Razorbacks Look Strong as Game-Week Nears

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas finished up its third week of practice on Friday afternoon with a 90-minute workout in shoulder pads and helmets that was split between the grass practice fields south of the stadium and the Willard and Pat Walker Pavilion.

The threat of rain near the end of Friday’s workout sent the Hogs inside for the final portion of practice.

“We had a really good practice on both sides of the ball today, so that makes you feel real good,” Arkansas head coach Houston Nutt said following the workout. “We’re going to have a great rehearsal tomorrow, and then we are just seven days out.”

The Razorbacks kickoff the 2007 season on Sept. 1 inside Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium against Troy at 6 p.m. UA will hold a rehearsal practice on Saturday morning that is closed to the public to work out all of the details that are involved with the season opener.

Starting right cornerback Jerell Norton has re-aggravated a high ankle sprain and is in a precautionary boot until Monday. Coaches expect the sophomore from Cedar Hill, Texas, to be ready for the opener. Nathan Dick, who was also named the backup quarterback on Friday, also sat out of practice with a strained hip flexor, but he is expected to return in the coming days.

Coach Nutt also praised the work of all three Hogs coming off of major-knee surgery this past year. Marcus Harrison has made it back from his surgery this past spring to start at left defensive end against Troy. Free safety Michael Grant and strong-side linebacker Freddie Fairchild are also back manning their respective positions.

Following Saturday’s rehearsal practice the Razorbacks will begin game-week preparations with a day off on Monday and practice resuming on Tuesday.