Arkansas’ Miss Transfer Portal…
Arkansas still has a lot of work ahead of it in terms of filling its remaining needs for 2024, even after adding eight fresh transfers in December. During the five-day visit window for midyear transfers, which started on Monday and ends on Sunday, the Razorbacks hosted a number of official guests.
Even though there were nearly 100 names on this list, many of the transfer targets have been eliminated in the last two weeks, which helps to simplify things as we approach the finish line. The following are some more names you should be aware of as possible Hog targets:
When South Alabama transfer Marquise Robinson announced his choice to choose the Hogs on Friday, Arkansas secured a commitment from a cornerback. After hosting UAB transfer BJ Mayes for a one-day tour, the Razorbacks are still searching for more. Mayes, 6-1, 185, attended Incarnate Word for his first two years before transferring to the Blazers. After receiving offers from numerous schools, including Texas A&M, Auburn, Kentucky, TCU, and Arkansas, he is now among the defensive backs most sought after on the transfer portal.
With one year of eligibility remaining, Mayes recorded 41 tackles, two interceptions, and ten pass breakups in 2023 at his next location, which Arkansas defensive backs coach Deron Wilson hopes will be Fayetteville, Arkansas.
“Coach (Deron) Wilson,” Mayes remarked, “there was a strong interest and a strong sense of ‘We need you out here’ after they offered and we began the recruitment process. You had to visit this place; you will adore it. Come on out now.
The amount of playing time and the part he seen me performing at Arkansas. The way he expected me to arrive and take charge right away. I sensed his role, his energy, and the possibility that I could step in and carry it out. In essence, we are in agreement.”
Wilson and the Hogs intend to continue bolstering the secondary with more seasoned leadership.
Mayes remarked, “They want me to come in and be the vet guy.” “They said they had a younger DB group right now, he wants me to come in and let some of my leadership and experience from the past seasons that I played rub off on the younger guys and vet them up.”
Throughout the last few days of a five-day visitation window for midyear transfers, Mayes will have the opportunity to see more than just Arkansas.
“Yeah I got (Texas) A&M on Saturday, and I’m in the works on doing something with Kentucky,” Mayes replied.
With a 72.9 Pro Football Focus ranking in 2023—which included a 77.8 coverage mark—Mayes is focused on enhancing his game.
“Development, NFL development for that next level,” he stated. “This is my last year, I’m just trying to be mentally and physically ready for the NFL.”
Week 3 of the 2024 season will see UAB visit Fayetteville, giving Mayes, should he decide to play his senior year on The Hill, an opportunity to play against his old team.
That would be insane, Mayes agreed. “That would be great, definitely.”
Any information about the part they envision you playing?
Mayes, a native of Houston, Texas, has connections to two defensive backs who choose the Hogs.
“Snaxx (Johnson) number one and (Dwight) McGlothern who is going to the league right now,” added he. Yes, I got along well with him. They were seniors when I played for them in the tenth grade, and we met at a couple of the tournaments I participated in.”
