Arkansas’ emphasis on effort in practice continued Wednesday, when there were more changes to the first-team defense.
The open portion of practice showed us that linebacker Jerry Franklin, safety Matt Harris and linebacker Freddy Burton were among the players who had regained first-team spots. For now. In addition, Ross Rasner and Elton Ford split work at one safety spot.
Defensive coordinator Willy Robinson was asked about the practice policy tonight. He said it was pretty clear that the Razorbacks didn’t exactly take the message seriously last week, which was why there were six new starters on that side of the ball. He said they’re probably taking it seriously this week, judging by the improved effort in practice.
“They realize it’s not a false message,” Robinson said. “It’s a true message. An honest message.”
There are a couple more things worth mentioning from tonight’s practice:
• CB Ramon Broadway continues to work his way back from a hamstring injury, but said he’s not sure if he’ll be ready to play Saturday or not. He’s staying hopeful, of course. But Broadway did say it was an “emotional night” missing last week’s game: “It was good to see a lot of young guys get a chance to play, see what they can do. But it’s always hard watching it from the sideline.”
• RB Michael Smith continued to work in practice today, which is a good sign for the Razorbacks. Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino also said on the SEC Teleconference this morning that Smith would be back in the lineup for Saturday’s game.
• The only notable absence was QB Brandon Mitchell. The freshman is going to play basketball, but we’ve been a little unclear about when he’ll leave for hoops and when, or if, he’ll practice football. It’s possible Mitchell left for hoops for the rest of the season today. We’ll see.
• CB David Gordon appears to have learned a freshman lesson tonight. Gordon came over to the interview area and was breathing heavy. He said he was late for practice and apparently punished with some running. What did Gordon learn? “Don’t ever be late.”
