Bradley Shaw, a junior linebacker for the Arkansas Razorbacks, is slated to start and command the defense this fall after a standout spring.
In his sophomore campaign he logged 50 tackles, including 24 solo stops, five tackles for loss, two sacks and a forced fumble, numbers that have earned the confidence of the coaching staff.
Coach Ron Roberts highlighted Shaw’s physical transformation, noting he shed nearly 20 pounds during the offseason, a change that has sharpened his lateral quickness and allowed him to cover more ground.
Roberts and linebackers coach Cannon Gibbs have worked closely with Shaw to refine his leadership style, emphasizing the need to keep teammates motivated, execute correct checks and foster collective improvement.
Depth and Rotation
The defense will feature a wave of new faces, among them Ja'Quavion Smith, Phoenix Jackson, Jeremy Evans, Ben Bogle and redshirt sophomore Wyatt Simmons, who are expected to contribute on both defensive snaps and special teams.
To manage fatigue, Roberts plans a rotation that will keep players fresh, potentially deploying several of them in special‑team roles throughout games.
The team’s chemistry has grown from spring through fall camp, with a shared grasp of the playbook and a unified approach that promises a more cohesive unit on the field.