NFL
By: Randall Slifer
We are back, breaking down the Arkansas starting defense, and now discussing the linebackers. The Arkansas Razorbacks employ a 4-2-5 defense, featuring a standard strong-side and a weak-side linebacker. Arkansas’ two starting linebackers are Xavian Sorey Jr and Stephen Dix Jr. This is the second season with Arkansas after transferring in 2024. Arkansas often employs two linebackers, and their edge players can also serve as outside linebackers. We will focus on these two linebackers as they will be the focus of that room, and have the heaviest impact:
Xavian Sorey Jr is a do-it-all linebacker who is proficient in all three levels at the linebacker position. He has a good IQ for diagnosing pass and run plays, and possesses a great initial burst to reach the line of scrimmage on a run. Xavian Sorey Jr was a 4-star prospect who was recruited by Georgia. He was at Georgia for 3 years and transferred for a starting position. His high school talent touted him as a second-round pick. At 6’3 231lb, Sorey Jr has dropped back in coverage 345 times in 2024, while accounting for 46 defensive stops at less than 15% missed tackle rate. He can rush the passer with two sacks and six QB hits at a 21% pass-rush-win-rate. His closing speed is impressive, and he had 9.5 tackles for loss in 2024.
Sorey Jr had an outstanding game in the upset win over Tennessee. He had one sack, four defensive stops, and only allowed one reception for seven yards. He has excellent instincts, and he has such a high closing speed that he can lay a bigger hit than his weight is perceived. He needs to work on his pass rush moves and tackling technique to reduce his missed tackle rate to under 10%. He has shorter arms and a shorter wingspan, which plays into his ability to defend against the run. He has a lot of potential, with the ability to enter the 2026 NFL draft. If the Razorbacks have a good record and Xavian Sorey Jr is a good part of it, then he will be playing on Sundays.
Stephen Dix Jr is more of a box linebacker who has an impressive frame and has the athleticism to match it. Stephen Dix Jr was a 3-star prospect who began his journey at Florida State. Stephen Dix had a torn labrum in 2022, which led to him transferring to Marshall. After he had a good 2023 year, he was able to get back into bigger competition and came to Arkansas. At 6’1 240lb, he has a strong build and a good size in arm length and wingspan. He moves laterally very well and has the speed to run down running backs running around the bend.
His pass rush is typically strong, with moves that include bull rushes or swipes, and it tends to be effective. He has agility moves in his bag and has used them on running backs. He has two sacks and four QB hits on only 51 pass rush attempts. When coming from the second level, he can come with a high pad level, which will wash him away when defending the run. Run-Pass-Options can be a guessing game at times, and he needs to work on his angles. Dix Jr is a starting-caliber linebacker starting this year, with the ability to grow into his role more this year. If Dix Jr can improve his instincts and understand the game better, he can play a key role in Arkansas’ success. A working defensive front with capable linebackers in Arkansas’ system is how their defensive scheme creates turnovers, and gets back to relevancy in the SEC.
Having both linebackers back together is a positive, as they will be able to establish a head start with communication and understanding each other’s styles. I expect a strong season from Xavian Sorey Jr and closing out games for Arkansas on the defensive side. Arkansas allowed 139 rushing yards per game last year. Pittman went and grabbed a good run-stopping nose tackle in David Oke. If the defensive front and linebackers can gel well this year and improve their run defense, then Arkansas can have a promising defense to support Taylen Green’s success on offense. Xavian Sorey Jr and Stephen Dix Jr are heavily part of the answer to a successful season in Fayetteville. As always, Go Hogs.
