Defensive line making plays, looking the part in fall camp

Arkansas defensive lineman Armon Watts (90) participates in a drill Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2018, during practice at the university practice fields in Fayetteville.

FAYETTEVILLE — A pair of defensive linemen stood out Wednesday during Arkansas’ first preseason practice in full pads.

Sophomore linebacker Grant Morgan said McTelvin Agim was a consistent presence in the backfield and junior Jamario Bell forced a turnover, which has been a major emphasis in fall camp.

Bell punched a ball out during a drill and returned it, Morgan said. Over the last two days, Morgan said the defense has created 10-plus turnovers, including a handful on Wednesday.

“He’s a real lengthy guy, real athletic,” Morgan said of Bell. “When you see him on the basketball court — we go play in the HPER — you think, ‘Holy cow, this guy is an athletic freak.’ So I’m really excited to see him and see him coming off the edge. He can get to the quarterback really quick, too. I think a lot of people are going to be happy to see him out there.”

Senior defensive lineman Armon Watts said he feels the new coaching staff did a great job of not judging players based on previous seasons and allowing them to start fresh – something Bell is hoping to take advantage of in 2018.

“I think they’re taking notice of (Bell’s) athleticism,” Watts said. “He’s just got to continue to make the best of it and be consistent. Jamario is one of those guys who’s got to step up big in camp and show what he can do and get on the field.”

The defensive line is playing left to right, penetrating more and rushing up the field, Watts said, which will in turn give way to the talented unit’s playmaking abilities.

Morgan added that Agim dropped offensive players for a loss on 3-4 consecutive plays on Wednesday. Watts said he believes himself, Randy Ramsey and TJ Smith are in line to have strong showings this season.

“Every day I’m just trying to show why they need me out there on the field,” Watts said. “I think you’ve just got to keep moving forward. There’s a lot of outstanding guys on the defensive line this year.

“In the past, things have been up and down in my career, so right now I’m just staying positive and taking it one day at a time and making the best of (working with the first team).”

From an offensive standpoint, tight end Cheyenne O’Grady has liked what he’s seen from senior Michael Taylor as well as junior college transfer Dorian Gerald. Overall, he believes the defensive line could be a team strength this fall.

“(Taylor) has been making some good plays and has some strength, and Dorian, he’s got something going, too,” O’Grady said. “He might not look all that big, but he’s got some power to him.

“They’re all excelling at a fast rate and look the part.”