FAYETTEVILLE -- Arkansas defensive coordinator Robb Smith said a better focus on details is the next step for sophomore defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr.
"He certainly flashed and did a lot of good things," Smith said of Wise's play in spring drills, which included five "sacks" in the Red-White spring scrimmage. "Now it's just kind of going back and paying attention to the smaller details that can really help him take the next jump."
Smith said those details include hand placement and eye discipline.
Wise's long arms and his 6-6, 267-pound frame are huge assets for a defensive end.
"If you're a sculptor, that's the perfect piece of clay to start molding with," Smith said. "We're excited with what he did this spring, and we're excited about what he can bring this fall."
Four for three
The Razorbacks had four players take in the NFL Draft for the third consecutive year, although none have been taken in the top two rounds.
The streak began in 2012, when defensive end Jake Bequette and receivers Joe Adams, Jarius Wright and Greg Childs were taken in the third and fourth rounds. Last year, running back Knile Davis, quarterback Tyler Wilson, receiver Cobi Hamilton and tight end Chris Gragg were selected between the third and seventh rounds.
Closer to home
Defensive end Chris Smith said one of the perks about being drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars was the proximity to home for his parents in Mount Ulla, N.C.
"My family had to travel like 16 hours to come to games here at Arkansas, and now it's six hours for them to go to Jacksonville," Smith said.
Hours expand
The Razorback Ticket Center and Hog Heaven at Bud Walton Arena will expand their hours beginning Monday.
The ticket center, located next to Baum Stadium at 1355 S. Razorback Road, will be open from 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Fans also can call 1-800-982-4647 to reach the ticket office or go to ArkansasRazorbacks.com.
Hog Heaven's new hours will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
What rivalry?
Missouri Coach Gary Pinkel, speaking on the post-spring SEC coaches conference, was asked about the Arkansas-Missouri rivalry with the schools becoming permanent crossover opponents starting in 2014.
"Someone asked me that the other day," Pinkel said. "I said, 'You've got to play before you start a rivalry.'
"I have great respect for Arkansas. We've got to get it going. I think it could be very, very positive. I feel good that hopefully one day it will considered one of the great rivalries in the SEC and in the country."
Making the list
Tailbacks Alex Collins and Jonathan Williams are part of the 25-man watch list for the Heisman Trophy as determined by the Web site heismanpundit.com.
Collins became the second Arkansas freshman to top 1,000 yards rushing with 1,026 yards last year, while Williams amassed 900 yards as a sophomore. Both players rushed for four touchdowns.
Collins and Williams were two of the seven SEC players on the list, joining Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall, Alabama tailbacks TJ Yeldon and Derrick Henry, Georgia tailback Todd Gurley and South Carolina tailback Mike Davis.
Sports on 05/11/2014