Razorbacks scrimmage under lights
FAYETTEVILLE – The University of Arkansas football team held a Red-vs.-White scrimmage during practice Thursday night in Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Standout UA quarterback Ryan Mallett highlighted the affair, throwing for 475 yards and five touchdowns on 31-of-39 pass attempts. Offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Garrick McGee was impressed by the offensive showing, but suggested that just like any practice, there is always something to learn.
"There were a lot of big plays and good things," Coach McGee said. "We’re going to go back and watch the tape to make sure we are using the right technique and if we are stepping with the right foot. That way we’ll be able to figure out if we are executing at that higher level."
The Red squad dictated much of the scrimmage, behind the sound passing by Mallett. A preseason first-team All-SEC honoree, Mallett found junior wide receiver Greg Childs on touchdown passes of 60, 34 and 58 yards. Coach McGee liked what he saw in the tandem, but continued to stress making the extra effort.
"It’s always good when you can go up and down the field," Coach McGee said. "We missed pressure checks and reads; those are the series that we have to be mentally tough enough to know that when we’re up 14-0 or down 14-0 that we keep going."
Childs found himself in the end zone often in the scrimmage, but was quick to point out the team’s overall effort in the matchup.
"Hard work pays off," Childs said. "I don’t think anybody practices harder than we do. We’ve all gotten bigger, stronger and faster. We’ve all elevated our games."
Speaking of Mallett, Childs expressed his gratitude for the UA signal caller’s throwing ability on his second scoring score catch of the evening.
"When I was coming into the end zone, I could see (the ball) coming," Childs said. "I didn’t think it would drop and then it is coming straight down. (Ryan) puts it in a position where you can catch it."
The Razorbacks have the day off Friday and return to practice Saturday, Aug. 21, starting at 9 a.m. Following the workout, which is the final session open to the public, fans are reminded to attend Razorback Fan Day at the Gardens, located south of Bud Walton Arena.
Fan Day will take place in conjunction with "Kick-Off the Season at the Gardens", which is sponsored by the NWA Chapters of the Arkansas Alumni Association and the Razorback Foundation. The event, scheduled for Noon-5 p.m., includes a photo zone with Tusk III, a kid’s zone with inflatable games and food vendors.
A pep rally is set to begin at approximately 1:30 p.m., while coaches, players, mascots and the spirit squad will be in attendance to sign autographs from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
