FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas' Myles Slusher sounds like a guy that'll play just about anywhere he's needed.

Nickel is where defensive coordinator Barry Odom needs him.

"Our best opportunity for us to be good on defense is for him to play nickel," Odom said last week. "He can play any position on the back end."

Slusher, who has played since arriving as a freshman in 2020 from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, is still learning.

"It's something new to learn, but I'm just grasping it as it goes," he said.

Everybody likes the numbers they have now on the back end with preseason All-SEC and All-American Jalen Catalon leading a talented group including Simeon Blair, Latavious Brini and Jayden Johnson.

"Coach has put me in the greatest position this year," Slusher said as a knod to Odom, who coaches the safeties. "Everybody will be able to thrive."

Slusher had a big year last season with 50 tackles (33 solo) in 11 games, recording three tackles for loss, breaking up four passes and coming up with a pair of interceptions in wins over UAPB and LSU.

No. 19 Arkansas opens the regular season hosting No. 23 Cincinnati on Sept. 3. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m.

The game will be televised on ESPN.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Former NASCAR champion expected to retire at end of 2024
Bears rookie Rome Odunze puts Rams WR Puka Nacua on notice
Former All-Pro LB contemplated retirement before Bucs deal
Saints star leaves camp over contract issue
Celtics would make NBA history with Finals sweep vs. Mavericks
Dan Hurley fires back at narrative about his discussions with Lakers
Vikings HC pumps the brakes on J.J. McCarthy hype
Tiger Woods stumbles to 4-over 74 in first round of U.S. Open
Insider shares bombshell about job security of Eagles' Nick Sirianni
Collin Morikawa bunker shot showcases insanity of U.S. Open greens
Orioles closer makes history amid dominant resurgence
Falcons docked draft pick for tampering violation
Sharks announce new head coach
NFL concludes Eagles did not violate tampering rules
Athletic Saints TE to undergo foot surgery
Patriots announce major honor for Tom Brady
Jaylen Brown, referees thwart Mavericks' comeback as Celtics take 3-0 series lead
NBA legend Jerry West dies at 86
Tom Brady's HOF speech provided closure for the Bill Belichick era
Why Caitlin Clark reminds Steve Kerr 'a lot' of Stephen Curry

Want more Arkansas news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.