By Robbie Neiswanger
Arkansas News Bureau

Arkansas safety Matt Harris, linebacker Wendel Davis and receiver Marques Wade have been suspended for a violation of team rules, according to a statement from the Arkansas athletic department.

The three will not be available for Saturday’s Liberty Bowl against East Carolina.

The school would not reveal the reasons for the suspension, but the loss is a big blow. Particularly for a defense already playing without defensive tackle D.D. Jones (ankle injury). Davis and Harris, both seniors, have been two of Arkansas’ most consistent defensive players this season and rank second and third, respectively, on the team in tackles.

The suspensions end their Arkansas careers.

Wade, a junior, has not caught a pass this season.

It’s not quite clear who will fill in for Davis and Harris in the starting lineup. Sophomore Jerry Franklin, the team’s leading tackler, is listed as the backup at middle linebacker although he starts on the weakside. If Franklin moves to the middle, freshman Terrell Williams is listed as the backup at weakside linebacker.

Anthony Leon is listed second on the two-deep depth chart at free safety.

Earlier this week, Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino complimented players for how they had handled the trip to the Liberty Bowl. The team is staying downtown at the Peabody Hotel, which is a few blocks from historic Beale Street. Curfew for players was set at 12 a.m. the first two nights and moved to 11 p.m. on Tuesday.

“Our guys have done a nice job,” Petrino said Tuesday after the team’s practice. “You always knock on wood when you say that.”

Arkansas’ plans could become a little clearer later this afternoon when the Razorbacks practice at Memphis University School.