[autotag]Dwight McGlothern[/autotag] didn’t have to return to Arkansas after last season. He most likely would’ve been late-round selection in the NFL Draft or signed a free agent contract.
Instead, “Nudie” McGlothern chose to return to the Razorbacks for his senior season.
“I wanted to go (to the NFL Draft), but I just knew that the second half of the season I just left so much on the table,” McGlothern said after Monday morning’s practice. “I didn’t realize until I was done. And now that I have another chance, I want to make sure I do everything right.”
Despite the Arkansas secondary being the worst passing defense in all of college football last season, McGlothern had really solid individual season. He finished with 52 total tackles (43 solo), a team-high four interceptions, 10 pass breakups, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
McGlothern earned second team All-SEC honors following the 2022 season, and then was named to the preseason All-SEC second team over the summer. Despite the accolades and recognition he’s received, the senior defensive back felt there was more to his game that he needed to improve.
“Whenever the ball is not coming my way, I need to be able to run to the ball, make the tackle, wrap up. Not always just going for the legs and stuff like that,” McGlothern said. “Attack the block, attack the man and just be physical. Just show that I’m willing to play and show that I can the best defensive player out there.”
McGlothern also mentioned how he’s work on improving as a leader of the defense. After transferring from LSU, he was a newcomer to the Arkansas defense last season. Entering this year, he’s looked at as a veteran leader in the secondary.
“I feel like I know what I need to do as a leader now and as a person that’s going into his fourth year,” McGlothern said. “I know coming from (LSU) I didn’t want to step on anyone’s toes. I’m just trying to be good within the group and make a name for myself for the group.”
Having someone like Dwight McGlothern is huge for an Arkansas secondary that has undergone a lot of transformation this offseason. His experience and improvement can’t be understated.
We will get our first glimpse at the new-look Arkansas defense when they open the season against Western Carolina on Sept. 2 in Little Rock.
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