The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff received a commitment from a graduate transfer from another HBCU on Friday.
Savannah State offensive lineman Steven Wakefield announced his commitment to UAPB on X, formerly Twitter. He has two years of eligibility remaining.
The 6-foot-1-inch, 280-pound Athens, Georgia, native helps fill an area of need for the Golden Lions. Head coach Alonzo Hampton said after the Black and Gold game three of the linemen who played with the first team were walk-ons. Wakefield provides UAPB an experienced addition to the group.
Wakefield has played for SSU since 2020, one year after the Tigers dropped to Division II. SSU had success early in Wakefield’s time there, going 8-2 in 2021, but fell to 5-5 in 2022 and 2-8 in 2023.
Last year, the Tigers averaged 104.6 rushing yards per game and allowed 22 sacks in 10 games. The Golden Lions averaged 134.6 yards per game and allowed 18 sacks in 11 games but must replace key departures such as Ryan Atkins, who exhausted his eligibility, and Calvin Lester III, who entered the transfer portal.
Wakefield is the second transfer commitment UAPB has received this spring, joining Lindenwood running back Chris Gannaway, a Bryant native.
Hampton said during and immediately after spring practice he wants to add 15-20 players before fall camp.