Tuesday practice report

FAYETTEVILLE – The University of Arkansas Razorback football team continued spring practices with a two-hour workout Tuesday afternoon. The squad practiced inside Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in full pads.

Arkansas wrapped up last week’s practices with a scrimmage on Friday. Defensive coordinator Willy Robinson was pleased with what he saw out of his players and looked to continue the momentum they regenerated into this week’s practices.

"It was probably one of our better physical scrimmages as far as collisions," Robinson said. "We ran to the ball really well. We did a really good job of flying around and making plays. One of the biggest things that we have done, and it’s a carryover from the bowl game, we’ve been able to get our younger guys a lot of reps and that’s really making a difference. A lot of our twos are mixed in and some of our threes are getting reps out there. They are making plays and that’s been a real advantage to us."

Robinson was also impressed with how his defensive unit handled the ball through the air and on the ground, key elements that have been focused on during spring practices.

"I thought our pass rushing on third down was pretty darn good," Robinson said. "I think Coach Allen and Coach Caldwell are doing a great job in regards to working games together. I think we are much more efficient. When you have athletes like Jake Bequette and the ability to move Damario Ambrose inside, it gives us a little more speed. Caleb Evans is also a guy that, in those windows, allows you to create some havoc with his rush. I think right now, as a far as the rush is going, we are doing a better job of getting off and attacking the line of scrimmage. And we are converting if it is passed."

Rudell Crim is making a slight switch this week. Usually playing at the cornerback position, he made the switch to safety to add speed and experience at that position. The coaching staff will evaluate the move during this week’s practices.

"He was playing a little bit of safety today," Robinson said. "We are trying to get more speed on the field. Rudell has background as a safety coming out of the junior college system. We want to take this week and see if he can come back and we’ll see what he looks like back there. I thought he had a heck of a day today. As far as I could tell on the field, he made a good play and then caught on to what his responsibilities are. I think he did an excellent job today relying on his background at safety and you saw a lot more speed on the field today at that position."

Arkansas is scheduled to return to the practice field at 4 p.m. Wednesday. Razorback practices throughout the spring are open to the public. The Red-White spring game presented by Cox Digital Cable will be held at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on Saturday, April 24. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.