FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas defensive backs coach Paul Rhoads is pretty confident about his cornerback depth.
Senior Jared Collins and junior Henre’ Toliver have run with the first-team defense through most of fall camp, with junior Kevin Richardson working at nickel back. Senior DJ Dean and sophomore Ryan Pulley are pushing for playing time behind Toliver and will help in nickel and dime packages, while junior college transfer Britto Tutt is in the mix behind Collins.
All figure to be a part of the rotation when the Sept. 3 opener against Louisiana Tech rolls around.
“You could call the ones about anything right now,” Rhoads said.
Collins has started 23 straight games and led the team in pass breakups for two straight years. Toliver started 10 games last year and possesses exceptional length and solid ball skills. Dean fought through injury last year and has more career interceptions (four) than anyone on the roster. Pulley played in 10 games as a true freshman last season and sealed the Liberty Bowl win against Kansas State with an interception.
A year after earning a scholarship, Richardson is a reliable contributor who started the last five games a year ago. Tutt is the newcomer fighting his way onto the depth chart, a late commit in March after a year at a California JUCO.
“In the last three practices, he’s started to adjust to SEC speed and competitive spirit on the field,” Rhoads said. “I think he’s started coming along.”