Defense Sharp at Tuesday Workout

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Arkansas Razorbacks had their first afternoon practice of the fall season on Tuesday. With classes back in session, this week’s practice schedule will likely resemble a typical game-week practice schedule.

Practice began at 3:45 p.m. and was contested for slightly less then two hours on the practice fields just south of Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.

“I think our players realize that the season is coming up very fast,” head coach Houston Nutt said. “After a long day of school and a long practice, the guys had very good focus. We just have to keep getting better and we are really stressing hard the things that they do. They do a lot of things that are good. Overall, it was a very good day today.”

Tuesday’s practice was more physical then those during fall camp and Nutt was encouraged by what he saw. Nutt also applauded the hard work from his team and was glad to see the squad getting some tackling in.

“There was a little more hitting today, especially with the defense,” Nutt said. “The defense was running a USC middle drill and really did a good job of recognizing their schemes and making their tackles. When you don’t have as many tackle plays, the only thing that makes you nervous as a coach is that live tackling. You have got to do a little bit (of tackling) to keep them going, to keep them fresh and to keep those fundamentals very sharp, especially when you are tackling good-quality backs.”

Nutt’s mind has also consistently been on the injuries that have affected the team and fall workouts. Happy to see the likes of Anthony Brown and Weston Dacus back in practice gear this week, Nutt is also impressed by their performances.

“(Having Brown and Dacus back) is really big for us,” Nutt said. “It’s very important for us to get Anthony Brown and Weston Dacus and other injured guys back.”

Still missing from the field is London Crawford. Crawford’s return to drills has yet to be determined.

“London didn’t go today,” Nutt said. “He’s going to get an MRI right now. We are really trying to find out what’s wrong and go from there.”

In special teams news, Nutt has been impressed with the work the kickers have done during practice. A decision about each position will likely be made by the end of the week.

“I am impressed by the work they have done,” Nutt said. “In the next two or three days, we will probably name the place kicker.