TJ Metcalf
| Tennessee Volunteers | |
|---|---|
| Position | Defensive back |
| Class | Senior |
| Personal information | |
| Born | May 6, 2005 Oxford, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Listed height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Listed weight | 200 lb (91 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school | Pinson Valley (Pinson, Alabama) |
| College | |
| Stats at ESPN | |
Tarrus "TJ" Metcalf Jr. (born May 6, 2005) is an American college football defensive back for the Tennessee Volunteers.[1] He previously played for the Arkansas Razorbacks and Michigan Wolverines.
Early life
TJ was born on May 6, 2005, the son of Tarrus Metcalf Sr. and Neely Lott Metcalf, in Oxford, Mississippi. He attended Pinson Valley High School in Pinson, Alabama, where he played football under former NFL safety and head coach Sam Shade. In addition to playing football, Metcalf played basketball as a point guard and competed in track and field in long jump and as a sprinter. He was rated as a four-star recruit by Rivals and committed to play college football for the Arkansas Razorbacks.[2] Metcalf caught the game-clinching interception for Alabama in the 2022 Alabama v. Mississippi high school all-star game.[3]
College career
Arkansas
As a freshman in 2023, Metcalf played all 12 games for Arkansas, recording 15 tackles and a fumble recovery.[4] In week two of the 2024 season, he tallied 12 tackles versus Oklahoma State.[5] In week three, Metcalf had an interception to help the Razorbacks clinch a 37-27 win over UAB.[6] In week four, he recorded four tackles, two pass deflections, two interceptions, and a forced fumble which prevented a touchdown, as he led the Razorbacks to a 24-14 win over Auburn.[7][8] For his performance, Metcalf was named the SEC defensive player of the week.[9] Metcalf became the first Razorback with at least two interceptions and a forced fumble in a game since safety Kenoy Kennedy against South Carolina in 1999.[10] On December 9, 2024, Metcalf announced that he would enter the NCAA transfer portal.[11]
Michigan
On December 16, 2024, Metcalf transferred to the University of Michigan with his younger brother, Tevis.[12] In week two against Oklahoma, TJ logged his first interception as a Wolverine and made four tackles.[13] He finished the season earning an honorable mention on the 2025 All-Big Ten team by the coaches.[14]
Tennessee
In 2026, Metcalf transferred to the University of Tennessee for his senior year.[15]
Personal life
Metcalf is the cousin of current Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, DK Metcalf, and the nephew of DK’s father, former Chicago Bears offensive lineman Terrence Metcalf.[16] His younger brother, Tevis, also played college football, following him to play for Arkansas, Michigan and Tennessee.[15]
References
- ^ "TJ Metcalf - Football". University of Tennessee Athletics. Retrieved 2026-01-25.
- ^ Victory, Dennis (July 2022). "Pinson Valley defensive back TJ Metcalf commits to Arkansas". AL.com. Retrieved 28 September 2024.
- ^ Thomas, Ben (2022-12-10). "Alabama All-Stars rally in 4th to top Mississippi again". al. Retrieved 2026-01-25.
- ^ Holt, Bob (25 July 2024). "Double the Metcalfs: Freshman Tevis joins brother TJ at Arkansas". The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Retrieved 28 September 2024.
- ^ Holt, Bob (14 September 2024). "TJ Metcalf close with Blazer WR". The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Retrieved 28 September 2024.
- ^ Holt, Bob (22 September 2024). "'Bad to the bone': Hogs safety Metcalf has hand in 4 TOs". The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Retrieved 28 September 2024.
- ^ Fuller, Jackson (21 September 2024). "Arkansas football's TJ Metcalf delivers heroic performance in win over Auburn". Southwest Times Record. Retrieved 28 September 2024.
- ^ Kirk, Otis (September 22, 2024). "TJ Metcalf making most of opportunity". NWAH.com. Retrieved 28 September 2024.
- ^ Murphy, Tom (24 September 2024). "Razorback report: SEC names Arkansas' Metcalf defensive player of the week". The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Retrieved 28 September 2024.
- ^ "TJ Metcalf". Arkansas Razorbacks. 2023-03-01. Retrieved 2026-01-25.
- ^ Choate, Mason (December 9, 2024). "Metcalf brothers to transfer from Arkansas". HawgBeat. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
- ^ Sayfie, Clayton (2024-12-17). "Arkansas DB transfers, brothers TJ Metcalf, Tevis Metcalf commit to Michigan football". On3. Retrieved 2025-02-03.
- ^ "Postgame Notes: #18 Oklahoma 24, #15 Michigan 13". University of Michigan Athletics. Retrieved 2026-01-25.
- ^ "TJ Metcalf bio". University of Michigan Athletics.
- ^ a b Lambert, Terry (2026-01-17). "Michigan transfer cornerback Tevis Metcalf commits to Tennessee". Rocky Top Talk. Retrieved 2026-01-25.
- ^ Rushin, Jerrell (6 May 2022). "DK Metcalf's cousin TJ is a 2023 Alabama high school football recruit who wants to make name for himself". Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved 28 September 2024.