Photos courtesy of University of Missouri Communication's Office

By Otis Kirk

FAYETTEVILLE -- Arkansas added a key defensive piece on Sunday when former Missouri and first-team All-SEC defensive end Trajan Jeffcoat announced for the Hogs.

Jeffcoat, 6-4, 269, entered the transfer portal on Jan. 9. He's from Columbia (S.C.) Irmo High School and it was thought he would go to South Carolina. However, those plans fell through and Arkansas pounced on the opportunity to land an impact defensive recruit from the transfer portal.

At Arkansas, Jeffcoat will begin classes today and has one season of eligibility remaining. He played in 48 games for the Tigers since enrolling there in 2018. In 2022, Jeffcoat played in each game and finished with 21 tackles, 2.5 for loss and a sack.

He was outstanding in 2020 when he finished with 23 tackles, six for loss, half dozen sacks, seven quarterback hurries and one forced fumble. Against the Razorbacks in Columbia, Jeffcoat had five tackles and sacked KJ Jefferson once. He was named to the Associated Press All-SEC first-team.

In 2018 as a true freshman, he had seven tackles and one sack. The sack came against Arkansas in a 38-0 Missouri win in Columbia. He redshirted in 2019. In 2021, Jeffcoat had 34 tackles, 23 solo, 10 for loss, 3.5 sacks and four quarterback hurries.

Arkansas will use the transfer portal in April to help finish out the roster.

Arkansas’ Commitments From Portal

Jacolby Criswell, QB, 6-1, 205, North Carolina

Andrew Armstrong, WR, 6-5, 189, Texas A&M-Commerce

Isaac TeSlaa, WR, 6-4, 210, Hillsdale College

Tyrone Broden, WR, 6-7, 210, Bowling Green

Joshua Braun, OL, 6-6, 335, Florida

John Morgan III, Edge, 6-2, 265, Pitt

Trajan Jeffcoat, DE, 6-4, 269, Missouri

Antonio Grier, LB, 6-1, 223, South Florida

Lorando Johnson, CB, 6-0, 193, Baylor

Alfahiym Walcott, S, 6-2, 220, Baylor