Razorbacks Back in Full Pads

FAYETTEVILLE – The Razorbacks were back in full pads for the first time since their victory on Saturday evening with a two-hour practice inside Walker Pavilion as they prepare for their next matchup on Sept. 6, against Louisiana-Monroe.

The Hogs worked on all facets of the game in Tuesday’s practice as they look to improve upon their performance.

“We didn’t come out and execute as well as we needed to,” Arkansas offensive coordinator Paul Petrino said. “A couple of guys weren’t into practice like they should have been. Some guys had great effort but overall they need to come out with a lot more focus tomorrow. Tuesday is a hard practice and I’m not sure they understand that yet, but they’re going to because that’s the way it’s going to be and they have to get used to it. We just have to keep pushing them and get it better tomorrow and have a lot better practice.”

Petrino also spoke about the play of freshman wide receiver Greg Childs who came up with big catches in the Arkansas win.

“The guys that make the plays in practice are the ones that make the plays in the game,” Petrino said. “We catch chart every single practice and he made all the plays Wednesday and Thursday in practice so it wasn’t surprising that he made them in the game. We need to keep building on it and keep getting better.

“I think that it boosted (his confidence) a lot,” his position coach continued. “Depending on London’s health, it will be a different role for him. Other guys like Crosby Tuck need to step up because he (Childs) isn’t ready to play every snap. He is definitely ready to make a bunch of plays, but maybe not every play.”

The running game was also of concern to the media in attendance and Petrino came back with a simple sounding solution to picking up the rush aside from the question asked which referred to the return of junior running back Michael Smith.

“Yes, I think he (Smith) will help,” Petrino said. “Just converting third downs early in the game will help. We were actually good on third downs for the game, but we missed the first two and that put us on the sideline what felt forever so you have to keep the defense on its heels. Not converting those first two third downs really hurt us in the ability to run the ball.”

The Razorbacks return to the gridiron on Wednesday as they continue to prepare for Saturday’s showdown in Little Rock, Ark., with Louisiana-Monroe. For more information regarding Razorback football or University of Arkansas athletics please visit ArkansasRazorbacks.com.