The Arkansas Razorbacks have added a key player to their secondary with the commitment of Shakur Smalls, a transfer from the University of Maine. Smalls, who made his decision shortly after an official visit to Fayetteville, is a seasoned defensive back standing 6 feet tall and weighing 205 pounds. Originally from Pennsylvania, he brings a wealth of experience to the Razorbacks, having played in 36 games over four seasons with the Black Bears. During his time at Maine, he tallied 165 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 20 pass breakups, and four interceptions.
Reliable and Versatile Defensive Asset
In 2024, Smalls made a significant impact across 11 games, ranking fifth on his team with 43 tackles, while also recording six pass breakups and one interception. His well-rounded performance earned him strong evaluations from Pro Football Focus, with a 74.1 overall defensive grade, a 74.3 in run defense, and a 73.5 in coverage over 400 snaps. At Arkansas, he is expected to play either safety or the hybrid “Hog” position, depending on how his skillset aligns with the defensive scheme. Smalls’ ability to cover the field, support against the run, and defend in space provides the Razorbacks with a flexible, high-impact option in the secondary for his final year of eligibility.
Smalls attracted attention from multiple Power Five programs, including teams in the SEC, ACC, and Big Ten. However, after visiting Fayetteville, he canceled remaining visits, including one to Pitt. “It was a no-brainer just getting on campus,” Smalls said, emphasizing the importance of team culture in his decision. He praised Arkansas defensive coordinator Travis Williams and defensive backs coach Marcus Woodson for creating a strong, value-driven environment focused on unity and accountability.