Arkansas football continues to mine the transfer portal for familiar faces, and another former Memphis Tiger could soon be on his way to Fayetteville. Wide receiver Jamari Hawkins, who previously played under current Arkansas head coach Ryan Silverfield, is expected to visit the Razorbacks tomorrow as he weighs his next destination. All signs are currently pointing in Arkansas’ favor.
Jamari Hawkins’ Big-Play Potential
Hawkins enters the portal as an intriguing upside addition rather than a headline-grabbing splash, but his skill set fits well with what Arkansas is trying to build offensively. The former Tiger recorded 38 receptions for 623 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his ability to stretch the field and generate chunk plays. While he hasn’t yet developed into a major touchdown producer, owning just two career scores, his big-play ability is undeniable.
One of Hawkins’ most impressive traits is his efficiency. He averaged 16.4 yards per catch, ranking 52nd nationally, a clear indicator of his vertical threat potential. With legitimate speed, Hawkins has the ability to take the top off defenses and force safeties to respect his presence, opening up opportunities elsewhere in the offense.
Physically, Hawkins checks in at 5’9”, 185 pounds, placing him on the smaller side for an SEC wideout. However, what he lacks in size he makes up for with quickness, acceleration, and playmaking ability once the ball is in his hands. He’s the type of receiver who can turn routine touches into explosive gains if given space.
Context matters when evaluating his production at Memphis. The Tigers leaned heavily on a run-first offensive approach last season, tailoring their scheme to quarterback Brendon Lewis’ strengths as a runner. As a result, Hawkins was not a featured target in the passing game, limiting his overall volume and scoring opportunities.
Why Arkansas Makes Sense
A potential move to Arkansas could unlock more of his ceiling. In Tim Cramsey’s offense, paired with a quarterback more capable of consistently pushing the ball downfield, Hawkins could see a significant uptick in usage. Another year of development in a more pass-friendly environment could allow his speed and explosiveness to truly shine.
While Hawkins wouldn’t be the most high-profile portal addition, he would add valuable competition and depth to the Razorbacks’ receiver room. With increased opportunity, his impact could outweigh the modest expectations surrounding his recruitment.
If Arkansas and Hawkins are able to finalize a deal, this could turn into one of those under-the-radar portal moves that quietly pays dividends over the course of the season.