FAYETTEVILLE — Sophomore cornerback Jarques McClellion is far from afraid to call it how he sees it.
Monday's practice, the third of the preseason, included interceptions by linebacker De'Jon Harris and freshman defensive back Jalen Catalon, who returned his 25-plus yards for a touchdown.
McClellion did not get in on the takeaways, but he was vocal in regards to his 1-on-1 battles with the Razorbacks' top receivers throughout the day.
"I locked up Mike Woods," said McClellion, who has assumed a leadership role among the cornerbacks after starting nine games in 2018. "Same ole, same ole. Ain't nothing changed."
McClellion played at 170-175 pounds last season, but made a conscious effort this offseason to add more muscle to his frame. He expects the added 15 pounds from weight training with strength coach Trumain Carroll to aid him in disrupting opposing receivers.
"I'm the most physical corner you can meet. I have the (Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback) Jalen Ramsey mentality," he said. "I just believe in myself more than anything, so if you have the confidence in yourself then you can lock up anybody.
"That's how I feel, and that's how it's always going to be."
Wearing No. 4 this season in honor of a role model who was shot and killed in south Florida in 2016, McClellion totaled seven pass breakups as a redshirt freshman. He believes his physical style will lead to many more.
"I try to toss (my opponent) like salad," McClellion said. "I just try to make sure I get as physical as possible. I'm trying to move him like a rag doll. I'm doing my best."
Much of his opportunity last season stemmed from the unexpected departure of cornerback Chevin Calloway, who announced on Oct. 2 that he was stepping away from football for personal reasons. McClellion quickly understood he had to gain the trust of Arkansas' coaches.
Immaturity, though, has never been an issue. Growing up in Lake Worth, Fla., McClellion was charged with looking out for his younger siblings on a daily basis.
"That's turned over to the fields well," he added. "I had to make sure I matured and instead of playing like a little kid I had to make sure I was doing the right things.
"Every day I progress well. Every day I tell myself I've never lost, I just learn lessons. I just make sure every day I find little things - even if it's not big things - that I can critique myself on. I just grade myself every now and then."
Montaric Brown, a staple at cornerback opposite McClellion since spring practices, has made significant strides as well since moving from safety. In time, he believes they could form a strong duo.
"He has it all, just talented and gifted. I am proud to call him my brother," McClellion said. "I have seen him progress. We are just doing the little things because that's what it is. It's nothing hard, it's just how much dedication and how much effort you want to put into it.
"Whatever you put into it is what you get out.”