Classes started, practice continues for UA

FAYETTEVILLE – The University of Arkansas football team continued August practices Tuesday afternoon a day after beginning a fresh semester of classes on the UA campus. The squad took to Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium to keep up preparation for the upcoming football season. Offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Garrick McGee liked what he saw from the team coming off their short break.

"They had good energy and good spirit," Coach McGee said. "It seemed like it had been a long time since we’d been out there. I know our quarterbacks had been saying they couldn’t wait to get out there. I thought the energy and enthusiasm were there."

The Razorback offense was high-flying in 2009, leading the Southeastern Conference in scoring offense (36.0) and passing offense (295.5). Coach McGee stressed that further success will be reached with a dangerous running attack.

"To win in the SEC you’ve got to be able to run the ball," Coach McGee said. "You’ve got to run it well early and you’ve got to be able to run it late in the game to win. We’re taking a lot of pride in it."

Coach McGee noted he has faith in the abilities of his offense, and especially likes what he’s seen from the tight end group.

"D.J. (Williams) is lighter than he was last year," Coach McGee said. "But he is stronger. He’s more powerful. He’s blocking better. You can see that he’s quick and can really run routes. He understands route spacing. I also think Ben Cleveland has really grown up. He’s played a lot of football here."

UA’s quarterbacks coach has also noticed the tight end unit’s freshmen stepping up.

"They are doing a really good job," Coach McGee said. "(Brad) Hefley is just as physical as we thought he’d be when we recruited him and Garrett (Uekman) is another really good athlete."

The Razorbacks hit the practice field Wednesday at 4 p.m., with the session closed to the public. UA kicks off the 2010 season at home in Fayetteville vs. Tennessee Tech, Sept. 4 at 6 p.m. For more information on Arkansas football, visit ArkansasRazorbacks.com.