Chevin Calloway says he is stepping away from football

Arkansas cornerback Chevin Calloway (1) celebrates with Ryan Pulley (11) during a game against Eastern Illinois on Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Fayetteville.

FAYETTEVILLE — Chevin Calloway is stepping away from the Arkansas football team, according to a post on his Instagram account.

Calloway, a sophomore cornerback, did not play in the Razorbacks’ last three games as he dealt with what coach Chad Morris described more than once as “personal reasons.” Morris said Monday that Calloway was still with the team but would not play against No. 1 Alabama on Saturday.

“The situations I’m dealing with is a lot bigger than football,” Calloway wrote on Instagram. “Through prayer and a lot of thinking, taking a step back from ball is what’s best for me. My choice was either dealing with this unhealthy situation (and) making a sacrifice living up to other people’s expectations or listening to my heart, gut, spirit of discernment and what I know is best for me despite others opinions.”

Neither Calloway nor Morris have elaborated on the reasons for his absence. By leaving the team now, Calloway can use 2018 as a redshirt season and have three seasons of eligibility remaining if he chooses to play football again in 2019.

Britto Tutt and Jarques McClellion have started in place of Calloway since his departure.

In two games this season, Calloway recorded seven tackles. In the Razorbacks' 55-20 season-opening win over Eastern Illinois on Sept. 1, Calloway forced one fumble and recovered two others.

Calloway was a four-star prospect out of Bishop Dunne High School in Dallas, according to ESPN, Rivals and Scout. He was the No. 8 cornerback in the class of 2017 and the No. 11 player in Texas, according to Rivals.

He is the third Arkansas player to leave the team since the beginning of the season, joining receiver Jonathan Nance and linebacker Kyrei Fisher.