Arkansas strong safety Matt Hewitt’s eyes brightened and his body perked up the moment he was reminded he had returned to his old stomping grounds — the Razorbacks’ secondary.

“ It’s a great feeling to be back in my natural position because that’s what I have been playing since high school, ” Hewitt said. “ I think I am the best player at that position. ”

Not too many people would argue with Hewitt, including Razorbacks defensive coordinator Reggie Herring. But last season, Herring’s linebacker corps was near threadbare, and Hewitt was identified as a suitable option to fill in on the strong side. Although the 6-3, 215-pound New Jersey native had never lined up outside the secondary, he thrived while playing in the middle of Arkansas’ defense.

”It was cool, ” Hewitt said. “ It gave me a lot of confidence. ”

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Hewitt, who was a reserve free safety when the 2006 season began, racked up 63 tackles while starting eight games. Although smaller than the average linebacker, Hewitt held his own against 300-pound offensive linemen. Now, he’s back where he belongs.

“ And he needs to stay there, ” Herring said. “ He’s been consistent. He needs to continue focusing and polishing. But he’s done a good job. ”

Teamed with senior free safety Michael Grant, Hewitt is expected to play an integral role this year.

“ We take our jobs real seriously, ” Grant said. “ We communicate real well. And we’re real close on and off the field. ”

Hewitt earned the respect of his team- mates and Herring almost immediately upon arriving on campus as a junior college transfer last year. Herring likes players who go hard on every play, and Hewitt distinguished himself with the effort he gave during preseason practices last year.

But on Wednesday Herring admonished Hewitt after the strong safety took a shot at Arkansas tight end Andrew Davie following a play. Hewitt was pulled out of practice briefly to run some laps. As Herring said, it was an uncommon lapse in judgment by a player who has been reliable in the past and is expected to be just as dependable in the future.

“ I’m the type of player who plays football, ” Hewitt said. “ That’s it. I’m not going to be intimidated. I’m here to play ball. ” This year, though, Hewitt will get that opportunity playing in a position where he’s more comfortable. Gregory leaving

an impression Chip Gregory has yet to play a down as a Razorback. But the redshirt freshman has been excelling during fall camp. Last week, the reserve strongside linebacker played with the first team when starter Freddie Fairchild sat out of practice.

Then on Wednesday, Gregory picked off a pass thrown by quarterback Casey Dick. Had the whistle not blown to end the play, he would have likely taken it back for a touchdown.

The coaching staff was expecting Gregory to suit up last season, but he injured his shoulder before the 2006 season. They then decided to leave the 6-3, 225-pound linebacker on the scout team last year.

“ Chip is learning how to play the game and he’s gotten better, ” Arkansas defensive coordinator Reggie Herring said. “ He’s continuing to get better. But he’s not there yet. He continues to show promise. There are encouraging signs that he will get there some day. ”