Arkansas’ football team took the field for the first practice of the fall on Friday. Here are a few notes and takeaways:
• Sam Pittman observed the defensive line group toward the beginning of practice for several minutes and once yelled, “I want to be the hardest working D-line in the country.” This group, as I wrote yesterday, has plenty of options and there will be great battles for big roles throughout camp. Pittman wasn’t lying Thursday when he said the players as a whole are bigger and stronger than a season ago. Markell Utsey, the transfer from Missouri, has a really good frame and solid upper body.
I was also impressed with the stature of Cameron Ball, the freshman tackle. He looks athletic and like he’s been in the program working with the strength staff for a couple of offseasons already. Pittman complimented his athleticism on Thursday. Mataio Soli is another player who appears to have bulked up a bit.
Overall, the energy from the staff leading the group was high. Looking for a guy to emerge as a vocal leader as camp progresses.
• Freshman receiver Ketron Jackson looked good from what I saw in terms of fluidity. He worked throughout the spring with a brace on his knee. He is now braceless and wearing a sleeve over the previously injured leg.
De’Vion Warren is wearing a brace on his left knee. I don’t recall seeing him running routes against a defensive back today.
• Several notable plays as receivers went 1-on-1 with a defensive back:
KJ Jefferson completed a deep ball down the sideline to Trey Knox, who beat Montaric Brown. Jefferson threw low and incomplete to Treylon Burks on a short crossing route. John David White caught a deep ball from Malik Hornsby. Kendall Catalon brought in a low pass from Hornsby against Hudson Clark.
Lucas Coley completed a pass to freshman Bryce Stephens, who stretched out to his left after being held and came up with an impressive grab. This is his first practice with the Razorbacks after not going through the spring. Kade Renfro hit TJ Hammonds on a deep ball. John Stephen Jones was the third quarterback to throw passes in this portion of practice.
Freshman defensive back Chase Lowery had a nice pass breakup when matched up with Ketron Jackson. I think Lowery is going to be a really good player.
• One receiver who jumped out to me in terms of looking the part, route running and making things look pretty effortless was Warren Thompson, the transfer from Florida State. He is a former four-star recruit who spent 2018-20 with the Seminoles. The play that caught my eye was a short slant-type route in which he beat LaDarrius Bishop.
After the play, Jefferson ran quite a ways to go high-five Thompson. I think Jefferson likes him a lot already.
• Eric Musselman and Razorbacks director of basketball operations Anthony Ruta stopped by to check out practice.