FAYETTEVILLE -- The transfer portal taketh and giveth with Arkansas a perfect example of that.
Arkansas has had four football players enter the transfer portal since it opened Monday, April 15. The Hogs have seen punter Max Fletcher, offensive lineman Paris Patterson, running back Isaiah Augustave and quarterback Jacolby Criswell leave the team.
This weekend, the Razorbacks started adding players from the transfer portal. Arkansas added former Florida State running back Rodney Hill, 5-10, 190, and Jacksonville State linebacker Larry Worth, 6-4, 220, this weekend. Both took an official visit to Arkansas Friday and Saturday.
Hill played two seasons at Florida State. In 2023, Hill rushed 50 times for 190 yards and one touchdowns. He also caught five passes for 83 yards. He talked about why he committed to Arkansas.
"Just the place this is my first time to be up here," Hill said. "The first portal I was in I was debating on coming here because I had never seen the place. Coach (Sam) Pittman and Coach (Miles) Fishback were just putting it on me I should come up here. This portal, when it opened up, they called me back. I came up and I love it here. I didn't know it was this nice. I'm a country boy. I like to fish and hunt. That's all I do. I was pretty happy that I got to be here. I'm glad they took a chance on me and let me come. I'm happy to be a Razorback."
During spring practice, Jimmy Smith left to coach running backs at TCU. Pittman hired Kolby Smith who has experience playing and coaching in the NFL. That impressed Hill.
"Most definitely coming from the NFL, the Dolphins, he can show me how I can get to the league," Hill said. "I feel like Coach Smith can take me to the next level with my work ethic. All the tools he will give me I will use on the field. I will be a special team's player, I can play offense. I will try to be an all-around player like I was at Florida State. Just keep improving my game."
In 2023, Worth had 63 tackles, 28 solo, six for loss, four sacks, one interception, two pass breakups, three quarterback hurries, forced a fumble and recovered one. He talked about why he chose the Hogs over Pitt, Minnesota and others.
"Just fits me schematically," Worth said. "I can make a lot of plays. I can make an immediate impact."
Worth talked about how he fits in at linebacker with the young group Travis Williams has put together.
"I bring a lot of versatility," Worth said. "You can throw me in where ever you need a play made on defense. I promise you are going to have a play made."
They have a talented linebacker room but it's young and inexperienced. You feel you will bring some experience to that room?
"Yes that is what I would bring to the table," Worth said. "A lot of experience and help the young guys out. They need some experience."
Arkansas being in the SEC also appeals to Worth.
"Yes sir," Worth said. "The scouts can see I'm playing against the best talent. The best conference in college football and it translates to the league."
Arkansas now has seven scholarships remaining for the Class of 2024. It's known they want two defensive tackles, at least a pair of offensive linemen including a center, a wide receiver and probably best available players remain the priorities.
Photo credit for Hill goes to Otis Kirk. Photo credit for Worth goest to Jacksonville State Communication's Office.
