Terrion Arnold is the Detroit Lions' newest cornerback.
They moved up five spots in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft and acquired Arnold, one of the draft's top cornerback prospects out of Alabama, in a trade with the Dallas Cowboys. The pick not only received overwhelming praise from analysts on the television broadcast, but also a sea of Honolulu blue that pervaded his NFL draft experience in downtown Detroit.
After redshirting as a freshman, Arnold became a three-year player and a second-year starter at Alabama. He helped anchor a strong Crimson Tide second team that reached the College Football Playoff last season, but lost in overtime in the Rose Bowl. He finished 2023 with five interceptions, 17 passes defended and 63 total tackles in 14 games.
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Arnold entered the NFL Draft at the age of 21, during his second year as a redshirt player.
Here are some highlights and facts to know about Arnold, the newest member of the Lions' secondary.
height: 6ft 0.
weight: 189 pounds.
40 yard dash: 4.50 seconds.
10 yard split: 1.54 seconds.
Vertical jump: 37 inches.
Broad jump: 10 feet 9 inches.
Instant grade:The Lions filled their biggest need with a first-round deal in Alabama cornerback Terion Arnold.
Winner
Arnold played just two seasons at Alabama, earning All-American honors in each season. As a redshirt freshman in 2022, he was named a Freshman All-American after recording 45 tackles, eight passes defensed, and one interception in 11 games and was also named to the first-year All-SEC team. Ta.
The following year, he became one of the best cornerbacks in college football, being named a first-team AP All-American and a first-team All-SEC cornerback. He had impressive numbers, including two interceptions in a miraculous come-from-behind victory over Auburn and leading the team in tackles in the SEC Championship Game's upset of undefeated Georgia. Along with his numbers, he made big plays in important situations.
Two sports genes
After graduating from high school, Arnold was a two-sport athlete at Alabama before pursuing a career in football. He was a five-star safety recruit and standout hoops player who grew up in Tallahassee, Florida.
Arnold reportedly discussed playing basketball at Alabama, but ultimately decided to stick with football and be coached by legendary coach Nick Saban. After Arnold injured his ankle, he reportedly wanted to continue playing basketball, but high school coach and former Florida State great Charlie Ward told him to stick with football. That's what it means.
culture setter
When Saban was talking about him Thursday night on ESPN's telecast during the draft, he talked about his ideal Lions player.
Saban said Arnold is a hard worker who is family-oriented and actively participates in defensive staff meetings. He also said Arnold invented the acronym “LANK,” which stands for “Let all the naysayers know,” which became the Alabama football team's code word during the 2023 season.
“He really followed suit and focused on being a leader for the team and being the best player he could be,” Saban said Thursday night.
Wearing a salmon pink suit with the acronym on the inside of one coat jacket and a photo of his family on the other, Arnold embraced the moment with the Detroit crowd with a big smile on his face.
Arnold has consistently used the draft cycle to give a shout-out to his family, especially his mother, Tamara. At his combine, after training, he thanked his mother on national television with a heartfelt message praising her hard work.
