Razorbacks Continue Spring Practice as Red-White Game Nears

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Arkansas football team returned to the practice turf inside Willard and Pat Walker Pavilion during Tuesday’s workout. It was the Razorbacks’ first practice since Saturday’s scrimmage. With one week of practice remaining before the Red-White Spring Game, the coaching staff is looking for progression and an intensity head coach Bobby Petrino said was lacking from Tuesday’s practice.

“We’re taking steps forward,” Petrino said. “But unfortunately, today I thought we didn’t practice with the same intensity that we need after a good, hard scrimmage and a couple of days off.”

After watching the film from Arkansas’ third scrimmage Saturday, Petrino saw improvements from his team. He pointed out the good play of offensive line Wade Grayson and the development of the connection between the quarterbacks and receivers. On defense, he was pleased with the pressure from the front line.

“Our execution was a lot better in the scrimmage,” Petrino said. “Offensively, our timing was better in the passing game when the quarterback was getting the ball out of his hand and the receivers were open. Defensively, we still got some good pass rush and got some sacks.

“I thought Antwain Robinson probably had his best scrimmage. He’s showing in the pass rush and helped us there. Inside, (Malcolm) Sheppard is giving us a great effort. We just have to get better at our technique inside.

Running back Chip Gregory, still making the transition from linebacker, returned to practice after missing time with an injury. Petrino is looking forward to seeing Gregory in some game situations against a live defense.

“It’s good to see a big back (in the backfield),” Petrino said. “He’s pushing hard and trying to fight through it. It’ll be nice if we can get him some work Saturday night in the Spring Game. He needs some live work—to get hit, to get knocked down—to see if he can do it four or five times in a row.”

The Razorbacks will take a day off before getting back to the practice fields Thursday. The practice will be open to the public unless it is moved indoors in which case the workout will be closed due to space constraints inside Walker Pavilion.

Saturday’s Red-White Spring Game is scheduled for a 6 p.m. start inside Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Log on to www.hogwired.com for more details and continued coverage of Arkansas football.