Arkansas Razorback Football: Hogs Return to Spring Practice in Full Pads

The Arkansas Razorback coaching staff welcomed the players return from their spring break vacation last week to a full pad practice on Tuesday.

Tuesday’s session was the third practice leading up to the annual Red-White Spring Game on April 21.

In offensive coordinator Paul Petrino’s post practice press conference on Tuesday he said, “The players executed well and did a good job”.

One of the biggest concerns the Razorback coaching staff faces in the spring is the starting quick tackle spot left vacated by suspended senior offensive lineman Jason Peacock.

Peacock was arrested and released Friday March 16 for stealing a fellow University of Arkansas student’s purse and charging over $35 worth of gas on the student’s credit card. Arkansas Head Coach Bobby Petrino immediately suspend Peacock indefinitely for his actions.

During the post practice press conference Paul Petrino was noncommittal about how the offensive line was performing in Peacock’s absence or who was getting first team reps at the quick tackle position. Petrino said, “They’ve all been competing. We’ve been splitting them up. They just got to keep competing.”

Sophomore Brey Cook and Mitch Smothers along with senior tackle David Hurd, and Chris Stringer will battle for starting spots at both strong and quick tackle during spring practices with Peacock out.

Smothers started four games at quick tackle before Peacock took over the starting role for the remainder of the 2011 season. Smothers has been competing for a starting spot at quick guard and was listed on the second unit behind senior Tyler Deacon heading into the spring sessions.

The full pads may have been more for show than hard hitting. Petrino commented, “Most of the hitting was done by the young guys. More thud not a lot of full on contact.”

All-SEC running back Knile Davis reportedly looked good in the closed practice. His hands and speed out of his breaks were all there.Davis’ endurance after a year off from football is a not where it was before his injury.Davis’ return to football shape should come with time and practice.

Friday’s practice is an open full pad practice set to be a half practice half scrimmage. Razorback fans will be able to watch the scrimmage starting around 4 p.m. CST.

Spring Practice Notes of Interest

Look for 2011 starting defensive end Tenarius Wright to see a lot of action at inside linebacker during Friday’s scrimmage. The Razorbacks lost All-SEC linebacker Jerry Franklin to graduation and outside linebacker Alonzo Highsmith, Jr., to a pectoral injury before spring practices began.

The Hogs have 11 more practices left in the spring session. Wednesday’s practice is closed along with practices on April 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, and 18. Friday’s scrimmage is an open practice along with practices on April 6, 13, and the Red-White Spring Game.

Jimmy Carter of CBSSports.com reported on Tuesday from an interview with backup quarterback Brandon Mitchell that the Hogs vacationed in Panama City, Florida.

Brandon Mitchell said, “80 percent of the team was down there hanging out on the beach with each other, still building chemistry and waking up every morning and running and playing football on the beach basically.”