Razorbacks Bounce Back in Tuesday Workout
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – After a sluggish Monday practice, Arkansas head coach Houston Nutt saw a little more spring in his squad’s step on Tuesday as the Razorbacks worked for a little more than two hours in full pads.
“We had a better day today,” Nutt said. “Our guys were concentrating. When they do that they are finding out ‘Hey’ they can make a play. They carry out their responsibility better. Overall we had a real good practice today. Again, we aren’t there yet, but we had fewer mistakes today than we did yesterday. That was our number one goal. I think when they see if 11 people are doing their job and going full speed with a tremendous passion, we can have a good football team. I was proud of their effort today.”
Arkansas’ running backs continue to impress the offensive coaching staff with their ability to make plays in the passing game. Darren McFadden, Felix Jones and Peyton Hillis, among others, offer the Hogs explosive options as both rushers and receivers in the Razorback offense.
“They have good hands and they are quick, fast and strong,” Nutt said. “You’ve got to be able to put those guys in some different places and they can do it. They are catching on and doing a great job. I have been real pleased how quickly Felix (Jones), Darren (McFadden), Michael Smith and of course Peyton Hillis has been doing a good job out there.”
On the other side of the ball, Nutt praised the work of defensive tackle Keith Jackson and defensive end Jamaal Anderson. Nutt also took time to single out defensive tackle Marcus Harrison and linebacker Sam Olajubutu for their spring efforts.
“He (Marcus) is just a monster,” Nutt said. “I love how physical he is. Everyday he brings it. You wish you have about four bodies like that. He is strong. He is a tremendous asset for us. We just have to keep him healthy. Sam Olajubutu has had one of those springs where he is just totally committed. He comes out here with a sense of urgency that I hope becomes contagious. He has had by far the best spring and he is a tremendous leader for us.”
Arkansas will take the day off from spring practice on Wednesday before returning to the practice field on Thursday. On Friday, the Hogs will conduct a walk-through in shorts in preparation for Saturday’s Red-White Game at 1 p.m.
Gates at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium will open at 10 a.m. for the EAS RazorFest and the spring game. The spring game will be televised on a tape-delayed basis by ESPNU at 5 p.m. CT on Saturday. There is no charge for the spring game or EAS RazorFest.
