FAYETTEVILLE — After a dominating showing through the air in the opening scrimmage of training camp, the University of Arkansas offense came back to earth a little on Saturday.
With an elbow injury to starting center Ricky Stromberg and two other centers out, the reserves at the spot had several snaps going low or worm-burning their way to the quarterbacks during a 125-play closed scrimmage at Reynolds Razorback Stadium.
It didn’t stop the offense from putting together a few drives and scoring, particularly in red zone work. But the quarterbacks and receivers didn’t connect on near the number of deep-ball plays as in the first scrimmage.
“I’m not rooting for the offense or defense, but I thought the defense played a lot better today than they did last week,” Coach Sam Pittman said. “Which a lot of times you say that and think the offense didn’t play very well. That’s not the case. I just thought the defense made more plays, made the close plays more this week than they did last week.”
Quarterback KJ Jefferson directed a scrimmage-opening touchdown drive that concluded on his 5-yard keeper after tailback Raheim “Rocket” Sanders collected 50 to 60 yards on the 75-yard series, including a 30-yard reception, against the second defensive unit.
The top highlight for the second unit was Malik Hornsby’s 65-yard touchdown pass to Ketron Jackson Jr.
Cade Fortin might’ve had the throw of the day, a sidearm sling during red zone work that somehow eluded defenders and settled into the arms of freshman wideout Sam Mbake for a 5-yard score.
Injuries appeared to be very minimal, Pittman said, though the issue with Stromberg hits at the position group and the very spot that has been impacted the most in camp. Pittman said Stromberg might have hyperextended his elbow, but he didn’t talk like it would be a long-term problem.
With centers Marcus Henderson (pectoral muscle) and Josh Street (ankle) previously sidelined, right guard Beaux Limmer got some work at center, followed by freshman Patrick Kutas. Sixth lineman Ty’Kieast Crawford moved in at right guard for Limmer.
“The things we had, we had some balls on the ground as far as snaps,” Pittman said. “I thought KJ controlled the offense. He’s your leading rusher on the team, and you never run him in camp.
“He’s doing his reads, and he can run. If anyone is even halfway close to him, the play is dead and all that. I think you’ll see a much different offense [in games]. What I’m excited about is he can throw and we can catch.”
Warren Thompson continued his fine camp work with a 25-yard reception from Jefferson, while Jadon Haselwood caught a 15-yard pass and Trey Knox had a 10-yard reception.
Safety Jalen Catalon and offensive tackle Dalton Wagner, the players selected to address members of the media after scrimmage, deemed the first 14 practices of camp a success.
“The offense has come a long ways since last year,” Wagner said. “I think we’re light years ahead of where we were last season at this time.”
Said Catalon, “Our offense has been doing really good things. The receivers, running backs, we’re deep in a lot of groups.
“From the defensive side, we look really good. The D-line is pushing really well. … The linebackers are playing really well. … On the back end, I think our depth is so good because we have so much experience of guys playing and being in games, being in hostile environments and knowing what college football is.”
Wagner said the offense played with more polish Saturday, two weeks out from the season opener against Cincinnati.
“Last week we had a lot more penalties,” he said. “This week we cleaned them up a lot. The receivers are looking great, the running backs are hitting holes. Patrick Kutas really stepped up and played two center really well. Did a great job out there. Overall, good cohesion on the offensive line. And the defense really pushed us today.”
On the defensive side, transfer end Landon Jackson notched a couple of “sacks,” Eric Thomas had a sack, and ends Jordan Domineck and Dorian Gerald “flashed” again, according to Pittman.
In red zone work, tight end Nathan Bax hauled in an 18-yard touchdown from Hornsby, Matt Landers caught a 10-yard scoring pass from Jefferson, and Quincey McAdoo caught a 15-yard touchdown from Hornsby.
McAdoo has turned in a big week, with a couple of highlight catches and coaches and players talking him up.
“He’s definitely going to travel and he’s on special teams now,” Pittman said. “He’s certainly working his way up the depth chart. I think he’s a really good freshman. As a matter of fact, I think Mbake, him and [Isaiah] Sategna are all three hits.”