FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas senior receiver Jonathan Nance was the last player to walk into the interview room on Thursday. His voice echoed as he answered a bevy of questions regarding the Razorbacks' spring game in Little Rock this weekend.
Some of his words – a challenge to the Arkansas defensive backs group – were likely heard, or will be, by Ryan Pulley and others. Nance made no mistake about it: Arkansas' receivers have their sights set on making big plays Saturday.
"The 'Bomb Squad,' the receivers, we’re ready," he said with a smile. " ... Everybody is hyped, and everybody wants to score. (The fans) will be ready for us to get down there and make big plays on offense and defense.
"They're about to see a show from the 'Bomb Squad.' All of us, we’re ready. We’re going deep."
Nance was one of two receivers who scored on big plays in the passing game Thursday. Nance caught a touchdown on a corner route from about 20 yards out during 7-on-7, he said, from quarterback Ty Storey, who was running with the first team offense during the open portion of practice.
Nance said Kevin Richardson, Kam Curl and Pulley fell back into zone, but he was able to get the best of the group in that instance. Freshman receiver Mike Woods made a scoring grab on a double move, too.
Junior La'Michael Pettway, who will have immediate family in attendance on Saturday, and Nance like how the freshman has adapted to the rapid pace of practice as well as his understanding of what receivers coach Justin Stepp wants from the unit.
Pettway said he sees a lot of himself in Woods, and Nance envisions Woods becoming a key part of the offense this fall.
"Mike is one of the young guys that continues to impress. What’s big in college is consistency," Pettway said. "If you can come out and give a consistent approach in practice and be that same guy then you’re good. His demeanor in practices, he doesn’t act like a young guy."
The Nashville native, Chad Morris said Thursday, is coming on as of the last three practices and continues to improve. Morris, though, added no receiver has truly become the go-to at this point. It's a bit by design.
"Has there been one guy that says, ‘I’m the guy, I’m the playmaker, put the ball in my hands right now?’ No. ... We’ve been so focused on cross-training these guys and trying to let them learn the concepts.
"They all want the ball. We’ve got to keep challenging them.”
That's where Stepp comes in. After hauling in a Cole Kelley pass in the boundary, receiver Tyson Morris fell to the ground. The catch resulted in a first down, but, behind the play, Stepp looked unhappy.
A big emphasis has been placed on picking up yards after the catch.
"He’s a great coach and wants the best for everybody. That’s why we play as hard as we do for him," Nance said of Stepp. "No matter when you catch it — especially in practice — you get up and get a burst.
"In a game you have to get yards after a catch. I feel like that’s a good tactic. Coach Stepp is getting us right."
Jared Cornelius, a leader in the receivers room, donned a green no-contact jersey for much of the spring. Now out of the green jersey, Cornelius has bounced in and out of live periods and worked at punt return alongside Deon Stewart. He has looked good, Pettway said.
As for defensive players who could give the 'Bomb Squad' issues this weekend, Pulley is at the top of the list. Santos Ramirez has progressed this spring as well in terms of tackling, Morris added.
"We’re going over the top. I don’t know how (the defensive backs) feel, but we prove it, so we’re just going to keep the term going," Nance said. "Pulley is a player. I go against him every play, so I know he’s a good player.
"But, you know, we can bomb him, too."