College Football: Arkansas Razorback Fall Practice Updates

Fayetteville, AR; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Brandon Allen (13) makes a pass during practice. Credit: Beth Hall-US PRESSWIRE

Fayetteville, Ark. – The wear and tear from fall camp is starting to creep in for the Arkansas Razorback football team. The players can feel the daily grind is almost over and just in time for the team’s final open scrimmage.

On Friday those players locked in really separated themselves from the rest of the pack.

True freshmen running backs Jonathan Williams and Nate Holmes continue to show speed and motivation when given opportunities in practice. Each has a burst when hitting the hole. Williams has even adopted Knile Davis’ mental approach of running to the end zone, no matter how far away, after running plays.

Brandon Mitchell is gaining confidence as a receiver and shows after the catch ability. His approach might be rubbing off on the rest of the unit. Hamilton had another strong practice while Julian Horton and Javontee Herndon made some nice catches on Friday.

Some receivers lacked focus allowing passes to be dropped and letting passes get inside of their arms. Coaches were on players throughout practice with the players responding well to instructions.

Fullback/linebacker Kiero Small saw a lot of time with first-team defense on Friday. True freshman Otha Peters has a groin pull or strain. Peters still participated during practice but was hampered by the injury giving Small more time on defense.

Small has gotten back into the flow of his junior college days at Hartnell (Calif.). He is reacting well to plays and getting to the ball quickly.

Running back Dennis Johnson was held out of practice on Friday. Safety Eric Bennett returned to practice with full pads on but did not participate.

Even though the two defensive ends Arkansas started in 2011 were great (Tank Wright and Jake Bequette) do not expect much of a drop off with Trey Flowers and Chris Smith in 2012. Flowers and Smith get after it at each practice and are rarely seen taking a play off in practices.

In preparation for Saturday’s final fall camp scrimmage the first and second teams went up against the third and fourth teams. The only glaring difference between each unit is knowledge of the system and overall strength. There is a lot of talent on this year’s squad.

Fan Day!

Saturday the Hogs have their final open scrimmage of the fall sessions at 7 pm CT at Reynolds Razorback Stadium before beginning their fall practice schedule. At noon to 2 pm Fan Day will begin. Fans will be able to take pictures and have autographs signed with their favorite players.