Everything Chad Morris said at Arkansas' media day:
Chad Morris
– Morris is excited about this season. He said the team had another great day today. It was going to be a test for them after a long day on Friday. It started with team meetings at 8 a.m., then had practice. He said the team finished better today than on Day 1.
– "If we can all learn how to practice, that's when we'll grow and develop."
– The guys look better physically, and that's a credit to strength and conditioning coach Trumain Carroll. The retention level was good again this morning. Morris said they've thrown a lot the players' way the first two days, but they've done well there. He was very pleased with it, but "as always, a long way to go."
– It was good to see Dorian Gerald out there today, Morris said. He moved around well, and he'll see how he progresses the rest of the week.
– Monday will be a shoulder pads day, and they'll begin the thud work. Live Wednesday and Thursday with good-on-good work. Friday, the team will step back to prepare them for Saturday's scrimmage.
– Morris is hoping to get into the stadium for next Saturday's scrimmage. If not, they'll be outside Walker Pavilion. By Aug. 18 they should be in the stadium for the final scrimmage.
– With Kevin Richardson out, Hayden Henry is in there. D'Vone McClure is moving around well and running well. Derrick Munson is a guy Morris called by name as well. He'd had a good spring before an ankle injury prior to the spring game. Joe Foucha looks the part and the moment is not too big for him right now. Being out there, he's not physically intimidated. He's right around the 200-202 mark. If he'll come on they can make some moves at the Nickel position.
– On the freshmen quarterbacks: Their retention level has been great. When they got here, their attention to understanding the concepts has been impressive. Still a long way to go from being great, but they're understanding things. Yesterday, they stepped out and the moment wasn't too big for them. John Stephen Jones' best day was today. He was on time with throws a lot today. Connor Noland hit a deep ball today, which impressed Morris.
– Morris said there's not really a timeline on naming a starting quarterback. We're going to get through the scrimmages and see who makes it into the end zone. They've got to feel the pressure, and they want guys to be the same every day.
– Morris said Daulton Hyatt "shot out of a cannon" yesterday. He's done a really good job the first two days. Cole Kelley threw it well today, and would like to see some more urgency on his timing throws. Ty Storey is very knowledgeable of the offense and he's getting the ball out. They're battling and pushing each other, and supporting each other.
– Morris said Arkansas has a leadership committee, which includes Sosa Agim, Hjalte Froholdt, Dre Greenlaw and Santos Ramirez. He'll rotate captains out each week. Morris said Arkansas will have a plaque with the elected captains on it. The team will vote and choose their captains. He'd like to have a leader out of the freshman and sophomore classes and make it a team function.
– "We've got a lot of receivers. We need a lot of playmakers." You've got to have depth there, and it's a constant push, and some guys will make an impact on special teams. Jonathan Nance has "had two really solid days." Jared Cornelius feels like he's back. He feels good and is running really good routes.
– Shane Clenin worked at center and left tackle today. Dalton Wagner has transformed his body. Freshman Noah Gatlin is excited to be out there and got some reps with the 1s and 2s today. Silas Robinson will do the same.
– Morris said he thinks Arkansas will be able to sign between 19-22 guys for the 2019 class.
– Morris said freshmen won't be available to talk to the media until after their first game. He wants to be sure they contribute on the field first. They've all been the greatest in high school, but let's see how they do here.
– On the running backs depth: They're full speed and competing their tails off. Devwah looks great. Morris thought he was overweight in spring. Devwah felt it too, and cut his body fat down. Chase Hayden could go all day long. He's a machine. TJ Hammonds is grasping the offense and recognizing what his strengths are. Maleek Williams is a guy no one is talking about, Morris said. He knows one speed and it's wide open.