Arkansas picks up three commitments for gridiron

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas picked up three commitments from the portal since the beginning of the weekend.
The Hogs are now up to six commitments. This weekend they added San Jose State offensive tackle Fernando Carmona, 6-5, 315, Hawaii kicker Matthew Shipley, 6-1, 190, and Tennessee defensive back Doneiko Slaughter, 6-0, 190.
Carmona visited Arkansas Wednesday through Friday. He was at UCLA last weekend and then canceled a scheduled visit to Auburn for this weekend. Carmona chose the Hogs over UCLA, Auburn, Ole Miss, Michigan State, South Carolina and Texas Tech.
Carmona, who started 24 games, helped SJSU become the third-best (27th nationally) rushing offense in the country this season as well as protecting Cordeiro’s blind side.
“Fernando Carmona is one of the best young leaders I’ve ever seen on a football team,” (Brent) Brennan earlier this season to the East Bay Times.
“Coach (Sam) Pittman is second to none dude,” Carmona said. “He’s very himself. You can tell the entire visit. He’s just a ball of joy. His wife is an amazing lady. I had a great time with Coach (Eric) Mateos and all the guys that have been a round so it’s been an amazing time.“

As a senior in 2023, Slaughter finished with 32 tackles, 26 solo, a sack and one pass breakup. He had 11 tackles against Georgia. Following the official visit, Slaughter talked about Arkansas and why he committed.
“I love the defense here,” Slaughter said. “The defensive staff they’re not new. They know how to develop guys. I have a good connection here with the coaches that’s for real. That’s a big thing for me going into my last season. I’ve got to make the most of it. The coaches will be developing me throughout the whole process.”
Shipley will come in with the expectation to replace three-year starter Cam Little who departed for the 2024 NFL Draft. Shipley was a junior at Hawaii who is from Liberty Hill, Texas.
Shipley was 14-of-18 on field goals this season with a long of 51. He was 30-of-31 on point after touchdowns. He punted 60 times for an average of 39.5 yards with 10 going 50 yards or longer.
The three join Boise State quarterback Taylen Green, 6-6, 221, Eastern Michigan tight Andreas Paaske, 6-6, 255, and Michigan State offensive linemen Keyshawn Blackstock, 6-5, 325.