Razorback Football: Two Hog DBs graded in top 10 returnees

Football season isn’t far off from beginning. Arkansas fans are a mixed bag when it comes to expectations for the season. The past two seasons under Sam Pittman have instilled confidence in the fanbase that the days of being embarrassed are over.

Although a 7-6 campaign was disappointing and a secondary that was completely decimated by injuries there were a few bright spots at the position group in the final quarter of the regular season in 2022.

The pass defense was historically bad but after making changes in the backfield several players began having success. Plus, they only have up 242 yards or less passing in the final four games of the regular season.

Pro Football Focus shared their grades for returning safeties in the SEC for 2023. Two razorbacks (one returnee and one transfer) graded out to be top 10 returners for the upcoming season.

Highest graded returning SEC Safeties🔥 pic.twitter.com/18BQhFQtWO

— PFF College (@PFF_College) June 29, 2023

Clark is one of those Arkansas defensive backs that switched position, from cornerback to safety for the BYU game. His play suddenly improved with the position change and started making plays in space instead of playing in man coverage.

The Texas native had a career season with 67 total tackles, 2 forced fumbles and 1 interception. Where he lacks in pure talent he makes up for with a high football IQ and seems to always be in the right place often. The move to safety wasn’t just good for him but the team as a whole.

A newcomer by the name of Al Walcott, the Baylor transfer boasts talent and speed for the safety position.

The 6’2 211 pound safety had his best season as a collegiate athlete when he finished with 83 tackles, 10 TFL, 2 sacks and 1 interception.

Walcott also holds the Sugar Bowl record for the longest interception return for a touchdown (96 yards), the second-longest in Baylor history.

AL WALCOTT PICK SIX

Dave Aranda’s Bears are up 7-0 pic.twitter.com/a2hs9RD8Hl

— The Transfer Portal CFB (@TPortalCFB) January 2, 2022

How they plan to fix it

Arkansas added plenty of talent to help revamp the defensive backfield this offseason:

Jaheim Singletary
Lorando Johnson
Jaylon Braxton
Al Walcott
Dallas Young
TJ Metcalf
Christian Ford
Dylan Hasz