Story by
Ft. Smith Southwest Times Record
Why Arkansas football is moving top transfer linebacker into secondary
- Story byFt. Smith Southwest Times Record
- Why Arkansas football is moving top transfer linebacker into secondary
FAYETTEVILLE — Khmori House was one of the top linebackers available in this offseason's transfer portal. He led North Carolina with 81 tackles and was named honorable mention All-ACC.
With Arkansas football , House won't even play the position.
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The rising junior from southern California is moving to the secondary with the Razorbacks . He'll play the Star position for defensive coordinator Ron Roberts , which is essentially the nickel cornerback. He'll be in charge of defending slot receivers and making an impact against the run game from the interior of the Arkansas secondary.
Arkansas secondary coaches Deron Wilson and Eddie Hicks both took to the press conference podium on Monday, March 30. They explained the decision to move House was a natural one based on his game tape and his strengths as a player.
"(House) was playing linebacker last year, but when you watch him cover in man to man situations, you would never knew that he played backer," Arkansas defensive backs coach Deron Wilson said. "He's a really, really good football player. Smart, instinctive, the best way I could describe him is active."
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During the first week of spring practices, House ran with the defensive starters at the position. The other cornerbacks consistently working with the first-team unit were Maryland transfers La'khi Roland and Braydon Lee and Tulane transfer Jahiem Johnson.
House is excited about the move. He always felt like he would eventually leave the the linebacker position due to his versatility. Coach Wilson said he is a great blitzer, and that skillset can be capitalized on more as a nickel coming off the edge.
For Roberts, who is about to begin his first season as Arkansas' defensive coordinator, this transition was years in the making.
In 2023, Roberts was the defensive coordinator at Auburn. He recruited House out of St. John Bosco High School (Bellflower, California), and the idea was for the player to be a nickel cornerback.
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Two years later, that relationship played a key role in House committing to Arkansas.
"I always remember that. So when (Roberts) called me, it just kind of started clicking," House said. "When I got here, they walked me through it. Coach (Wilson) and Coach (CJ Wilford) walked me through it, like what I was going to do and how I fit the scheme. I feel like it all just, you know, started lining up, and it's just the best for me going forward."
House went on to say there aren't too many adjustments for him at the new position.
At North Carolina, he was a linebacker that guarded running backs, slot receivers and tight ends in the passing game. The biggest thing he has to focus on is ditching some old habits.
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"Just being used to being away from the offensive line, and it's not that big of a difference," House said. "I feel like there are rules at each position that you got to lock into, and you know, just keeping my eyes right and disciplined. Not getting nosy with what's going on inside and in the box."
The switch does open up some questions about Arkansas' depth at his former position. Without House, the Hogs only have five linebackers with Power 4 experience. Returnees Bradley Shaw and Wyatt Simmons will compete with transfers Ben Bogle ( West Virginia ), Phoenix Jackson (Baylor) and Jeremy Evans (Baylor).
But the move could improve an Arkansas secondary that ranked 104th nationally in passing yards allowed per game in 2025. The only returnee in the secondary is Miguel Mitchell, who started his career with Wilson at Florida .
Jackson Fuller covers Arkansas football , basketball and baseball for the Southwest Times Record, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at jfuller@usatodayco.com or follow him @jacksonfuller16 on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Why Arkansas football is moving transfer LB Khmori House into secondary
