Football practice report

The University of Arkansas football team completed its third week of spring practices Saturday with a morning workout inside Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. The practice Saturday morning came after the Razorbacks held a scrimmage Friday evening. The defense had a solid performance during the scrimmage and was led by linebacker Terrell Williams who had eight tackles, including two for a loss of two yards and one pass break up."Terrell is very capable of being a physical player and I think he has really matured during spring ball," UA head coach Bobby Petrino commented on Friday. "I think we got him in the right position and he had some guys out there helping him, but that’s good because then he can just relax and run to the ball and make contact." During his media session following Friday’s scrimmage, Coach Petrino commented on the play of the offensive line and looked ahead to the work that would be done at the position next week. "I think it has been great and it is nice to have that much depth," said Petrino. "Guys are competing extremely hard for those spots. Next week we’ll probably work some different combinations there just to get guys used to each other." Arkansas running back Dennis Johnson has had a strong spring after appearing in all 13 games in 2009 with two starts. He was third on the team last season in rushing with 57 carries for 342 yards. "The running backs are all starters to me and you try to find out who is hot," said Petrino. "The thing I’ve been most impressed with about Dennis (Johnson) is his leadership. How much he is leading and how much happier he is out at practice. He knows it is going to be hard work and he comes out with a smile." Arkansas returns to the practice field next Tuesday as it enters its final week of spring drills. The team will also practice on Wednesday and Friday next week prior to the Red-White Spring Game presented by Cox Digital Cable, which will kick off at 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 24.