Football practice report

FAYETTEVILLE – The University of Arkansas football team completed its first week of spring practice Saturday with a workout in which the Razorbacks utilized half the time for practice and the other half for a scrimmage.

"It was a lot of fun out there today and I enjoyed it with a half practice and half scrimmage," said UA head coach Bobby Petrino. "First of all, I was impressed with the way we practiced leading up to the scrimmage which was really important to me and our coaches who wanted to see us go out and get a lot out of the first half of practice and I really felt like we did that. Scrimmage wise, it was a good time. I thought we did some good things. There were some sloppy things out there, but we’ll have to watch the video and see exactly what transpired particularly with the interior guys. Defensively, I felt like we were hitting better. All four quarterbacks got a lot of reps, which is something we want to do throughout spring. We’ve got a long way to go."

Cobi Hamilton led the team in receiving with four catches for 145 yards and three touchdowns. His touchdowns came from distances of 32, 59 and 19 yards.

"Cobi had a great offseason and has started off with a good first week of spring ball," said Petrino. "He was real impressive in the early morning workouts and then he would go to track in the afternoon. He’s very dedicated to both. He still has a ways to go strength wise, but he really did a nice job catching the ball. He adjusts to the ball so well with his body and there is no question he has the best hands on the team."

The team was led in rushing by Dennis Johnson who carried the ball seven times for 74 yards, including a five-yard touchdown.

"It is great to have all four of them back there," said Petrino. "They are all a little different. We have some good physical runners and guys who can take it the distance. Dennis (Johnson) is really a good change of pace when he is in there. He really understands the offense. I’ve been really proud of Dennis this first week and particularly yesterday. We had a couple of things not go right at times in practice and he was a guy leading in the huddle and that’s a huge step. I’ve been happy with all four of them."

Arkansas returns to the field next Tuesday at 4 p.m. for the first of three workouts next week. Fans are encouraged to check ArkansasRazorbacks.com for the most up to date information on Arkansas football.