Coach Petrino likes squad's physical play
FAYETTEVILLE – The University of Arkansas football team practiced twice Wednesday in the continuation of fall camp, working out in Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in the morning session and the Walker Pavilion in the afternoon. The dual set of drills saw the whole team work together in the initial practice and only newcomers in the latter session. Head coach Bobby Petrino, entering his third year leading the Razorbacks, has seen an increased amount of toughness coming from his group in the month of August.
"We are more physical, there is no doubt about it," Coach Petrino said. "We’re more physical on the offensive and defensive front. Our running backs have done a nice job, mentally, saying that they are going to run downhill. There is really no named starter right now. They’ve taken their turn at shining."
The Razorback running back corps, consisting of returnees Knile Davis, Broderick Green, Dennis Johnson and Ronnie Wingo Jr. have shouldered the load equally during preseason practices. All four return for Arkansas having notched at least one start in 2009.
Playmakers also fill the UA wide receiver ranks, although Coach Petrino has also seen new faces make themselves known.
"It is a very talented young group," Coach Petrino said. "They are going to have to figure out who understands the playbook the most and who is the quickest learner."
Coach Petrino noted that Arkansas’ veteran group of defensive backs have aided in the freshman receivers’ adjustment to college football.
"Anytime you are a freshman receiver, the defensive backs are going come up to press you and challenge you," Coach Petrino said. "We’re going to spend a lot of time from now until the opening game working them against press coverage. We’re going to need at least one, maybe two to help us at receiver."
Arkansas football practice is closed Thursday. One final practice remains open to the public Aug. 21, which is set to begin at 9 a.m.
Fans are invited to attend Razorback Fan Day Saturday, Aug. 21, at the Gardens, located south of Bud Walton Arena. Fan Day will take place in conjunction with "Kick-Off the Season at the Gardens", which is sponsored by the NWA Chapters of the Arkansas Alumni Association and the Razorback Foundation.
The event, scheduled for Noon-5 p.m., includes a photo zone with Tusk III, a kid’s zone with inflatable games and food vendors. A pep rally is set to begin at approximately 1:30 p.m., while coaches, players, mascots and the spirit squad will be in attendance to sign autographs from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
