FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas co-defensive coordinator Marcus Woodson said Wednesday that the Razorbacks’ philosophy for identifying players in the NCAA transfer portal this offseason was simple.
They wanted high-character people and high-level players who can help the program find success in the SEC — and climb out of the league cellar in pass defense. Arkansas allowed an SEC-worst 294.7 passing yards per game in 2022.
It was the highest figure from an SEC team since 2020, when Vanderbilt, Ole Miss and LSU each allowed at least 296 passing yards per game.
Georgia transfer Jaheim Singletary fit the Razorbacks’ criteria like a glove. And nearing the midway point of the preseason, he appears to be at the front of the line for a starting job at a cornerback spot opposite returnee Dwight "Nudie" McGlothern.
“The addition of Jaheim to the room has really been a big addition,” Woodson said following the 11th practice of the preseason. “He’s a smart kid. He hasn’t played a lot of football in college. Obviously being at Georgia he was able to be around some good coaches and in a good culture.
More from WholeHogSports: Observations from Arkansas' 11th preseason football practice
“He’s still young, but he’s a smart player that retains information. He takes the meeting to the field, and that’s what gives himself a chance.”
In Arkansas’ search to find its five best players in the defensive backfield, coaches opted to move Baylor transfer Lorando “Snaxx” Johnson from cornerback to nickelback. The change allowed Singletary, a redshirt freshman, a chance to win a position battle on the perimeter.
Singletary and Johnson have lined up at first-team cornerback and nickel, respectively, in each of the last five practices open to reporters in which the Razorbacks have gone through their fastball start period.
It took Arkansas coach Sam Pittman all of one day this preseason to note Singletary will be a valuable piece of the secondary this fall.
“No doubt in my mind he’ll help us,” Pittman said. “He’s a big, thick guy that can run. We didn’t get him to develop him. He’s going to develop. But we need some help, so he’s got to get out there as soon as possible.”
A former 5-star recruit by Rivals, Singletary saw limited time on the field for the Bulldogs last season. Pro Football Focus data shows he played 13 defensive snaps.
More from WholeHogSports: Former Arkansas and NFL back Alex Collins brought 'joy to every huddle'
Woodson said his favorite things about the corner is his selfless nature and love of the game.
“He’s someone that came in and really adapted to the guys as if he had been here the whole time,” Woodson said. “He loves football. If you love football and you’ve got talent, success is going to happen for you.
“I’m so excited to coach him.”
Woodson also likes the fact that he entered the program and immediately challenged others at his position to improve daily. Secondary coach Deron Wilson said Singletary impressed early in camp with his knowledge of the defense, speed and communication.
“He’s done that,” Woodson added. “He’s a kid that’s going to have a phenomenal year for us.”
"fit" - Google News
August 17, 2023 at 03:01AM
https://ift.tt/tV4WFf3
Singletary an ideal fit in Hogs' secondary - WholeHogSports
"fit" - Google News
https://ift.tt/pcvOVQJ
https://ift.tt/rGDJiFI
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Singletary an ideal fit in Hogs' secondary - WholeHogSports"
Post a Comment