Ryan Silverfield’s first full recruiting class at Arkansas picked up two commitments in a single afternoon Thursday.
As a result, the Razorbacks jumped more than 10 spots in the national team rankings as a result.
Four-star offensive tackle Alijah Shaw of Leawood, Kan., committed to the Hogs in the afternoon, becoming the 18th pledge in the 2027 class.
Earlier in the day, Arlington (Texas) cornerback Kevin Grant announced for Arkansas as well, giving Fayetteville two additions in one day.
The pair pushed the Razorbacks from 49th to 35th in the nation, leap-frogging Missouri, Tennessee, Indiana and Alabama into the top 10 of the SEC.
Shaw brings rare size to offensive line
Shaw plays at Blue Valley North on the Kansas side of the Kansas City metro.
At 6-foot-9 and roughly 290 pounds, he’s a long, athletic prospect with the kind of upside offensive line coach Jeff Myers prioritized when he extended an offer on Dec. 22, 2025.
It was nearly as soon as he joined the Silverfield staff in Fayetteville.
Shaw took an official visit to Northwest Arkansas the weekend of May 29, and that trip sealed it.
He chose the Hogs over a final four that included Wisconsin, Boston College and Oklahoma State.
According to 247Sports, Shaw ranks as the No. 31 offensive tackle and No. 2 recruit in Kansas for the 2027 cycle with a national ranking of No. 269.
Shaw joins four-star OT Odaefe Oruru of Jenks, Oklahoma as a second bookend target in this class.
It’s the first time since 2023 that Arkansas has landed multiple four-star offensive linemen in a single cycle and the last time before that was 2015 when Sam Pittman was coaching the Razorbacks’ offensive line.
Grant brings speed, versatility to secondary
The earlier commitment of the afternoon came from Kevin Grant, a 5-foot-11, 195-pound defensive back from Martin High School in Arlington, Texas.
Grant picked the Hogs over Tulsa, UNLV, San Diego State and North Texas, and made his decision just days after completing an official visit to Fayetteville.
He’s a 247Sports borderline four-star prospect graded at 89 and ranks No. 44 among cornerbacks nationally in the 2027 class.
On the field, Grant recorded 24 tackles, three interceptions and a kick block during his junior season while also contributing on offense with 10 catches for 113 yards and a touchdown.
His track résumé is what separates him athletically. Grant has posted a 4.3-second 40-yard dash, a 40-inch vertical, a 46-foot-10 triple jump and a 6-foot-4 high jump.
That speed and burst translates directly to the secondary.
More visitors on way
The work isn’t done.
Four-star wide receiver Alvin Mosley is set to visit this weekend and will announce his decision June 27, choosing between Arkansas, Texas, Houston and Ole Miss.
Three-star linebacker Bryce Breeden and junior college offensive lineman Zavian Chones-Ashmore are also expected in Fayetteville soon.
