Question marks surround Arkansas secondary
The Arkansas football secondary was by far the weakest link on the 2022 team, at least on paper. With new additions in the defensive backfield entering the 2023 season, the hope is strong for improvement on the worst pass defense in the FBS last year.
Getting better starts with the groundwork laid by the new defensive coaches. Defensive coordinator Travis Williams, co-defensive coordinator Marcus Woodson and secondary coach Deron Wilson all seemingly got the job done on the recruiting trail by bringing in valuable transfers to the Razorback secondary.
Baylor defensive back transfers Alfahiym Walcott and Lorando “Snaxx” Johnson were regular contributors and two of the best on the Bear’s defense in 2022. Georgia cornerback transfer Jaheim Singletary is a former five-star prospect oozing with potential. Western Kentucky safety AJ Brathwaite Jr. and TCU cornerback Kee’yon Stewart are two older, experienced transfers that add valuable depth.
Don’t forget about the freshmen, either. Four-stars Jaylon Braxton and TJ Metcalf, along with three-stars RJ Johnson and Dallas Young could all have the potential to make an impact early.
While the influx of talent is exciting, it’s important to remember the returning starter-caliber players as well. Dwight McGlothern is a proven lockdown SEC cornerback and the media recognized that by giving him preseason Second Team All-SEC honors. Safety Hudson Clark will be leaned on to make big-time plays, especially after an offseason of growth.
“Hudson Clark ended up gaining about 12 pounds this summer, which he needed to,” head coach Sam Pittman said Wednesday. “We asked him to go in and fill the hole on a running back and he didn’t have enough in the behind to fill it. He’s there, he just can’t get him on the ground, so he’s one that sticks out.”
Arkansas also returns other experienced secondary pieces such as Jayden Johnson, LaDarrius Bishop and Malik Chavis. For those wondering about sophomore cornerback Quincey McAdoo — who was involved in a car accident on May 1 — Pittman said the Clarendon native will not report to camp until Aug. 21, which is the first day of classes.
Where does the secondary go from here? The returning starters and talented newcomers are an intriguing bunch, but figuring how to get the best five guys on the field is the next step for defensive success - a step Pittman seems to have already taken to a degree.
“So you talked about Al (Walcott), he will probably be at the boundary safety,” Pittman said. “You talked about Kee’yon Stewart, he will probably be at the field corner. Singletary will probably either be at the boundary or field corner. Brathwaite will be at the 'Hog' position.”
The “boundary” — the short side of the field primarily used by offenses for quick passes and runs — is a perfect spot for Walcott’s talent to be used. At Baylor, he racked up 83 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and two sacks.
The “field” — the large side of the field that offenses generally use for explosive plays — is where a defense needs exceptional coverage ability from their secondary. Stewart (redshirt-senior) and Singletary (former five-star) posses the experience and natural talent to thrive here.
The “Hog” — another name for a safety/linebacker hybrid — would be a good use of Brathwaite’s versatility.
“It’s kind of a SAM/WILL linebacker,” Pittman said. “Guy who can tackle and cover. Jaylen Lewis, Brathwaite, Jabrae Shaw, Dallas Young and Courtney Snelling will be the guys at that position to start the first day.”
Knowing the position each member of the secondary will play is only half of the equation. Correctly identifying who your top playmakers will be is of the utmost importance, and Pittman knows it.
“I think we have the people on defense at corner,” Pittman said. “But we’ve got to figure out who our top five guys are and where they’re going to help us win the fastest.”
While there are many questions currently surrounding the secondary, there should be little doubt in the minds of fans that the 2023 Razorback defensive backfield will be improved compared to their 2022 counterparts.
The journey of defensive emergence begins with fall camp, which is set to start with the team’s first practice Friday morning. HawgBeat will have you covered with all of the latest updates, practice takeaways and much more on The Trough premium message board.