Razorbacks Stage Final Full Practice Before Spring Game
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas started tapering for Saturday’s spring game on Thursday as the Razorbacks worked 90 minutes in full pads on what proved to be a hot spring day. The Hogs were in full pads on Thursday putting finishing touches on the physical preparations for Saturday’s 1 p.m. game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.
Although his team still has one more light practice and the Red-White Game to complete, Arkansas head coach Houston Nutt is already lauding his squad’s efforts in the 13 spring workouts already in the books.
“The sun came out and got on us a little bit (today),” Nutt said. “We got a little tired and a little sluggish. But we have had a good spring. I’m proud of our guys. They have had a good attitude every single day. I feel like they have given it to us. I feel like we have gotten better this spring. That is what spring is about. To move people up, get better fundamentally and be better blockers and tacklers. For the most part we have done that.”
Arkansas will split into pre-assigned red and white teams for a walk-through on Friday. The Hogs will concentrate on fielding special teams’ units and rehearsing for Saturday’s game. Nutt says with a large crowd expected and the game televised by ESPNU, he wants to make sure that his squad looks sharp in every aspect of the spring finale.
Saturday afternoon will offer Razorback players one final chance to make their claim on playing time before fall camp convenes. Nutt says as far as he is concerned, nobody has sewn up a starting job just yet.
“Number one, we are looking for guys that play the game like it has never been played before,” Nutt said. “We are looking for concentration and passion. Again there are some positions out there, guys still fighting for a position. Nothing to me is ever locked up. You can never be satisfied and have the attitude of I’m first team and go through the motions. We don’t ever want to get to that. We want to be hungry, play very fast and play with that enthusiasm and passion. We are looking for a great effort on Saturday.”
It will be a busy weekend on the UA campus. Thursday, high school coaches from all over the state attended practice as part of the Razorback Football Coaches’ Clinic. The two-day clinic will feature noted professional, college and high school coaches from all over the nation. On Friday and Saturday, the annual Razorback football lettermen’s reunion will bring together many former Arkansas football players and coaches.
And then on Saturday, EAS RazorFest will kick things off at 10 a.m. at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. The day-long event will feature a 7-on-7 flag football tournament featuring
former Razorback players and a carnival atmosphere for kids of all ages. At 1 p.m., the Red-White game will kickoff and will be followed by the conclusion of the flag-football tournament.
In addition, Arkansas’ baseball team is town this weekend and will host games with the Kentucky Wildcats on Friday (7:05 p.m.), Saturday (4:05 p.m.) and Sunday (12:35 p.m.).
“We have a lot of former players back and a lot of former coaches,” Nutt said. “With EAS and what they are doing for children, it is going to be a great kids’ day. It is going to be a great alumni weekend and baseball weekend. You name it, it is here. We are excited.”
There is no admission for EAS RazorFest or the UA Red-White Spring Game. Fans should enter Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium through gates 1, 12 15 and 16 on the east side. Gates open at 10 a.m.
