The Arkansas Razorbacks have developed plenty of depth with veteran transfers in the secondary, but freshmen defensive backs Selman Bridges and Tevis Metcalf have still made quite the impression this offseason. Arkansas secondary coach Deron Wilson offered high praise for the duo and discussed their potential to help sooner than later for the Razorback defense.
At 6-foot-2, 175 pounds, Bridges fits the rangy mold of a modern cornerback. And with the No. 2 jersey on, it’s hard not to notice the similarity in frame to former Hog Dwight McGlothern, who tallied seven interceptions over the last two seasons.
Bridges, a Temple (Texas) native, was a consensus four-star recruit and the No. 68 overall prospect in his class, according to the ESPN 300 rankings. His position coach is hoping he can follow in similar footsteps to Razorback corner Jaylon Braxton, who became an impact player for Arkansas last year as a true freshman.
“You think of Selman – long guy that can run, similar to a team in the NFC West (Seattle Seahawks) and how they like their corners,” Wilson said. “As you look at Selman, when you have length and can run, sometimes you can play low hip, meaning a little bit under the receiver, and you’re still covering the receiver up. It makes it hard on quarterbacks because they can’t see the receiver.
“I always tell Selman, ‘I’m on you a lot, but just remember that Jaylon Braxton was in this position last year, and he continued to climb and trust the process.’ And when you trust the process, you can reach the standards.
While attempting to take the young Bridges under his wing, Braxton has noticed a recent surge in confidence from the freshman that has benefitted him on the field in fall camp.
“Selman, he’s been doing real good,” Braxton said. “In the spring, he was just getting his feet wet. I used to always tell him, ‘just have some confidence.’ Now, you can tell he’s on the field with way more confidence. When you have that confidence, you’re going to play way better, and he’s been playing real good. I do think Selman will get on the field this year if he continues to do what he’s doing.”
While Bridges has Braxton to look up to as an example, Tevis Metcalf has his older brother TJ, who played in all 12 games last year for the Razorbacks as a freshman and recorded 15 tackles and a fumble recovery. And both TJ and Tevis have no shortage of role models as the sons of Tarrus Metcalf, a former Ole Miss running back, and the cousin of DK Metcalf, a two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver with the Seattle Seahawks.
At 5-foot-10, 192 pounds, Tevis Metcalf has the exact kind of versatile skill set the Razorback coaching staff is looking for, with the ability to move around and fill different spots in the secondary. The freshman from Clay (Ala.) is currently in the mix for playing time at the ‘Hog’ position and made the most of his opportunities since arriving on campus in the spring.
“A young guy that’s having an impressive camp, you think about Tevis Metcalf,” Wilson said. “And also TJ Metcalf has the ability to play that same (Hog) position. I always joke and say, ‘those Metcalf guys are different.’ They’re built different from a mentality standpoint. I think they were raised the right way. With the last name that they have, they definitely don’t let it down.”
“(Tevis) is a perfect example of a guy that has the ability, has the strength, has the twitch, has the power. He also has the football IQ to play the ‘Hog’ or corner. That’s the kind of guys you want to look for. Even looking at his weight numbers, bench press and power clean. You would never guess that Tevis is a true freshman because he is so intelligent, and he is so mature. I think he’s going to help us win this year.”
The Arkansas Razorbacks will open the 2025 season on Thursday, Aug. 29 against the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions inside War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock (Ark.). Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. (CT) and will be televised nationally on ESPNU.