Arkansas Football Offseason Depth Chart – Safeties
We looked at the cornerbacks yesterday and discussed how the unit would be much different with little experience returning from last year.
The same thing goes for the safeties.
The most significant change from a season ago is losing All-American safety Jalen Catalon. Before his season-ending injury, Catalon was considered one of the SEC’s best defensive players. Losing that kind of talent and experience will shake up any depth chart, especially when he decides to leave the campus.
One change that might help the group is switching former cornerback Hudson Clark to the free safety position. Clark had a rough season last year, but he was part of a group that couldn’t get it together.
Switching Clark over to safety doesn’t guarantee the same production as Catalon, but the experience should be there.
Strong Safety: Lorando Johnson
🚨BREAKING🚨 Former Baylor DB Lorando Johnson has committed to Arkansas.
More: https://t.co/5RH7JBG1e4 pic.twitter.com/PevALOqB6F
— On3 (@On3sports) January 6, 2023
Johnson will likely play on the other side of McGlothern at cornerback, but I misplaced him on the depth chart. He has the skills to play safety as well.
Free Safety - Hudson Clark
"He’s one of the most reliable guys we have on the team."
Tom Murphy's gameday feature on Arkansas' Hudson Clark, who is playing a key role in the secondary this season: https://t.co/aMdrpHSpFK
— WholeHogSports.com (@wholehogsports) November 5, 2022
Clark walked on to Arkansas and became an impact player on the defense by the time he was a sophomore. As stated before, last season was rough for him, but a new position change can be the restart he needs for his senior season.
3. Malik Chavis
Malik Chavis receiving high marks in Arkansas camp at corner. Chavis has moved from safety, to corner, to safety and now back to corner in his time at Arkansas, and his role has increased each season. Expect more of that. #wps #arkansas #razorbacks (FREE): https://t.co/nmTMjwsL6r pic.twitter.com/rhV76R4XqB
— Trey Biddy (@TreyBiddy) August 9, 2022
Chavis is back at his original position of safety and will likely be a starter this season. It’s great to have a player with this much experience in the secondary.
4. TJ Metcalf
3⭐️ Safety TJ Metcalf has officially signed with the Hogs! TJ is ranked as the #49 Safety in the country by 247composite! #WPS
He is also the cousin of NFL WR DK Metcalf pic.twitter.com/s2LqectrZ0
— Sidelines – Arkansas (@SSN_Arkansas) December 21, 2022
Football is in his blood, and his younger brother, Tevis, is on campus with him. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see an inspired Metcalf on the field this season.
5. AJ Brathwaite
NEWS: Arkansas has landed Western Kentucky transfer DB AJ Brathwaite Jr. Another transfer addition at a position of need.
Story: https://t.co/BX0xj5F3U0 pic.twitter.com/7HEWUHB8h2
— Mason Choate (@ChoateMason) May 13, 2023
Brathwaite best season at Western Kentucky was his junior year, where he started all 12 games. His senior season was plagued with nagging injuries, but he is expected to be a contributor to the Razorbacks’ defense.
6. Jayden Johnson
@Dedsports has report from Quincey McAdoo and Jayden Johnson (FREE) #Hogs #WPS #Arkansas #Razorbacks https://t.co/QSfKxYRpJn
— Otis Kirk (@OtisKirk23) November 19, 2022
As a sophomore, Johnson played in 12 games last season, making seven starts. The junior safety has a chance to make a rise in the depth charts during fall camp.
7. Christian Ford
McKinney 2023 DB Christian Ford is a great find for Arkansas that brings a physical presence within a talented high school secondary.
The Razorback commit will have a great test tonight with Guyer in town. #txhsfb | @dctf + @NextLevelD1 pic.twitter.com/nxTiJ5PqPe
— Fraz 🐙 (@UncleFraz) October 27, 2022
Ford comes to Fayetteville with some hype, recognized as a physical safety, which the Razorbacks needed last season. He’ll likely make some appearances on special teams.
