Jeffcoat picks up D-lineman of the week award

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas defensive end Trajan Jeffcoat picked up an award from the Southeastern Conference on Monday.

A transfer from Missouri, Jeffcoat was named SEC co-defensive lineman of the week for his play in the Razorbacks’ 28-6 victory over Kent State. He finished the game with 3 tackles, 2 for lost yardage, and a career-high 1.5 sacks.

"He showed up," Arkansas coach Sam Pittman said Monday. "He didn't really have any production in the first week. I think that probably drove him a little bit as well. He played very physical and very hard.

"He seemed like he was a little more into the game this week than he was last week, but he’s a valuable kid to us."

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Pro Football Focus graded Jeffcoat's performance against Kent State as 69.8 overall, including specific grades of 65.6 against the run and 77.2 as a pass rusher.

Jeffcoat shared the award with Missouri’s Nyles Gaddy, who had three tackles and two sacks in the Tigers’ win over Middle Tennessee State.

It is the second weekly SEC award of Jeffcoat’s career. He also earned SEC defensive lineman of the week in 2021 when he had 3.5 tackles for loss against Florida.

Through two games, Jeffcoat, a team captain, has an overall-defense grade of 68.2, according to PFF, and a pass-rush mark of 72.1.