Razorback defense continues to make strides

The University of Arkansas football team returned to practice Friday and defensive coordinator/secondary coach Willy Robinson shared his thoughts with the media after having time to evaluate Wednesday’s scrimmage. “We wanted to come out and play tough,” said Robinson. “Our kids tackled and ran to the ball well. We came out and played our staples on defensive and we felt good about how we played a lot of those things. We got hurt with screens and hurt with over routes, but we played the base part with the run game fairly decent.” Arkansas is scheduled to use tomorrow’s workout as a scrimmage as well and Robinson is looking for many of the same things the unit was able to do in its last outing. “There will be a lot of reps and we’ll play certain situations in our base some in a little bit of pressure and some in when we’ll call it like the game,” said Robinson. “We are still looking for the same enthusiasm in getting to the football and execution on both sides. There is going to be a give and take with it, and we want to see how everyone responds when they get hit.” Robinson was pleased with the play of sophomore free safety Tramain Thomas who had six tackles and two pass breakups Wednesday. “Tramain has done a great job,” said Robinson. “He made a lot of big hits in his first scrimmage and a lot of big plays to the ball. In Wednesday’s scrimmage he didn’t have any missed tackles; he responded well, played the ball well and did a lot of good things. He’s continuing to grow and he’s pushing the man in front of him and that’s what we look for at any position.” Robinson also mentioned a few players that made an impression in Wednesday’s scrimmage. “I thought Isaac Madison did a nice job,” said Robinson. “He played the deep ball and tackled well. I thought Jerry (Franklin) performed well and Malcolm Sheppard day in and day out gives you everything he has. Damario Ambrose played decently as well.” Fans are encouraged to check ArkansasRazorbacks.com for the most up to date information.

— HOGS —