UA defense reaching top form

FAYETTEVILLE – The University of Arkansas football team practiced Tuesday morning inside Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in its continued preparation for the upcoming season. The practice session featured bouts of special teams work, as well as head-to-head chances for the UA offense and defense.

Speaking of the past weekend’s scrimmage, defensive coordinator and secondary coach Willy Robinson saw plenty of highlights from his defensive unit as the squad moves forward.

"We were opportunistic going after the turnovers," Coach Robinson said. "There were caused fumbles and recovered fumbles."

Coach Robinson was thrilled with the play of the defensive line, especially in the interior. Standing out in the UA defensive coordinator’s mind was sophomore defensive tackle Alfred Davis.

"He’s playing disciplined," Coach Robinson said. "He’s playing low and being explosive off the blocks. He’s been able to sustain longer in practice. The longer we can keep him (Davis) in there the more stout our line will be."

The Razorback defense has seen many players step into larger roles, according to Coach Robinson. The chance to see playing time in the coming UA campaign still looms large for many of Arkansas’ linebackers and defensive backs.

Overall, Coach Robinson likes where the UA defense is positioned currently, and admits there is still time in the tough camp days of August for further adjustments to be made.

"I like where we are at with our ones," Coach Robinson said. "We need to make sure our leadership steps up. With the fact that it’s hard; we’ve got to fight through hard and grind. It’s been a grind since we’ve started camp. You think about the love of the game and push yourself through these parts."

Arkansas practices twice Wednesday with practices set to begin at 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Fans may attend that session and also practice Aug. 21, set for 9 a.m., otherwise the drills are now closed to the public. UA kicks off the 2010 season at home vs. Tennessee Tech, Sept. 4 at 6 p.m. For more information on Razorback football, visit ArkansasRazorbacks.com.