Freshmen in for new experience

FAYETTEVILLE — Bobby Petrino expects a jacked-up team doing the ceremonial run through the “A” when the Arkansas Razorbacks open the 2008 season Saturday.

The first-year Arkansas coach even anticipates he’ll feel the electricity at Reynolds Razorback Stadium.

“I’m excited about it,” he said. “I’m excited to see how we execute and play on the field without the coaches around.”

Petrino said he is nervous but filled with anticipation, to be sending a large troop of true freshmen into action against Western Illinois.

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“I think it will be new to them when they run through the A,” he said. “It’s hard to simulate because they’ve never been in front of 74, 000 people before. But I got them an extra pair of pants just in case something happens in warmups. I think they’ll be all right.”

Petrino said he would not address changes in the depth chart, which was released Monday, but said redshirt freshman Nathan Dick would be the second quarterback behind his brother, Casey, if needed. Nathan Dick was listed as a co-second teamer with true freshman Tyler Wilson.

“You always have a decision to make of where we feel like Tyler is... whether you try to hold onto that redshirt or whether you say, ‘Let’s play him. Let’s give him experience,” Petrino said. “We’ve really got some work to do on that decision.”

True freshmen Jelani Smith and Khiry Battle were the only players listed at weakside linebacker on the depth chart, but Petrino speculated sophomore Ryan Powers could be available. Powers has missed practice time with an injury and wore a scout-team jersey this week. Senior team captain Elston Forte is likely unavailable at that position with a knee injury. Ticket update Extra tickets from Western Illinois’ allotment have been sent back to Arkansas, and as of the close of business hours Thursday, approximately 1, 200 tickets with a $ 45 face value remain for Saturday’s game.

Smith on list Arkansas junior Michael Smith is among 44 players on the watch list for the Doak Walker Award, which goes to the nation’s top running back. Former Razorback Darren McFadden, a first-round draft pick with the Oakland Raiders, won the Doak Walker Award the past two years. Arkansas State’s Reggie Arnold is also on the watch list. Other SEC backs on the list include Georgia’s Knowshon Moreno, Tennessee’s Arian Foster, Mississippi State’s Anthony Dixon and South Carolina’s Mike Davis.

No returns There are lots of new policies regarding Razorbacks athletics, but here is a critical one to remember: The no reentry rule at football games will be strictly enforced this season. According to a UA release: “Fans will not be allowed to exit the stadium and then return for any reason without utilizing a new unused game ticket.” Tobacco use is not permitted inside or outside the stadium, and the list of prohibited items includes alcohol, outside food or drink, backpacks, large bags, containers and thermoses, ice chests, video cameras, chairbacks wider than 16 inches, strollers, umbrellas, noisemakers, bells, whistles, horns and laser points. The full list of policies is available at www. arkansasrazorbacks. com on the “Fans” page. Henderson at home

Saturday’s game will mark the first time Western Illinois has played at Arkansas, but Leathernecks defensive backs coach Monte Henderson will be in familiar territory.

A Conway native, Henderson spent seven seasons working with the Razorbacks (1998-2004 ) as an administrative assistant and graduate assistant coach.

“Being at Arkansas was a great experience,” Henderson said. “I learned a lot, not just about football, but how to treat people, how to be a teacher.

“ I’m very excited about coming back to Arkansas for the game.”

Bobby Allen, Arkansas defensive tackles coach, helped Henderson get his first fulltime coaching job at Western Illinois in 2005. Vince Okruch, who was then Western Illinois’ defensive coordinator, had worked with Allen at Colorado and Minnesota.

“Vince was looking for a young coach, and having Monte work for me, I knew he was ready,” Allen said. “Monte was very well-organized. If you gave him an assignment to do as a G. A., he was going to take great pride in it and do it to the best of his ability. He wasn’t afraid to ask questions.

“ When he did have a chance to sit in with you and watch film, you could see he understood things, and he was good with the kids.”

Henderson not only has been preparing his players for the Razorbacks, but also for the fans.

“I’ve told them all about the Hog call,” Henderson said. “They know they won’t hear anything else like it anywhere in the country.” Wear your colors

Arkansas is participating in National College Colors Day 2008 today. The intent is to raise public awareness of the importance of colleges and universities, and some employers are using it as an annual dressdown day on the eve of the first college football Saturday. Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe is encouraging fans, students and alumni throughout the state to wear apparel in support of their favorite team. Go to www. collegecolorsday. com for more information.

Big debuts Western Illinois, the first opponent of the Bobby Petrino era at Arkansas, is no stranger to notable head coaching debuts. The Leathernecks were also the first opponent faced by Nebraska under Coach Bill Callahan in 2004, and they served as the opponent for Bret Bielema’s debut at Wisconsin in 2006. The score of those games: Nebraska 56-17 and Wisconsin 34-10.