Sam Pittman goes in-depth on defensive back depth

Last season, Sam Pittman’s Arkansas Razorbacks had a pretty good offense for much of the year. However, their struggles on defense kneecapped the Razorbacks at times. Heading into the 2023 spring practice series, correcting the issues on defense was essential for Pittman and his defensive coaches. And following Arkansas’ spring game, Pittman discussed a few ongoing storylines on the defensive side of the ball.

While discussing the improvement of depth Arkansas will likely have in their defensive secondary in 2023, the Razorbacks head man also revealed the level of urgency surrounding that situation.

“I like our depth at corner. I’m liking our corners. To be perfectly honest with you, that was the number one concern really going into spring ball, in the secondary,” said Pittman. “And now, when we get some guys that are out. Obviously, Al (Alfahiym Walcott) is out, and once we get him back, I think we can start moving a little bit; some of our corners are moving to safety. And we feel like Al’s probably a nickel, which will help us there with Jay Lew (Jaylen Lewis). But I think we have the pieces back there that we can move some guys around and have five really good players in the back end.”

Playing in the SEC, it’s almost a requirement that every program has talent at every position on the field. Even more so, it is essential that there are levels of depth that can be used within the course of a season. And it appears that Pittman is on the right track to solidifying that for his Razorbacks.

It’s not to say that Pittman and the Razorbacks do not have talent within the secondary unit. Last season the Razorbacks’ defense had a total of nine interceptions, with all but one coming from their secondary unit. Senior defensive back Dwight McGlothern led the Arkansas defenders with four on the season. But there were still holes in the Razorbacks’ secondary that Pittman felt were urgent enough to address this offseason. And that is why he went out and recruited Walcott as a grad transfer.

Walcott transferred to Arkansas following the conclusion of the 2022 college football season. The senior safety spent the first part of his collegiate career with the Baylor Bears. In Waco, TX, Walcott was a staple on the Bears defense, racking up 82 tackles, 42 solo, 10 tackles for loss, four pass deflections, two sacks, and an interception in 2022.

Having that level of production is something that eluded Arkansas last season. But if Walcott can be the plug-and-play guy Pittman believes he can, he will definitely be an impact and force on the trajectory of their season next year.