What Chad Morris said after Day 4 of fall camp

Arkansas coach Chad Morris directs his players Friday, Aug. 2, 2019, during practice at the university practice field in Fayetteville. Visit nwad.com/photos to see more photographs from the practice.

Chad Morris

• Really love where this football team is right now. The energy and enthusiasm is encouraging. It says a lot about how this football team has grown. The heat today was good. We needed that. We purposefully try to strain these guys, and it was good. We really want to tax these guys.

• Defensively right now we're playing at a speed we haven't played at since we got here. It's evident guys are helping each other out. Been impressed with Kam Curl, Joe Foucha and Montaric Brown.

• Offensively we're not as consistent as we need to be, but we're much better. We've got a stout defensive line and they are very disruptive. We're going to continue to push each other and get better.

• Players missing practice toady: Taurean Carter should be back in a couple of days. He had a shoulder injury. Daulton Hyatt strained a hamstring.

• I think we've got some competition in the tight ends room. We've got a standard you have to live up to. Cheyenne O'Grady has to decide if this is what he wants to do.

• Right on schedule with the quarterbacks race. The scrimmage on Saturday will be big. We're putting the guys with different groups each day. I've been really pleased watching these guys compete. The ball jumps out of their hands and it's different than it was a year ago.

• Chase Harrell has transformed his body and he is so much more at home at the tight end position. Chase is going to add great value to that room.

• You have to be smart about the first day of pads, which is tomorrow. We have to get them used to that. Friday will be a day where we pull back, do an extended walk-thru then Saturday is the scrimmage. We want to see consistency and mistakes made earlier in the week not happen on Saturday. We have to protect the football offensively.

• TJ Hammonds just came to work and that's what we asked him to do. He's got to earn it. He's battling for playing time. I've been pleased with him and he had a great play on the edge, but it's about consistency. I want to see it over the course of time.

• Jamario Bell, it's his time. He's from Arkansas, and now it's time for him to take it over the top and make a difference in his position group. He's met the challenge. He's had a really good four days and been active, but we need some production out of that position and him.

• Been very pleased with all of our young guys. Bringing that class in has helped players elevate their game, but it's not the only reason. Older guys are getting pushed but they're still showing younger guys how we do things. Treylon Burks made an unbelievable one-handed catch today. He is about attention to detail. The stage is not too big for the guys we brought in here.

Jalen Catalon took an interception for a touchdown yesterday. He gets in there and makes a play. Collin Clay today was getting it and Dylan Rathcke, Brady Latham, they've all provided good things to this point.

• Catalon and Greg Brooks: Been pleased with Greg. He made an incredible play today batting a ball down. He's holding up his end of the deal. Catalon is working some free safety and nickel.

• Dorian Gerald's career has come down to the next 114 days, how he attacks them and how he works. I've seen a difference in Dorian and Gabe Richardson. He's vocal and he's holding his own and doing some good things. Dorian's sense of urgency has gone up. He wasn't consistent throughout last season. He's worked to understand what his purpose is.

• Very pleased with Hayden Henry. He plays with a chip on his shoulder. All those guys play with an edge. Dee Edwards and Gio LaFrance have taken steps forward. I was talking with John Chavis last night about linebackers, they play with great passion. D'Vone McClure is working at WILL and it's a more comfortable position for him. He's providing some value at that position.

• Andrew Parker is in his second year. Struggled with injuries last year. He's had four good days. He's gotten better.

• There has been a noticeable transformation in regards to toughness. You have to play with a toughness and an edge. When things get tough there's no moaning and complaining out there. Guys were picking each other up when things got tough.