By Robbie Neiswanger
Arkansas News Bureau • rneiswanger@arkansasnews.com
FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino is counting on competition all over the field when the Razorbacks open spring practice March 30.
But the most intriguing battle for playing time could come in the backfield. Ronnie Wingo, Broderick Green, Dennis Johnson and Knile Davis will all be fighting for carries during Arkansas’ 15 practices.
“I think it’s going to be a lot of fun in spring with the running backs,” Petrino said Wednesday. “All four of them are very good. They’ve shown sparks of being dynamic at what they do.”
Wingo will get the first chance to impress after being listed as the starter entering spring drills. He is followed by Davis, Green and Johnson on the Razorbacks’ pre-spring depth chart, which was revealed during Wednesday’s press conference.
Wingo rushed for 319 yards and three touchdowns as a freshman last season, showing plenty of big-play ability. Petrino said Wingo earned the starting role to open the spring with his work in the offseason.
“Someone has got to line up there when you go out with the first group and I think Ronnie is the guy that is going to do that,” Petrino said. “He certainly had a good end of the year. I was really impressed with the way he ran the ball late in the season. Particularly in the LSU game. …
“He’s got the combination that you like between size and speed, being a home run hitter.”
Arkansas is hoping to bolster its run game behind the four backs and a new philosophy.
Petrino said the Razorbacks will be implementing “The Pistol” formation — what the Hogs refer to as ”Shot” — into its run game after having success with the scheme in the passing game last fall. New offensive line coach Chris Klenakis had plenty of success with “The Pistol” during his tenure at Nevada and Petrino believes the schemes will help improve Arkansas’ ground attack next season.
“I think it allows you to run the ball downhill,” Petrino said. “Do a lot of the same runs and things that we do from underneath the center.”
Injury Updates
Quarterback Ryan Mallett’s status for the spring is well-known, but a few other players will be slowed this spring because of offseason injuries.
Defensive end Tenarius Wright (foot) will be sidelined, while cornerback David Gordon (shoulder), fullback Van Stumon (shoulder) and tight end Jim Youngblood will be limited. In addition, tight end Chris Gragg (ankle) and cornerback Isaac Madison (knee) are expected to participate in drills while continuing to recover from season-ending injuries.
Petrino said he will find out next Monday how much Madison can handle in the spring after returning from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee.
“I haven’t really decided yet how much he’ll get to do in spring,” Petrino said. “He’s certainly going to be out there. He’s cleared to do everything, but I’m going to meet with the doctors Monday before spring ball starts and the No. 1 topic is what do we allow Isaac to do. He’ll want to be in everything.”
Curtis Out Wide
De’Anthony Curtis was learning the ins and outs of playing cornerback during Arkansas’ bowl practices last December. But when the Razorbacks take the field this spring, Curtis will be running routes.
Petrino said Curtis has moved to wide receiver and the Razorbacks are planning to find ways to utilize his skills at the position. The switch came in the offseason, when Curtis expressed his desire to remain on offense and figured wideout would work.
“In high school he caught the ball a bunch,” Petrino said. “They lined him up at receiver a bunch. He has great hands, can adjust to the ball in the air and that is something he really wanted to give a shot over the corner position.”
Petrino said he could use him at the spot, too, even though Greg Childs, Jarius Wright, Joe Adams and Cobi Hamilton return. He said Arkansas lost depth at the position because of outgoing seniors Lucas Miller, London Crawford and Reggie Fish.
Extra Points
Colton Nash, who was academically ineligible for the Liberty Bowl, has been cleared to participate in spring drills. Nash, who moved from defensive end to tight end last season, is also back at his origial position. … Anthony Leon is listed as Arkansas’ starter at one of the safety spots. Leon, who was a reserve last year, has “adjusted to the program,” according to Petrino. … Arkansas has tested players’ speed and strength this week. Petrino said six offensive linemen and six defensive players bench pressed more than 400 pounds. … Knile Davis may have been one of the most impressive overall, benching 395 pounds and running the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds, according to Petrino. … Sophomore Dylan Breeding is listed as Arkansas’ first-team punter. Briton Forrester, who was on scholarship last season, is no longer with the program.
