Reports have LaFrance putting name into transfer portal

Just a couple of days after Chad Morris said he was improving, redshirt junior Giovanni LaFrance has entered the NCAA’s transfer portal, according to multiple media reports.

Morris said Tuesday he was pleased with his progression, along with linebacker Deon Edwards, who hasn’t seen the field very often, either.

“Both of these two guys are coming into their own,” Morris said. “Why? Because I believe they see guys around them that have elevated their game and they’re like, “If I don’t pick my game up, I”m fixing to fall behind.”

LaFrance appeared in 11 games and had four tackles. Most of his time was on special teams, getting just eight plays on defense last year.

He was one of just nine scholarship linebackers on the roster.

LaFrance was splitting time with redshirt freshman Andrew Parker at middle linebacker behind De’Jon Harris and Grant Morgan.

He was a three-star linebacker out of St. Augustine High in New Orleans, turning down offers from Arizona State, California, Louisville, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, Utah and several others.

His departure means Arkansas now has only 77 players on scholarship, eight below the NCAA limit. There are still two slots available for transfers, while the rest would have to be awarded to walk-ons who have been in the program for at least two seasons.

They could choose to save them for the 2020 class.