FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas held its second practice of the preseason Tuesday on the practice fields south of the Walker Indoor Facility. The practice was closed to the public, but coaches and players spoke afterward. Here are some notables:
-Quarterback Brandon Allen said he served as a coach to the team's younger signal callers after working out with Chris Weinke at the IMG Academy in Florida this summer. During voluntary workouts, Allen said he stressed the importance of having a "good base," noting the majority of his interceptions last season were the result of being off-balance when he released the football.
-Redshirt freshman Austin Allen said he and the team's other quarterbacks were active this summer learning the offense, usually spending two times each day in the quarterback meeting room watching film. Allen is currently ahead of Rafe Peavey for the team's second-string quarterback.
-Despite talk he would take snaps at quarterback this preseason, converted tight end AJ Derby hasn't manned the position through two practices, according to offensive coordinator Jim Chaney. Derby and receiver Damon Mitchell will practice some at quarterback this preseason, Chaney said, in case of injury to the team's other quarterbacks.
-Offensive line coach Sam Pittman said the team's first-team unit hasn't changed since the end of spring practice. Tackles Brey Cook and Dan Skipper, guards Luke Charpentier and Denver Kirkland, and center Mitch Smothers have comprised the team's first-team offensive line through two practices this preseason. Transfers Cameron Jefferson and Sebastian Tretola are currently reserves at the guard positions, while freshman Frank Ragnow is the backup center.
-Tight end Hunter Henry said he was slowed by a knee injury suffered in the first game last season. Henry said both knees had to be drained of fluid at times. Now injury-free, Henry said he expects to be more effective in Arkansas' pass game as a sophomore.
-Receivers coach Michael Smith said junior Keon Hatcher has had two drop-free days as the team practiced only in helmets.
-Running backs coach Joel Thomas said the Razorbacks will put on shoulder pads for the first time Wednesday and full pads for the first time Friday. Arkansas is scheduled to scrimmage Saturday morning inside Razorback Stadium, though the practice will likely be closed to the public.
-Sophomore offensive lineman Dan Skipper said he gained 25 pounds over the summer and is now 6-foot-10, 327 pounds. Sophomore guard Denver Kirkland said he lost 25 pounds over the summer and is now 6-foot-5, 330 pounds.
-Despite the offensive line allowing only eight sacks last season, which was tied for the second fewest in the NCAA, Kirkland said he wants to improve that statistic in 2014. He is calling the offensive line the "no sack zone."
-Only offensive players and coaches spoke with reporters Tuesday. Defensive personnel will speak following Wednesday's practice.