FAYETTEVILLE -- Heat, humidity and hydration were the words of the day as the Arkansas Razorbacks met at 2:30 p.m. Saturday for their third practice of the season.
Originally, the practice was going to be open to the media only for a short time, but the decision was made to keep the 25-period practice open, including the final seven periods indoors.
The heat index was more than 100, and one would have burned an egg if he tried to fry it on the artificial grass that has black rubber chips mixed in it.
Players handled it well mostly. So did the media, who for the first time in a few years were provided water and places to watch from in the shade. Hallelujah.
Kickers and punters came out early, and before the buzzer sounded to start practice all the Razorbacks were on the field and ready to go.
Probably because of the oppressive heat, most of the drills were run on the grass field and the artificial turf was mostly avoided.
The periods last anywhere from four to 10 minutes and include a vast number of drills for every position. Many of the drills emphasize technique, balance and precision.
Brandon Allen was clearly the leader of the quarterbacks and the team. He took control as the No. 1 quarterback and looked fluid and healthy. In his final season, he seems more comfortable as a leader.
In one period the quarterbacks rolled left, rolled right, dropped back and rolled left again. As soon as they planted their feet, they made the throw.
The defensive line, where there is a little lack of experience but more depth, spent a lively session working on beating their blocks under a net that forced them to stay low and power up quickly.
The defensive backs also spent a period working on getting through blocks, and another that had them making interceptions of passes that were overthrown, and there was great success.
The linebackers were fine, although true freshman Derrick Graham looks more like a senior tight end. No one had to exaggerate on his height. No. 18 is a legit 6-4 and 262 pounds. He's very athletic, and while it was just the third practice it may be difficult to redshirt him as he's seeing time at defensive end, too.
Obviously, the offensive line is big, but the bellies were not as big as last season. Some depth will have to be developed in a hurry, though.
As the loud music -- maybe rap -- rang from huge speakers, there was no indication the heat was affecting most of the players, although a couple took short breaks in the shade. But it wouldn't have been surprising if more had needed out of the sun.
There was contact between the first-team offense -- except for the quarterbacks, who wear green jerseys to remind defenders they are a no-contact zone -- and the second-team defense and the collisions were loud.
Also there were tackling drills where every defender wrapped up with both arms. Shoulder tackling is not something defensive coordinator Rob Smith smiles upon.
One really impressive drill was when the defensive backs ran out from under some piping and at full speed were met with a hard-thrown football from 3 feet away.
There were water breaks, but from start to finish there seemed to be an intensity to do everything right and without complaint.
The outdoors part of practice ended with redshirt freshman receiver JoJo Robinson on an end-around and he easily broke clear down the sideline.
All in all, it seemed like a good third day, especially with shade and ice cold water.
Sports on 08/09/2015