By Robbie Neiswanger
Arkansas News Bureau • rneiswanger@arkansasnews.com
FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas will be trying something a little different when preseason practices begin next Thursday: The Razorbacks’ newcomers and veterans will be on the field at separate times.
Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino spoke about the change in philosophy when he met with the media at the annual coaches/media golf tournament on Thursday afternoon. The newcomers and veterans will each hold practices that last approximately 1 1/2 half over the first four days of workouts.
“The idea there is to give the newcomers more reps, a little more understanding,” Petrino said. “We’ll install for four practices and then the fifth practice start it over again and practice together like we normally do. I feel like it will really help us. It will help our young guys learn quicker and make sure we do a good job on the practice field right from the start.”
The news came the same day Arkansas announced it will be opening practices to the public.
Workouts schedules from Aug. 5 through Aug. 21 can be viewed as long as the practices are held outdoors. Indoor practices will be closed to the public because of space constraints.
Arkansas’ newcomers will practice from 3 p.m. to 4:30 on the first day. The veterans will take the field at 6:30 and practice until 8 that night.
“We think it’s a great idea,” defensive coordinator Willy Robinson said. “The thing is, obviously, it’s probably just as important for the vets so they’re getting lots of reps. But to bring on the development of these freshmen and these newcomers where they’ve been buried in the depth chart you can kind of get them exposed.”
Robinson joked that there could be one drawback to holding two practices, though.
“Coach’s biggest concern is if the older guys on the staff can survive the practices,” he said.
Academic Issues
Petrino confirmed Thursday that freshman linebacker Courtney Gaston will not be at Arkansas this season. Instead, Gaston, who the Hogs were hoping could come in and provide some depth at linebacker, will head to junior college.
He will join defensive tackle Calvin Barnett as Arkansas signees taking a two-year detour in junior college. Petrino said a couple of other freshmen are still waiting for paperwork issues to clear up by the NCAA before practice begins.
First Look
New defensive ends coach Steve Caldwell is looking forward to the start of practice for several reasons. One of them, though, is the fact he’ll get his first look at Tenarius Wright.
Wright missed the spring with a foot injury after notching 34 tackles and 7 tackles for losses last season. He is expected to play a big role on the defensive line this season after moving to the position last summer.
“The first day of mat drills was the only time I had an opportunity to watch him move around in person,” said Caldwell, who joined the staff last winter. “From the film of watching him last fall, I definitely think ‘Tank’ will be a big asset.”
Summer Improvement
Arkansas’ summer in the weight room is winding to an end. Who has made an impression?
One name Petrino offered Thursday may come as a bit of a surprise: Nose guard Alfred Davis.
“He came in late his freshman year, obviously needed to drop some weight,” Petrino said. “They tell me he’s running better than he ever has.”
Davis played in 11 games last season and recorded two tackles. But he could be a valuable member of an interior line that must try to replace departed senior Malcolm Sheppard.
Petrino said the defensive front could also gain some help from newcomers Chris Smith and Byran Jones. Both have had solid summers, he said.
“They are guys that stepped in and didn’t miss a beat,” Petrino said. “Moved up working with the vets quicker than guys we’ve had in the past.”
New Dad
Offensive coordinator Garrick McGee enters the preseason in a new position after serving as quarterbacks coach for two years. But he also is entering the preseason as a new father.
McGee’s wife, Tiffany, gave birth to son Cameron Ladell on July 14. McGee was asked if he thought it would be tough entering preseason camp as a new father and said he would find out soon.
“I don’t know how tough it is because this is the only way I’ve ever had it,” McGee said. “So I don’t have anything I can compare it to.”
Arkansas Practice Schedule
August 5 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Newcomers); 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. (Veterans)
August 6 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Newcomers); 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. (Veterans)
August 7 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Veterans); 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. (Newcomers)
August 8 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. (Veterans); 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. (Newcomers)
August 9 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
August 10 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.; 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
August 11 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
August 12 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.; 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
August 13 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
August 14 9 a.m. – Noon
August 16 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.; 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
August 17 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
August 18 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.; 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
August 21 9 a.m. – Noon
Arkansas Practice Guidelines
1. Fans should sit in designated seating areas
2. Due to the terrain of the seating areas, no lawn chairs will be allowed
3. The use of cell phones is prohibited
4. Any photography or video taping of practice is prohibited with the exception of media outlets during the first 20 minutes of the workouts
5. Children should not be left unattended at practice
6. No pets may be brought inside the practice area
7. No autographs will be allowed inside the practice area
