UA football hits two-a-days
FAYETTEVILLE – The University of Arkansas football team participated in its first two-a-day practice sessions Tuesday morning at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium and in the afternoon inside the Walker Pavilion. Head football coach Bobby Petrino saw the day handled expertly by his veteran-laden squad.
"We had two really good practices," Coach Petrino said. "They were hard, physical, tough practices, in the heat. We started a little early today before the heat index. Then this afternoon the decision was to go inside."
In the mix of acclimating UA’s newcomers to its practices, Coach Petrino noted the group’s quick learning ability. Their capacity to work against Arkansas’ veterans will strengthen the entire squad.
"We’re rotating threes in there with the twos," Coach Petrino said. "We’ve been executing well."
For the Arkansas offense, the quest for greatness starts up front. Coach Petrino plans for his linemen to be even more of a brute force. Competition will pick up in the position group as a result.
"They are continuing to be physical," Coach Petrino said. "They are working on their gap control. I think the battle has been pretty even there. The offensive line has been solid."
After leading the Southeastern Conference in passing offense (295.5) and scoring offense (36.0) in 2009, Coach Petrino has emphasized taking the juggernaut unit to an even higher level.
"It has been an emphasis throughout our camp," Coach Petrino said. "We’re going to improve the running game. We’re going to find what we do best in running the football. We’ll give the running backs different opportunities for all of the different runs."
To compliment the scoring the Razorback offense can do, Coach Petrino plans on having depth to call upon in the defense.
"The defensive line is working hard at knowing what the other side of the ball is trying to do," Coach Petrino said. "I like what our defensive front has done. We have great depth there. We are bigger and faster. It will be interesting to see who contributes. We’ve got a couple young guys who are very capable, physically, of getting it done. Linebackers are going to be competing throughout. In the secondary, I continue to believe we are much faster than we were a year ago."
The Razorbacks will practice once tomorrow, beginning at 9 a.m. Fans are invited to attend Arkansas practices through August 21 (excluding August 19). The public is not permitted inside Walker Pavilion, due to limitations in space. For more information regarding Arkansas football, please visit ArkansasRazorbacks.com.
