Coming off a disappointing season that saw Arkansas finish with a 4-8 (1-7 SEC) overall record, head coach Sam Pittman and the rest of the Razorbacks' coaching staff set out to make considerable changes to the roster through the 2024 high school recruiting class.
With 17 commitments and 16 signees, Pittman hopes that the scholarship newcomers will help in the effort to turn around the program in the wake of the new 12-team College Football Playoff structure.
HawgBeat will profile each of the new freshmen from the 34th nationally ranked recruiting class to help fans familiarize themselves with the fresh faces on the roster ahead of spring practice and the 2024 season.
Next up, we will look at four-star linebacker Bradley Shaw out of Hoover, Alabama.
Note: 2024 four-star WR signee Ashton Bethel-Roman has been released from his letter of intent, a team spokesperson confirmed to HawgBeat.
Ranked as the 16 overall player in the state of Alabama and 16th at his position, Shaw received offers from programs like Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Georgia, Ole Miss, Notre Dame, USC and Washington before ultimately committing to the Razorbacks on Dec. 25, 2023.
Standing at 6-foot-1, 215-pounds, Shaw was selected to play in the 2024 All-American Bowl after racking up 109 total tackles, four tackles for loss, three quarterback hurries and one pass breakup this season for the Hoover (HS) Bucs.
A recipient of the 2023 ASWA 7A Lineman of the Year Award, Shaw has the potential to contribute immediately for the Razorbacks next season.
With great feel and awareness over the middle of the field and athleticism to go sideline-to-sideline, Shaw possesses the raw talent to play a significant number of snaps as a freshman.
During his senior season, Shaw impacted the scoreboard in a variety of ways by registering touchdowns on offense, defense and even special teams during the campaign.
Under Arkansas defensive coordinator Travis Williams, Shaw's explosive playmaking ability will be utilized well as a blitzer or by popping pads between the tackles.
Shaw will join a linebacker room ravaged by transfer portal departures. Georgia transfer Xavian Sorey Jr. and returning sophomore Brad Spence will be the primary competition alongside Alex Sanford, Carson Dean and Kaden Henley.
Other Newcomer Profiles:
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