FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas football is busy in the transfer portal trying to make additions while holding onto important pieces already on the roster.

The Razorbacks have already secured commitments from a linebacker and a running back out of the portal. They're still hunting linemen on both sides of the ball, with the depth up front remaining the biggest question mark for the program.

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Still, strides were made in the spring. Here's a look at five players from last year's team who saw their stock rise over the past two months, and what their roles could be in the fall.

Wide receiver Tyrone Broden

Broden quickly became Taylen Green's favorite target in spring practices and carried that into the Red-White Game, where he made five catches for 60 yards and a touchdown. Head coach Sam Pittman said an uptick in confidence has played the biggest role in Broden's development.

Broden could easily be Arkansas' leading receiver this coming season and is a lock to start alongside Andrew Armstrong out wide.

Defensive end Nico Davillier

Albany transfer Anton Juncaj was widely expected to earn a starting spot after putting up 15 sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss with the Great Danes last season, but Davillier held on to his role with the first-team defense all spring.

Davillier showed a versatile game this spring. Rushing the passer is his primary responsibility, but he also showed good strength against the run, and defensive coordinator Travis Williams appreciates Davillier's ability to drop in coverage. The defensive line will rotate, but Davillier has the inside track to a starting spot.

Punter Devin Bale

Max Fletcher was one of the best punters in the country last season, but Bale was exceptional this spring and turned the starting job into a competition. Eventually, Fletcher entered the transfer portal and bolted for Cincinnati.

Arkansas could still bring in a punter through the portal, but whoever arrives will have to compete with Bale. The junior had a pair of punts clear 60 yards in the spring game and was the more consistent punter in practices.

Cornerback Kee'yon Stewart

Stewart experienced a similar spring to Davillier. He was expected to be usurped by a newcomer, but Stewart held off South Alabama transfer Marquise Robinson and returnee Jaheim Singletary to start-and-finish the spring as Arkansas' No. 2 corner.

This competition is far from over, and Williams showed no hesitation in rotating his secondary last year, but Stewart has reached a level of trust with his coaches that makes him the favorite coming out of spring.

Tight end Var'keyes Gumms

The North Texas transfer did not live up to expectations last fall in his first season with Arkansas, but he could be a valuable piece to the passing game in year two.

Gumms was the second-string tight end all spring and consistently made plays across the middle of the field, and coaches believe he's improving as a blocker. He's still behind Luke Hasz and will have to compete with Ty Washington for backup snaps when Washington returns from injury, but Gumms gives Bobby Petrino terrific depth at tight end.

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Five Arkansas football returnees who improved this spring