LBs bring top effort for Hogs

FAYETTEVILLE — University of Arkansas linebacker De’Jon Harris moved to the top of the SEC tackle chart after posting 16 stops in last week’s 24-17 loss to Texas A&M.

Harris has 53 tackles, an average of 10.6 per game. The Harvey, La., native ranks seventh among Power 5 players. Harris also had a sack against the Aggies and his tackle count was the most for Arkansas since Dre Greenlaw had 17 tackles against TCU last season.

Harris leads fellow Louisiana native Devin White of LSU, who has 44 tackles through five games.

Greenlaw added 13 tackles and two interceptions against Texas A&M, giving Arkansas a standout tandem linebacker performance.

“I don’t think there’s any question it’s the best productivity I’ve been around,” said defensive coordinator John Chavis, who is in his 35th year as a coordinator and his 24th in the SEC. “I’ve been around some really good players, some great players.

“And I said back in the spring, I felt those two guys were really special players. They played that way Saturday. We’ve got to continue to get better. Neither of them played perfect, but they laid it on the line and they’re fun to coach, fun to be around.”

Chavis noted that both of the linebackers volunteered for and played special teams last week as well.

“They’re amazing,” Arkansas cornerback Ryan Pulley said. “Those two guys … I think they’re the best duo I’ve been around. I think they are the best linebacker duo in the country.”

NWA Democrat-Gazette/ANDY SHUPE has moved to the top of the SEC’s tackle chart. His 16 tackles in last week’s loss to Texas A&M give him 53 for the season, an average of 10.6 per game.