top linebackers in the Sun Belt last season. He concluded his tenure at Marshall with impressive stats, ranking third on the team with 67 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks in just one season with the Herd.
He transferred to Marshall after missing the entire 2022 season with Florida State. Dix began his college career with the Seminoles during the COVID-19 shortened 2020 season. The 6-foot-2, 235-pound linebacker appeared in all nine games, starting the final five, and concluded the season with 45 tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss.
During the 2020 recruiting cycle, the Razorbacks showed interest in Dix from high school but did not extend an offer. He ultimately chose Florida State over schools such as Florida, Kentucky, Louisville, Miami, Michigan, Nebraska, Mississippi State, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Ohio State.
Dix is not the sole transfer highlighted by PFF as a top returner this offseason. Anton Juncaj, formerly of Albany, garnered acclaim after an FCS All-American season, dominating his competition before making the leap to the SEC.
Since assuming the role in 2020, Pittman has proven adept at identifying transfer talent. Initially cautious about embracing the transfer portal, the Arkansas coach adapted as the college football landscape evolved.
Following a disappointing 4-8 season, the Razorbacks’ linebacker corps experienced a significant departure of key players. Pittman and defensive coordinator Travis Williams faced the challenge of replenishing the unit after the exits of Chris Paul, Jaheim Thomas, and Jordan Crook.
Williams, who doubles as linebackers coach, played a crucial role in securing transfers such as former 5-star Georgia standout Xavian Sorey during the winter transfer period. Another noteworthy addition this spring is Larry Worth, previously with Jacksonville State.
Worth amassed 63 tackles, which included six tackles for loss and three sacks against opponents from Conference USA. He contributed seven stops and one tackle for loss in a closely contested game against South Carolina, nearly causing an upset.
The 2024 recruiting class also welcomed four promising high school linebackers. Bradley Shaw, a surprise addition from Hoover, Alabama, rated as a 4-star prospect. Additionally, high 3-star recruits Justin Logan, Wyatt Simmons, and Julius ‘JuJu’ Pope add depth and potential for the future.
Here is the current scholarship chart for linebackers at Arkansas:
– Xavian Sorey, RS Junior
– Stephen Dix, RS Junior
– Larry Worth, Junior
– Kaden Henley, RS Sophomore
– Brad Spence, Sophomore
– Alex Sanford, Sophomore
– Carson Dean, RS Freshman
– Justin Logan, Freshman
– Bradley Shaw, Freshman
– Wyatt Simmons, Freshman
– JuJu Pope, Freshman
