Newest Commit May Not Bring 4-Stars Yet, but Definitely Brings Work Ethic, Dedication

Defensive back type of player who can thrive at Arkansas, reflect state's blue collar culture

Author:
Kent Smith
Publish date:
Apr 22, 2023 7:17 PM EDT

In this story:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The commitments keep coming for Arkansas football this week.

The Razorbacks landed 4-stars Jaden Allen, Courtney Crutchfield and Charleston Collins earlier this week and now have high 3-star cornerback Tevis Metcalf of Parker High School in Birmingham, Alabama.

While his current rating only shows three stars, the stats he claims and the videos he posts suggest a player who can easily be molded into an elite defensive back. According to his Twitter account, Metcalf only allowed one catch his entire junior season while picking off four passes, breaking up seven others and scoring a touchdown.

If those numbers are accurate, teams are terrified to throw his way. Considering the tape he puts out is regularly centered around him working to get even better, there's little reason for that fear to be assuaged this coming fall.

Even the traditional recruiting visit photo he took was a testament to the strength and flexibility the young defensive back has managed at such a young age. So many of these recruits struggle to do a few inverted push-ups against a wall, yet Metcalf is in the midst of a one-handed handstand.

When watching the tape, it's easy to see why the Arkansas coaches thought he would be a proper fit for the SEC. Metcalf is physical the first five yards. He loves to mix it up and knock receivers off their routes right off the snap.

He also does a good job of staying with his man, keeping his body in good position and instinctually knowing when to turn and find the ball. Once the ball is in the air, unless it's perfectly thrown, it's game over. Metcalf uses perfect body positioning to shield receivers from being part of the play and finds the ball so quickly it's as if he is the one running the route.

When it's time to hit someone, he's not afraid to come in and get a solid shot on a guy. There's no hesitation, nor anything timid about him. He's going to clean things up if anyone ever comes into his area.

What stands out the most is his shiftiness and footwork. While it's clear in his defensive highlights, it's even more obvious when he lines up at running back. Metcalf can change direction on a dime while staying above his hips to maintain balance. It's easy to see in the aerial shots and it's also something that can be picked up when he's tackling as it allows him to keep squared up to runners while changing direction.

Here's a look at what is meant.
TEVIS METCALF HIGHLIGHT FILM

The natural improvement he will make simply by having another year of growth and experience, plus applying advice he will receive from college coaches who watched his tape with him will give him a chance to move up to a lower level 4-star, especially with his name more in the spotlight as an SEC commit.

There's definitely a lot to like in his game, but even more to like in his work ethic. There are lot of recruits who have a diva feel to them or lack the willingness to do the hard things needed to continue to grow. This doesn't feel like it.

This feels like what is seen when recruits come to Arkansas from within the state. Visually, it's easy to see a drive in Metcalf that will maximize talent, however far that can take him.

Just the type of recruit Arkansas coach Sam Pittman loves.