Bret Bielema breaks down first week of spring ball

Arkansas coach Bret Bielema watches Saturday, April 1, 2017, during practice at the university practice field in Fayetteville.

— Follow along as Bret Bielema breaks down Arkansas' first practice in full pads this spring.

Bret Bielema

— Told players they should be looking forward to getting into full pads.

— Wideouts have to pick it up a little bit. Dragging in the beginning. Looking for leadership there. Wants Jared Cornelius to step up.

— Majority of offense is in. Basic calls on defense in.

— Dre Greenlaw is still the only injury guy. Jack Kraus didn't have any issues with his ankle. Korey Hernandez pulled up a little bit covering a deep route.

— Had 6-7 recruits on campus for unofficial visits today. Having Saturday practices are huge for that.

— Paul Rhoads concentrates on the back end during practice itself unless there's a big break. Makes notes during practice, but gets the bigger picture on film.

— Greenlaw has been asked to take an assistant coaching internship and he's bought in. Taking mental reps, whether it's behind the line or off the ball.

— Randy Ramsey came alive today. "He tends to do that with pads on." He's playing more of the hybrid Sam LB position. Michael Taylor has one of the more natural pass rush techniques on the field. May see them in different positions in sub packages to maximize their pass rush. Dee Walker has done a nice job. Trying to figure out where people are best.

— Wanted to start Jonathan Marshall at nose because he's 305 pounds, but may move him out to the edge next week.

— Pleased with the starting OL. Johnny Gibson won't work with the ones any time this spring, but he got some work with the 2s. Likes the returners.

— Colton Jackson has a lot of ability. Just needs confidence. Going to press him this spring.

— C.J. O'Grady was a little under the weather today and dropped a ball, but continues to grow. Will Gragg has impressed, but has to be consistent and continue from practice to practice. Jamario Bell is putting in extra work on his own and with coaches.

— Brandon Martin and Jonathan Nance are adjusting to new terminology and the different level of football. Naturally, they're 2 of the better route runners on the team.

— Dwayne Eugene was more than 240 pounds the other day, while Scoota Harris dropped below 240. Likes their physical changes. Giovanni LaFrance has been good.

— It's a trust factor with Johnny Gibson. Gave him a scholarship and expects him to do what he's supposed to on and off the field.

— Little upset with ball security today, but the defense did a good job attacking the ball.

— DeAndre Coley made a nice play on the sideline, but he'd rather him come up with the ball.

— Wants to give Kevin Richardson a chance to be a starter and he's physically more of a corner. He's an ideal nickelback in sub packages.

— Kendrick Jackson has changed his body, leaned it up while continuing to grow. Man of few words. Didn't want to give a speech in class so he's making him talk in front of the team as much as possible. Took out 2 guys with 1 block today.

— Hayden Johnson can give them something at the H, which is why he's working with TEs.

— Brandon Allen made a big jump into his junior year. Austin Allen has had a similar jump in velocity. Had a 40-yarder on a rope Thursday. Has an understanding of what's going on, on the field that only comes with experience. Understands where he needs to get better.

— LaMichael Pettway has always had physical tools, it's just the mental side of it. Through 3 practices, he's "ahead of where we thought he might be."

— Juan Day tweaked a hamstring Thursday. Maleek Williams is very impressive through 3 practices. Put his foot in the ground and made nice plays a few times today. Dropped to 219 after arriving at 236. Pretty impressive for a guy who should be getting ready for prom.

— Steering toward a special teams guy with a 10th assistant.

— Devwah Whaley has trimmed up a bit. Can be a 215-220 pound back. His understanding of protections has gotten better. Has a great understanding of tempo and where the ball can go and where it's supposed to hit. Rawleigh Williams had some nice cuts today.

— Thought cooler heads would prevail in the concealed carry legislature. Can't worry about what you can't control, but it put a lot of people at ease.