Gerald determined to 'put it all together'

Arkansas defensive lineman Dorian Gerald (5) runs through a drill Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, during practice at the university practice facility in Fayetteville.

FAYETTEVILLE — Determined to piece together a productive 2021 season after two consecutive years filled with adversity, Dorian Gerald sought the advice of a former defensive lineman who reeled in accolades during his playing days.

He didn’t have to look very far.

A first-team NAIA All-American and two-time all-conference performer at Pittsburg (Kan.) State in the 1980s, Sam Pittman has offered Gerald bits of insight and wisdom on what can make the redshirt senior an impact player on a revamped front. Those conversations appear to have resonated.

“We always talk about motor,” Gerald said Wednesday following the Razorbacks' 11th preseason practice. “We need motor and we need go, go, go, go.”

Not every player with the setback history of Gerald would continue to push and fight like he has. He suffered injuries — including a season-ending one to his neck in 2019 — in each of the Razorbacks’ last two season openers, and was limited a year ago.

Gerald also missed time late last season as Arkansas and its defensive line group battled the effects of covid-19.

But all of that is now behind him, and his sole focus is the road ahead.

“It's going pretty smooth. Coming off the injury, I've been getting better,” Gerald said. “I feel like I've never been injured before. I feel like I'm healthy again, and that's been the main thing for my coaches — being healthy.”

In portions of practice open to media, Gerald has split time with the first- and second-team defensive line at end. On Tuesday, Gerald operated at an end spot alongside transfers Markell Utsey, John Ridgeway and Tre Williams.

In three-down looks, he has consistently received reps with the second unit. At full strength, Gerald is expected to factor heavily into the rotation and be a voice as an older player.

“I’ve seen a lot from D.G. in camp,” defensive lineman Eric Gregory said. “Coming back from an injury, he's explosive. He's making plays. He's made a lot of plays against the first-team offense.

“I feel like he's going to have a good season.”

Reflecting on the last two years, Gerald credited teammates, coaches and Arkansas’ training staff for not only helping him recover from a health standpoint, but also mentally. Their support aided his comeback, he said.

Gerald saw the field for a combined 122 defensive snaps in 2019 and 2020, according to Pro Football Focus, totaling 6 tackles in 7 games played. Razorbacks defensive line coach Jermial Ashley views Gerald as a hungry player entering his final season.

"He's ready to work,” Ashley said. “He wants to learn, and he wants to understand what he's doing. On the flip side, he wants to get out there and kind of put it all together."