Sophomore defensive back TJ Metcalf was named Southeastern Conference’s Defensive Player of the Week following his performance in the Razorbacks’ 24-14 win at Auburn in their SEC opener on Saturday.
The cousin of current NFL wide receiver DK Metcalf became the first Razorback with at least two interceptions, two pass breakups and one forced fumble in a game since safety Kenoy Kennedy in 1999. He is now the second Razorback to accomplish the feat since 1997.
Metcalf had a role in four of the Razorbacks’ five takeaways with two interceptions, a forced fumble and a pass breakup that led to senior defensive back Doneiko Slaughter’s interception at the Arkansas 19-yard line during Tigers’ opening drive of the game.
Following the pass breakup that led to an interception, Metcalf jarred the ball loose from Auburn running back Damari Alston on the Arkansas 5-yard line, which the Razorbacks recovered in the end zone.
Metcalf then made a diving interception of Auburn quarterback Hank Brown at the Arkansas 8-yard line with just 26 seconds remaining in the second quarter. The sophomore collected his second interception of the day with 14 seconds on the clock in the third quarter. Metcalf also finished the contest with four tackles and two pass breakups.
The Birmingham, Alabama native also became the first Razorback to register an interception in consecutive games since Dwight McGlothern accomplished the feat in 2022-23. Metcalf was the first Razorback with multiple interceptions in a game since Alfahiym Walcott had two against Florida International University in 2023.
Metcalf is one of just two SEC defenders with two interceptions in a game this season, joining Alabama’s Keon Sabb. He currently ranks third nationally in interceptions per game (0.8). Through four games this season, Metcalf leads the Arkansas defense in total tackles (26), interceptions (3) and forced fumbles (1).
