SEC Spring Breakout Player: Arkansas LB Bradley Shaw

(Photo courtesy of 247sports.com)

By Chris Marler

Our SEC Spring Breakout Player series continues with Arkansas linebacker Bradley Shaw.

High Expectations for Year Two

As Shaw enters his second year with the Razorbacks, he looks poised to take a massive step forward this season. A former four-star recruit from Hoover High School in Birmingham, Alabama, he arrived at Arkansas with high expectations. Ranked as a consensus top-300 prospect, Shaw drew interest from over 25 programs nationwide before ultimately choosing the Razorbacks.

Major Recruiting Win for Arkansas

4-star LB Bradley Shaw commits to Hogs: Four-star linebacker Bradley Shaw has committed to Arkansas over Clemson and numerous other schools.https://t.co/VEtXxyJbi1

— Richard Davenport (@ArRecruitingGuy) December 25, 2023

Notably, Shaw’s offer list included teams like Notre Dame, Clemson, and Colorado, as well as 12 teams in the SEC. He ultimately chose Arkansas over Clemson in a massive recruiting win for the Razorbacks. 

Shaw is listed at 6-foot, 225 pounds and is described as a “true three down linebacker.” That’s huge for an Arkansas team that lost over 51% of its production on defense from a season ago, which ranks 88th in the country. Shaw played in 12 games for the Razorbacks in his true freshman season, collecting 12 total tackles.

Insight from ESPN Arkansas’ Tye Richardson

We talked to Tye Richardson of Hit That Line on ESPN Arkansas, and he had this to say…

“He was down between Arkansas and Clemson around signing day and ended up selecting the Razorbacks. He’s a Georgia kid. He’s the guy on defense. The guy. Especially when the Metcalf brothers went to Michigan. That’s the one on defense that stands out especially in a linebacking corps that needs some help along with Xavian Sorey.”

Strengths Beyond Measurables

Shaw won’t blow anyone away with his measurables. The 6-foot listing in the media guide is being kind. However, his biggest strength isn’t how fast he is between the sidelines, it’s how smart he is between the ears. 

Impact of Travis Williams’ Coaching

Shaw’s instincts and intelligence make him a force on the field, and he should continue to develop in Travis Williams’ defense. With Williams as his mentor, Shaw gains a significant advantage. Not only has Williams served as Arkansas’ defensive coordinator for two seasons, but he also brings valuable experience as a former All-SEC linebacker at Auburn and a seasoned linebackers coach. This background could be instrumental in Shaw’s growth and success.

In four years at Auburn as the Tigers linebackers coach, Williams had three 1st team All-SEC players. The only year he didn’t was the year one of his linebackers led the SEC in total tackles. 

Teaming Up with Xavian Sorey

Teaming up with Xavian Sorey at linebacker, and being in year two of his time in Fayetteville should pay off in a big way for everyone, especially Shaw.

Check out more of our SEC coverage here.