FIRST DOWN
Arkansas senior Andru Stewart admits he was a little surprised to be making a move so late in preseason camp.
But when Arkansas’ coaches asked if he would slide from cornerback to safety, he couldn’t say no.
Stewart is working with the second-team defense at the free safety position after unofficially leading the team in interceptions as a cornerback during preseason practices. The move was made to help bolster a unit that has undergone some changes this month. Ross Rasner and Anthony Leon were both moved to linebacker, leaving the Razorbacks with only three veterans at the position.
“It feels comfortable,” Stewart said about the position. “I played safety my first two years at junior college, so it was kind of good to be back at home in a sense.”
It’s not that easy, though. Stewart will now undergo a crash course in the new sport, but said teammates like Tramain Thomas and Rudell Crim have been helpful. He is lining up beside Elton Ford with the second-team defense and coordinator Willy Robinson said it was a good move.
“Our depth at corner is coming along pretty good,” said Robinson, who moved freshman Eric Bennett to the second-team after sliding Stewart back. “We feel he can help up us behind Tramain and he has that kind of capabilities.”
Stewart joked that he’s trying to eat a little more now to put a few extra pounds on his 6-foot, 190-pound frame.
The good news, Stewart said, is that he knows the defense and the reads never change. He’s just trying to get a grasp of his responsibilities at the new spot.
“It’s all about flexibility,” Stewart said. “That stuff is going to happen throughout the season. Guys go down. Injuries. Things like that. We’ve all got to be flexible and ready to step up when we’re called to.”
TWO-MINUTE DRILL
• CB Darius Winston was not dressed out because of an injury to his right middle finger Wednesday. Robinson called it a “temporary injury” when asked for details after practice. Robinson did indicate Winston — who was replaced by Greg Gatson with the second-team defense — could miss a couple of practices, but should be fine.
• WR Greg Childs was back on the practice field after missing Tuesday’s workout for unknown reasons. But RB Dennis Johnson was not. The exact reason for his absence was not known, although running backs coach Tim Horton did say Tuesday night Johnson was banged up.
• Leon continues to work with the first-team defense at linebacker after moving from safety last week. Robinson said the senior continues to grow in his new role and will help. “He’s a big body that comes downhill. That’s what we want from our linebacker position,” he said.
• The battle for the place kicking job is ongoing, but special teams coordinator John L. Smith said the Razorbacks will make a decision soon. Arkansas is deciding between Alex Tejada, Eddie Camara and Zach Hocker, who was added to the mix the second week of preseason practice and has shown plenty of range. Smith said everything is being charted: “We want to put all these things together and come up with a decision.”
AWARD TIME
Johnson wasn’t at practice, but did land on a preseason watch list Wednesday. The junior was one of 49 running backs named to the Doak Walker Award watch list.
It continues a busy summer for Razorbacks and watch lists for national awards. Other Razorbacks up for honors include: Quarterback Ryan Mallett (Maxwell, Davey O’Brien and Manning awards), receiver Greg Childs (Biletnikoff Award), offensive lineman DeMarcus Love (Outland Trophy) and linebacker Jerry Franklin (Butkus Award).
QUOTABLE
“It was a temporary injury that he suffered. He had five seconds of jubilation and 15 minutes of pain after that. But he’ll be fine.” — Robinson on Winston’s finger injury
— Robbie Neiswanger • Arkansas News Bureau
