Razorbacks report

Offense executed key goals in first scrimmage

Arkansas offensive coordinator Dan Enos talks to players during a scrimmage Saturday, April 8, 2017, in Fayetteville.

FAYETTEVILLE -- Arkansas Razorbacks offensive coordinator Dan Enos said his unit largely accomplished its primary objectives in Saturday's scrimmage.

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"We wanted to be physical, we wanted to strain. and we wanted ball security," Enos said. "And I think we had 50-some carries and we didn't have a fumble, knock on wood. So that was good. And we thought our guys were trying to be physical and straining."

The University of Arkansas, Fayetteville didn't lose a fumble --but they threw two interceptions, one on a tipped ball from safety Santos Ramirez that was picked off by linebacker De'Jon Harris. The other also was tipped, with linebacker Josh Harris deflecting a Cole Kelley pass at the line and defensive lineman Bijhon Jackson intercepting before heading to the end zone.

Enos said Allen's interception started when a receiver didn't line up wide enough, preventing the quarterback from throwing the ball as quickly as designed.

"We had another receiver who didn't run a reduce on his break, and they played a funky coverage where our safety came all the way over on the Cover 2 side, which we hadn't seen," Enos said. "Add all those things together and he got an interception.

"Ultimately it was his fault, but there were some great learning moments on that play. That's why we use spring practice."

Tackling challenge

Defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads said the first scrimmage could have gone better from a tackling standpoint.

"The scrimmage was not as good as I would have liked," Rhoads said. "I don't know if it ever is, right? First day of tackling is always a challenge.

"You thud and you tag and you do all those things, even when you do them in a proper way, and when you finally have to wrap a guy up and take him to the ground it's a whole different ballgame. I wasn't overall pleased with that. I hope it'll be better this Saturday."

Change ups

As is customary after a spring scrimmage, the defensive coaches modified some positions, including some first-team players. Dwayne Eugene, who had been the first-team weak-side linebacker, is giving a run at the outside "Razor" position, as Coach Bret Bielema suggested would probably be the case, behind Randy Ramsey.

Karl Roesler, who was a first-team defensive end, went to the "Hog" outside linebacker spot and split first-team reps with Michael Taylor. The coaches also said prior to spring practice that Roesler would get a look at end and linebacker.

Additionally, redshirt freshman Dee Walker moved from outside to inside linebacker this week.

Eugene's move gave Josh Harris and Grant Morgan opportunities with the first unit beside middle linebacker De'Jon Harris.

Defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads said he has given all the safeties dual training at strong side and free safety, and that he has worked starting free safety Josh Liddell and redshirt freshman Micahh Smith at nickel back this week, where Kevin Richardson is the first-teamer.

Get down

Inside linebackers coach Vernon Hargreaves missed Saturday's scrimmage to attend a funeral service for his brother, but he got to watch film of middle linebacker De'Jon Harris' tipped interception.

Hargreaves said making the catch on a deflection was great, but Harris' attempt at a return wasn't so great.

"They were in the two-minute [drill], so I'd rather see him get down after making the interception," Hargreaves said. "I'd like to think the next time that happens in the two minute, he won't try to return it and he'll get down."

Injury report

Senior Jared Cornelius was held out of practice Thursday due to a hamstring issue. Redshirt freshmen linebackers Alexy Jean-Baptiste and Giovanni LaFrance, who were both injured during Saturday's scrimmage, have not practiced this week, inside linebackers coach Vernon Hargreaves said.

Action Jackson

Nose guard Bijhon Jackson showed his athleticism on the last play of the scrimmage when he intercepted a tipped Cole Kelley pass. Jackson was on his way to a 37-yard touchdown return when the play was whistled dead.

"He would have scored," defensive line coach John Scott said. "I told him we need to work on his celebration a little bit. He high-stepped it a little too quick, but that was a great play. The ball gets tipped and he catches it, and there he goes.

"He's kind of deceptive. To be as big as he is, he's got a really quick burst for 20 yards."

Jackson had no trouble catching and securing the ball.

"I've seen more guys that just beat the ball up, but he looked like a gentle giant when he caught it," Scott said. "That was impressive."

More for Rogers

With senior center Frank Ragnow being held out of spring scrimmages, junior Zach Rogers is getting an extended run with the first-team offense.

"Zach did a great job of taking control of the huddle," offensive line coach Kurt Anderson said. "I was really pleased with how they were able to go out there and communicate and execute in a gamelike situation without having me right behind them."

Anderson said it pays dividends to take a glimpse behind Ragnow, who is expected to be one of the nation's top centers in 2017.

"Obviously, you miss Frank's leadership and his ability to communicate because he has such a good feel for the offense and the flow and how to motivate," Anderson said. "But at the same time, things happen throughout a season and Frank Ragnow can't play forever.

"So we'll take that opportunity to develop the guys that are learning the position behind him. It's a great opportunity for them to get an extensive number of reps."

Ramirez's loss

Offensive tackle Paul Ramirez missed practice Thursday after returning home to California upon learning of his grandmother's death.

"Our prayers are with Paul and his family," offensive line coach Kurt Anderson said. "We'll get him back hopefully Monday or Tuesday."

Zach Rogers played first-team right guard Thursday and Jake Raulerson, whom Anderson calls the unit's Swiss Army knife, went to second-team tackle in Ramirez's spot.

Talking Maleek

Sophmore tailback Devwah Whaley was just as impressed with freshman tailback Maleek Williams on Saturday as quarterback Austin Allen, who called the 6-foot, 219-pound Williams "a beast."

Williams had a tackle-breaking 22-yard run among his 18 carries for 88 yards.

"Maleek had a good day and ... he showed some good speed and good vision," said Whaley, who added that the early enrollee's performance didn't surprise him.

"You could see it in practice," he said. "He's young. I'm still young. Me and Rawleigh [Williams] are going to keep helping him along the way so he can keep improving, and us as well."

Saturday views

Coach Bret Bielema has opened Saturday's 11:30 a.m. scrimmage to the media. The Razorbacks' Tuesday and Thursday practices the past two weeks have been closed to the media and public. Last Saturday's scrimmage was open for media viewing.

Moustache adjustment

Offensive line coach Kurt Anderson has trimmed his Fu Manchu mustache.

"I took the handle bar part off and went with a more distinguished British gentleman style," Anderson said. "I feel like I should have one of those little hats like I'm doing the night watch for the Queen."

Sports on 04/14/2017