Arkansas' 15 spring football scrimmages and practices were meticulous. Plays were drilled over and over again on offense and defense. A new system requires repetition, said head coach Bobby Petrino.

As for special teams, most of that work was left on the back burner this spring. The reason for doing so was simple, Petrino said.

" You're going to have different guys in the fall covering the kickoff, " Arkansas'new head coach said. " I don't think there's a whole lot of carryover from running 70 yards down the field to cover in spring football when you don't know what schemes you're going to be going against [in the fall ]. "

Punt returns and blocking schemes were discussed and practiced under new special teams coach Kirk Botkin, but live exchanges and tackling were not.

As fans concentrated on the improving offense and defense, pieces were being moved and inserted throughout the Hogs' special teams unit.

Several Hogs who handled kickoffs, kickoff returns, punt returns and holding left Arkansas in the off-season. Gone are Hog superstars Darren McFadden and Felix Jones, who handled kickoff returns. Then there were the lesserknowns who left big holes with their departures as well.

Senior Brian Vavra handled kickoffs for the Razorbacks for the past three seasons, but left the Razorbacks in February. Holder Clark Irwin also announced his intentions to leave the program to pursue professional opportunities after graduation in May.

Simply put, Petrino said, " we will have to have some live looks in the fall. "

Because kickoffs were never live during spring practices, kickoff duties remain in the air entering the summer.

Some spots are solidified, though.

Senior Jeremy Davis, as of now, will return as punter. Alex Tejada remained inked in as the Hogs' starter for field goals and extra points, and he may be an option on kickoffs for the Razorbacks next fall. The soon-to-be sophomore hasn't worked at kickoffs since high school.

" I feel real good about Tejada. I think he's only going to get better, " Petrino said.

With Irwin gone, junior free safety Matt Harris became the Hogs' starter at holder in the spring. Petrino said Harris and Tejada were " forcing the issue" with the new exchange during the spring as they grew more comfortable with each other.

" I don't think Matt is our best holder today, " Petrino said. " But I think he will be by the time next fall comes around. He's got to get a lot of work in the summer. I like the fact that they're the same age and can work together for a number of years. "

Harris also worked a bit at punt returner during the spring. Running back Michael Smith also practiced at the spot and showed some promise, Petrino said.

" Between him and Matt Harris and a couple of the new guys coming in, we have to make sure we get a consistent punt returner, " Petrino said. " I don't just want to put someone back there I feel comfortable with catching the ball. I want to make it a threat and a force that people have to worry about.... We've got a lot of work to do there. "

Incoming freshmen will also get a chance to try out at the punt and kick return spots during two-a-day practices, Petrino said. Whoever gets a shot will have the big shoes of McFadden and Jones to fill. The two firstround picks in last month's NFL Draft combined for 868 yards and 2 touchdowns on returns last season.

Running backs De'Anthony Curtis (Camden Fairview ) and Dennis Johnson (Arkansas High ) will have an opportunity returning punts when fall practices start Aug. 3. Free safety Elton Ford will also get a shot, but may see more time returning kickoffs because of his " long stride, " Petrino said.

As for placekicking, Petrino said he felt comfortable with Tejada.

The Springdale High product was inconsistent during the spring, but hit three field goals of 45 yards or longer during scrimmages. He hit 17 of 23 field goal attempts (74 percent ) last season, including a long of 47 yards. All of his misses came from 30 yards or longer.

" I think Tejada can be a very, very good weapon for us, " Petrino said. " I feel comfortable that, any time he's inside 50 yards, we can get 3 points on the board. We need to get the three of them - the snapper, the holder and the timing of it all - working together. He really showed he can do that function and make field goals. "