Arkansas may not step on the practice field until March 30, but the Razorbacks held their pre-spring press conference on Wednesday.
Plenty of things to cover from a press conference that last roughly an hour. So much, in fact, that we won’t get to it all in one day. Bobby Petrino, Jake Bequette, Tyler Wilson, Isaac Madison and Ryan Mallett were all available and had plenty to say. Some of the most pressing items:
• We all know expectations are soaring for the Razorbacks, who have gained plenty of offseason notoriety because of what they’re bringing back to campus next season. It’s a position Petrino said Arkansas understands. And embraces. “That puts more pressure on us and that’s good,” Petrino said. “We need that. We need to be able to handle that as a football team and as a coaching staff.”
• Petrino confirmed that junior De’Anthony Curtis will be lining up at wide receiver this spring. Curtis played running back his first two years and moved to cornerback during bowl practices. Petrino said he liked Curtis at cornerback, but the junior wanted to try playing receiver. So he’ll try to help the Hogs there.
• Arkansas’ defensive players know the pressure is on them to perform next season. Bequette spoke about that a lot this afternoon, saying Arkansas is planning to put a “championship defense” out on the field to match the offensive expectations. Petrino said it’s no secret Arkansas must improve defensively next season and believes the spring will be a good test for a group that has plenty of performers back on the defensive line and in the secondary.
• Injury news: Defensive end Tenarius Wright (foot) will not participate in spring drills because of an offseason injury. David Gordon (shoulder) will be on the field, but will be limited to non-contact drills. Tight end Jim Youngblood and fullback Van Stumon will be limited, too, because of offseason surgeries.
• The depth chart was released and there weren’t many BIG surprises. Ronnie Wingo is listed as the first-team tailback, but Petrino said it will be interesting to watch Petrino, Broderick Green, Dennis Johnson and Knile Davis all competing for reps this spring. Senior Jermaine Love is listed as the first-team middle linebacker and Petrino said it’s time for the veteran to step up and be a player. Petrino said Love has tested well this offseason and needs to prove it on the field.
• Wilson said he’s looking forward to the chance to lead the offense during the spring. It’s no secret Mallett is Arkansas’ starting quarterback, but Wilson said he’s treating the job like it belongs to him throughout spring practices. “I’m going to come in every day and take it like it’s my team and take responsibility,” he said.
That’s all for now. I’ll have more in tomorrow’s newspapers, including an update on Mallett and his goals for the spring.
Of course, I’ll make sure to include a few mentions about the scooter he’s been riding around on because of his foot surgery.
