By Robbie Neiswanger
Arkansas News Bureau • rneiswanger@arkansasnews.com

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas defensive end Chris Smith doesn’t always know where he’s going.

The freshman from North Carolina admits he doesn’t always know what he’s doing, either.

Ten days into preseason practice, it’s common for college football newcomers. Lining up wrong and making mistakes are just part of the deal.

But the good news, Arkansas defensive ends coach Steve Caldwell said, is there are those distinct instances when Smith puts everything together on the practice field.

When he does, it’s impressive.

“Boy, every once in awhile you’ll see him come off the ball when he knows what do to and he is dynamic,” Caldwell said last week.

Fitting freshmen into Arkansas’ two-deep depth chart may be challenging because of the amount of experience returning this season, but there’s no doubt Smith is figuring into Arkansas’ immediate plans. The athletic and aggressive defensive end came to Fayetteville as a highly touted player and has worked, at times, with the first-team defense.

His part-time promotion has been aided by the fact senior Damario Ambrose is working once during two-a-day practices because of an injury and backup Tenarius Wright has been slowed by back spasms. But it’s an opportunity Smith relishes.

“Most people say they love football,” Smith said. “To me, I don’t love it. I have a passion for it. You’ve got to have a passion for the game. That’s what I do every time I’m out there on the field.”

It’s clear the Razorbacks have plans for the 6-foot-3, 230-pound Smith in a group of defensive ends that includes Ambrose, Wright, Jake Bequette, Colton Miles-Nash and Ryan Calendar. Smith is the youngest member of the group, but has been one of its most active through two weeks of practice.

He recovered two fumbles during one of Arkansas’ workout in the first week. And, while far from polished, he has made an impression on teammates.

“He’s a young guy with a lot of athleticism,” Bequette said. “He’s got to learn the finer points of the game. His stance is kind of off right now. His pad level at the point of attack is not very good. But he has a lot of just raw ability.

“Once Coach Caldwell harnesses that and he learns how to come off the ball, he’ll be a stud.”

Smith said he’s working diligently in every area, studying the playbook, paying attention to footwork and keeping a close tab on veterans like Bequette. He laughed when asked about his stance, admitting it is a little off. But he also promised it will be much better in time.

“Coach Caldwell, he’s going to get me right on that,” Smith said. “When we get against Tennessee Tech you’ll see my great stance.”

The Razorbacks know the potential is there. It’s why Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino had a hefty compliment during the team’s media day, saying Smith reminded him of former Louisville star and Denver Broncos linebacker Elvis Dumervil.

Smith’s future is bright, but Caldwell said his job is to make sure he can help the Hogs right now. He believes Smith’s work with the first-team defense is a valuable teaching tool because of the burden it places on the freshman’s shoulder.

“I think it makes him feel responsible,” Caldwell said. “I’ve got to pick up my learning. I’ve got to pick up my tempo. I’ve got to play like these other 10 guys are so they can depend on me.”

Caldwell said Smith has been an eager student, which helps in the process. He seeks advice from teammates and asks Caldwell for input after practice, wondering how he performed on the field.

It’s clear Smith is still trying to figure out what Arkansas expects from its defensive ends every play. He’s not perfect. Far from it.

But Smith said he’s listening and learning.

“I just try to be coachable and do what I’m asked,” Smith said. “They tell me to grind every day. That’s what I try to do. … I just do the best I can to make the Razorback fans happy.”