Coaches add onto playbook FAYETTEVILLE — The playbook proved to be getting deeper for Arkansas on Tuesday as the offense labored some in the Razorbacks’ fifth practice of the spring.

“We found today we’ve got a lot to learn,” Arkansas Coach Bobby Petrino said.

The Razorbacks had a good opening week, capped by a mostly productive scrimmage Sunday.

After an off day Monday, the coaches went back heavy on the installation, and the result was a mixed bag.

“We put more in, and any time you put more in, you have more assignment errors going on,” Petrino said. “We have got to be able to come off a good four hard days of practice, have a day off and then learn how to work at the same tempo, [have the ] same physical practice that we want.” The defense had a more rugged look than it did last weekend and was more effective stopping the lead play.

“[The defense played ] a lot more physical than they did in the scrimmage Sunday, and that was good to see,” Petrino said.

The incessant rain in Northwest Arkansas forced the Razorbacks indoors for the third time in five practices, and they still have not worked on the outdoor practice fields after conducting workouts Saturday and Sunday inside Reynolds Razorback Stadium.

“We would rather be outside, no question about it,” Petrino said. “We would rather be on the grass, but the practice field out here is soaked.

“ We’re trying to work hard on our timing, on the quarterbacks understanding where the receivers are going to be, and sometimes the wind is as big as the wetness.” Petrino praised the work of the defensive backs, who batted away a handful of passes and notched an interception on Rashaad Johnson’s full-speed sideline interception of Ryan Mallett. Aguirre promoted Junior Michael Aguirre, a backup guard last season, is getting a shot at first-team tackle this spring.

Aguirre worked with the starting offense at right and left tackle Tuesday, switching sides with sophomore Ray Dominguez.

Junior Jose Valdez started 10 games last season and had worked with the first-team line most snaps through the spring’s first four practices.

“We’re in a constant search for guys that are trying to make progress,” Arkansas offensive line coach Mike Summers said. “Those guys that we see making progress, we’re going to shuffle them in and see who gets an opportunity.” Valdez said after Sunday’s scrimmage adjusting to the new offense “gets overwhelming” at times.

“It’s a lot different and it’s hard, and I am struggling a little bit right now,” Valdez said. “I am going to be meeting with Coach Summers and trying to get this stuff straightened out.” Arkansas Coach Bobby Petrino said he’s been impressed by Aguirre.

“We were worried a little bit about his speed, but he’s really good on his technique,” Petrino said. “He’s probably way ahead of every other tackle on his technique on his pass sets.” Aguirre said it feels good to be getting some first-team work, but he’s not letting it go to his head. “I’m going to try as hard as I can, and we’ll see what happens,” he said. “This is competition in the spring. “ I wouldn’t be surprised if Ray goes in or Jose or whatever. We’re just trying to find out who’s going to play in the fall, and I’m going to be supportive and keep competing.” Jackson impressed Keith Jackson, the former All-American and Pro Bowl tight end who is the color analyst for ARSN broadcasts, watched his first practice of the spring Tuesday. “The thing I can say that I’ve seen is everything has a purpose and everything has a plan to it, and the execution has been good,” Jackson said. “You can see the coaches are coaching the technique, and after a while the technique will turn into plays, and then the plays will turn into success. “ Every step means something, and you can see them coaching to that every inch, every step. That’s going to win some games for you down the line.” Injury update Freshman receiver Crosby Tuck joined the wounded Tuesday after sustaining a slight quadriceps pull just prior to the start of Sunday’s scrimmage work.

“He came out here dressed out. We thought we might be able to get some work out of him, but he wasn’t able to go after stretch,” Coach Bobby Petrino said.

The ankle sprain that kept running back Chip Gregory from participating in Sunday’s scrimmage might keep him out of contact work for several more days.

“I’m afraid it’s going to be a little while,” Petrino said. “On video it looked like a high ankle sprain, the way you get a high ankle sprain. He’s not able to get any push-off yet.” Cornerback Jerell Norton is also expected to miss more practices with the hamstring injury he sustained in the second practice.