Wednesday practice report

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

"We made some mistakes in our last scrimmage and that’s the biggest thing we are focusing on," special teams coordinator John L. Smith said. "That’s what Coach Petrino has emphasized this week. We aren’t adding a ton. We are keeping things so we can execute. We are more worried about technique. We are trying to minimize mistakes and get in line right. We need to do a better job of tackling on the defensive side the ball. We can’t afford to miss a tackle. But we did do a good job of running well to the football."

Smith stressed the importance of improving on tackling but was happy with the full-speed approach his players took to getting to the ball.

Still on Smith’s list is narrowing down who may be listed at the punt return spot on the depth chart. Smith and the coaching staff got another chance to evaluate their options during Wednesday’s practice.

"Today’s the first day we got to take some live looks," Smith said. "I’ll have to see what’s on the film. If I had to pick a guy right now based on what I’ve seen, it’d be Jarius Wright. We continue to work those guys and evaluate that position."

In addition to his work with special teams, Smith also works with the defense. Continuing to stress full speed to the ball and tackling assignments, playing physical is also an important aspect of the linebacker position.

"Bret Harris has done a great job so far," Smith said. "We keep after him about getting but better but I think he’s done really well for us this spring. His speed has improved; he really can run. And he’s getting more physical. The biggest thing for Bret is being a physical player and cutting loose. And he’s doing a good job with that."

Arkansas is scheduled to return to the practice field at 4 p.m. Friday. 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.