Arkansas football practice report

The University of Arkansas football team continued practice Wednesday with a morning workout inside Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. The team practiced from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Following the practice, the UA head coach Bobby Petrino spoke with the media:

On Greg Childs:"I’m really happy with Greg. I think he’s really matured and become a better student of the game. He’s studying hard and really trying to learn the offense. Last year, as a true freshman he came out and looked forward to someone telling him what to do on every play. Now he’s really studying and he’s big, strong and physical. His attitude has been great. He’s in much better condition so he doesn’t get as tired. I couldn’t be happier with him."

On Ryan Mallett:"I think he’s improved a lot. He’s learned how to stay composed and doesn’t get mad and beat himself up (following a bad play). I’m happy with the improvement. We have to wait and see when it really gets to a game and we will see how he handles it and how much poise he has. I think the entire team has been working hard on that and understanding you play one play at a time."

On the team at this point this year compared to last:"We’re a lot better. Our guys understand what we are doing and how to practice. I think we do a much better job in meetings. The attitude is good and the work ethic is good. We’re a much better football team on the field. We’re bigger, stronger and more physical. We just don’t know if we’re there yet, where we need to be. I like the way we work hard. I think our leadership within the team is a lot better than it was a year ago and guys aren’t afraid to tell other guys you need to step up and jump on board and get going."

On Lucas Miller:"He’s doing well. I think mentally he’s doing a nice job and that’s a lot of coming back from that type of injury being able to make the cuts and knowing you can go full speed. Now he’s doing everything and he’s a lot further ahead than I thought he would be."

On Broderick Green"He’s sick. We’ve got a couple of guys that have been sick. We’ve been doing a nice job of working hard to make sure we understand everyone’s health and making sure we know their temperature. I saw where Duke had 15 players out and quarantined. It is a big concern of mine and it will be especially when school gets started here."