Former Missouri defensive lineman Markell Utsey is transferring to Arkansas. Utsey went public with his decision on Sunday, becoming Arkansas’ third incoming scholarship transfer for the upcoming season. Utsey, 6-4, 295, is a Little Rock (Ark.) Parkview graduate who signed with the Tigers out of high school in the Class of 2016.
The defensive lineman entered the transfer portal on April 16. Most expected Utsey to land at Arkansas, given the Razorbacks’ current need for interior defensive linemen and Utsey’s strong connection to former Missouri head coach Barry Odom, who is now entering his second year as defensive coordinator for the Hogs.
Utsey will be a senior for the Razorbacks after taking advantage of the additional year of eligibility due to COVID-19. Last year, he finished ninth on the team in tackles with 19, which included 2 tackles for loss through 9 games. In 2019, Utsey had 9 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and a forced fumble in 12 games played.
Here’s more on Utsey from Missouri’s official football website:
“A powerful competitor who uses his strength and size to be a force in the trenches … A three-star recruit by ESPN, Scout.com and 247Sports and a two-star prospect by Rivals … Is a top-100 defensive tackle according to ESPN, Scout and 247Sports, ranking as high as No. 81 nationally by Scout.com … Coached by William Hardiman at Parkview High School … All-Conference All-Star and team captain as a senior … Had 65 tackles, eight tackles for loss, six sacks, three forced fumbles and two pass deflections as a senior … All-State and team’s defensive lineman of the year as a junior and also posted the highest GPA on the team that year … Parents: Alphonso Utsey and Crystal Braadland … Cited the fact that he has wanted to play in the SEC since he was a kid and the straight-forward approach of the Mizzou coaches during his recruiting process as key reasons for his signing … Enjoys working out, swimming, playing video games and listening to R&B music away from football … Is currently undecided on his major at Mizzou … Primary recruiter: DeMontie Cross … Chose Mizzou over Arizona, Arkansas, Baylor, Memphis and North Carolina among others.”
Last week, Arkansas was the first to offer Illinois State defensive tackle John Ridgeway. Since the Hogs jumped on board, Ridgeway has seen new offers roll in from Texas, Tennessee, Penn State, Iowa, Illinois, and others.
Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman spoke recently about which positions outside of the defensive line that he’d like to address in the transfer portal.
“You know, probably…not. Well, we might take a tight end,” Pittman said. “But I’d like to be able to get in 12-personnel, two tight ends on the field at the same time. The bottom line is whoever we took, it would have to be a D-lineman or somebody with the ball in his hand. I don’t think we’d take an offensive lineman in the portal right now.”
In addition to Utsey, the Razorbacks have also landed incoming transfers in offensive lineman Ty’Kieast Crawford (Charlotte) and defensive back Trent Gordon (Penn State). The Hogs also brought in quarterback Kade Renfro from Ole Miss, but he is a walk-on for the time being.
Here’s a look at Arkansas’ updated scholarship distribution at the defensive tackle position:
2021 Scholarship Roster
3-star Markell Utsey (6-4, 305, R-Sr.)
3-star Jalen Williams (6-3, 310, Jr.)
3-star Isaiah Nichols (6-3, 281, R-So.)
3-star Nick Fulwider (6-7, 301, R-So.)
3-star Marcus Miller (6-5, 307, R-Fr.)
3-star Taurean Carter (6-3, 291, R-Fr.)
3-star Enoch Jackson (6-0, 298, R-Fr.)
3-star Andy Boykin (6-4, 314, Fr.)
3-star Cameron Ball (6-5, 303, Fr.)
3-star Solomon Wright (6-0, 270, Fr.)
