Things have not quite worked out the way folks anticipated in the Arkansas defensive backfield.
The Razorbacks have the worst pass defense in FBS, giving up 353 yards per game through the first three games. Against Cincinnati, South Carolina and Missouri State. Not exactly a murderer’s row of competition.
Part of the reason for the struggle has been injury. Arkansas lost former freshman All-American and this year’s preseason first-team SEC safety Jalen Catalon for the year after just one half of play in the season opener against the Bearcats. Starting nickel Myles Slusher was lost minutes later.
But heading into Saturday, against Arkansas’ toughest opponent to date, Texas A&M, Slusher is expected to return for the first time in almost a month. He was a part-time starter last year and had established himself behind only Catalon and maybe safety Simeon Blair in the hierarchy among all Razorbacks defensive backs.
Coach Sam Pittman said Slusher may roll back to his familiar spot at safety against the Aggies, though the reality is Arkansas needs him wherever he can play.
“Slush can player corner, he can nickel, he can play field safety, he can play boundary player,” Pittman said. “With him it allows us to have another opportunity to make sure we have our five best players on the field.”
That, too, should go a long way in getting Arkansas out of the cellar.