By Robbie Neiswanger
Arkansas News Bureau • rneiswanger@arkansasnews.com
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Arkansas’ defense will be missing two more key starters when it plays East Carolina in the Liberty Bowl.
But unlike defensive tackle D.D. Jones, who is out with an ankle injury, safety Matt Harris and linebacker Wendel Davis won’t be available to help the Razorbacks after committing what Arkansas announced as a violation of team rules.
Harris, Davis and reserve receiver Marques Wade were suspended for being out of their rooms after the Razorbacks’ curfew, which was set for 11 p.m., on Wednesday. A source with knowledge of the situation said the players were in the team’s hotel in time for curfew, but left after bed check.
Davis and Harris are seniors, so the suspensions end their Arkansas careers. Their absence also hurts Arkansas’ defense, which will now play without its second- and third-leading tacklers Saturday.
Harris’ father, former Dallas Cowboys safety Cliff Harris, said he was shocked by the news of his son’s suspension.
“Matt called me and told me he was really sorry,” Harris said. “I said, ‘It’s not me. I’m not paying the price. You are.’
“I don’t think he really realizes the price that he’s really paying. He won’t until later in his life.”
Harris was adamant that his son has never been a trouble-maker and added that his mistake was uncharacteristic. He said Harris loved being part of Arkansas football and was a dedicated player.
“He’s always been committed to the program like he’s been committed to the Razorbacks,” Harris said. “This is something that’s different. He hasn’t been a trouble-maker. So it was kind of inconsistent with the way he’s been performing.”
Davis’ and Wade’s parents could not be reached for comment.
The suspensions came a couple of days after Petrino had cautiously complimented his players for how they were handling the distractions surrounding the bowl trip.
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. “You always knock on wood when you say that.”
Arkansas will have to rely on younger players in critical spots against the Pirates. Depth has also been damaged by the news.
Starter Elton Ford and sophomore Tramain Thomas manned the safety positions during Thursday’s practice. In addition, leading-tackler Jerry Franklin slid over to middle linebacker in place of Davis. Franklin’s spot at the weakside position will likely be manned by freshman Terrell Williams or sophomore Jerico Nelson, depending on which formation the Razorbacks line up in Saturday.
Petrino was not available for comment Thursday, but did offer some thoughts on the suspension during his radio show.
“It’s one of the hardest things you have to do as a football coach,” Petrino said during the show. “I feel bad for the players’ parents and I feel bad for the players’ teammates. I always feel that when something like that happens, one lose, we all lose. We all took a hit (Thursday). But our players are going to step up.”
