Earlier this week, David Lee and Casey Dick walked side-by side in Donald W. Razorback Stadium as they retreated to the Broyles Complex following practice.

Long after many of the players had made it back to the locker room, the two remained engrossed in conversation. But it was hardly a surprise they were together at that moment. Rarely have Arkansas ’ offensive coordinator and its quarterback been separated during preseason camp.

For the last eight months, Lee has been in the process of installing his Pro-Style offense. In the meantime, Dick has been learning how to execute it.

“ We think we’re where we need to be right now, ” Dick said. “ We just need to keep getting better day-by-day. ”

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Arkansas has been down this road before. Just flip the calendar back 12 months and the Razorbacks were getting ready to wheel out a brand new offense against Southern California in the season opener. Last year, former Razorbacks offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn attempted to revamp Arkansas’ playbook, implementing elements of his No-Huddle, Spread philosophy that he brought with him from Springdale High School.

But against USC’s Trojans, the Razorbacks struggled mightily to move the ball. Sputtering and coughing, the offense generated only 287 total yards in a 50-14 loss to USC. Arkansas hardly looked like a contender in its first game of the season, and more like one that was just beginning to build the framework for a new scheme.

However, by the third week the Razorbacks had all but scrapped the No-Huddle offense. The foundation was torn up and another one was put in its place.

Will Lee’s Pro-Style scheme face a similar demise after Arkansas plays Troy today at 6 p. m. at Razorback Stadium ?

Arkansas sophomore wide receiver Reggie Fish doesn’t think so.

“ I feel like we pretty much have this offense down, ” he said. “ It’s time to see where we’re really at. That is going to be our test. Playing another opponent is when we’ll really find out how are offense really clicks. ”

Lee was hired Jan. 15 to beef up the passing game that ranked 108 th nationally and was the second-least productive in the 12-team Southeastern Conference last year.

The Razorbacks averaged only 149. 5 yards through the air in 2006, relying on their superstar running backs, Darren McFadden and Felix Jones, to move the ball. Under Arkansas coach Houston Nutt, the Razorbacks have historically had one of the best rushing attacks in the SEC and a sub-par passing game to complement it.

Lee, who is in his third stint with the Razorbacks, wants Arkansas to avoid being as one-dimensional as it has in the past. Sophomore split end London Crawford said Lee’s concepts reflect that vision. While the Hogs will still rely heavily on their potent ground attack, they want more balance.

“ The offense we have now is a great offense, ” Crawford said. “ It’s always good when someone brings something new to the table. It’s an offense that mixes more passing into it.

“ It’s also an offense that is best for everybody. It fits every person and everybody’s got a role in our offense. We live up to the roles, I think everything will be OK. ”

So does Lee.

“ I think they understand everything, ” he said. “ We just need to go play now. ”

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