Drew Sanders named Arkansas’ “key newcomer” from the Transfer Portal

Sanders will be a key addition to the Razorback defense with his incredible pass rush ability, says On3.

Arkansas Football received nine players from the Transfer Portal for the 2022 recruiting cycle, with each athlete adding an individual element that will make the Razorbacks better.

For linebacker [autotag]Drew Sanders[/autotag], his ability to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks’ provides a much-needed boost to the Razorbacks’ defense.

Out of all nine transfers, expect Sanders to be the “key newcomer” says Mike Huguenin of On3.

Huguenin named his picks for the key newcomer from the transfer portal for each program of the SEC West and says that the Alabama transfer barely beat out wide receiver [autotag]Jadon Haselwood[/autotag], a transfer from Oklahoma, for the top spot for the Razorbacks.

WR Jadon Haselwood, a transfer from Oklahoma, is getting a lot of attention, but Sanders’ pass-rush ability could be vital for the Hogs. Both Haselwood and Sanders are former five-star recruits; Haselwood was so-so at OU, while Sanders got squeezed out for playing time with the Tide. Arkansas had 25 sacks last season, but only 13 in the eight SEC games. Revving up that aspect of the defense is a must, and that’s why Sanders’ arrival is so important. Sanders (6-5, 232) has good size, is a solid athlete and holds up nicely against the run.

Sanders played in 12 games for Alabama, starting in three games at the beginning of the 2021 season. In his limited playing time with Alabama, Sanders recorded 24 tackles, with 2.5 for loss. The Denton, Texas native saw action in 11 games during the 2020 season, where he made nine tackles.

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