FOUR DOWNS — NOTES FROM WEDNESDAY’S PRACTICE
1. Wingo Standing Out
Junior Knile Davis may be the returning 1,000-yard rusher, but teammate Ronnie Wingo impressed during Wednesday’s full-contact work.
Wingo broke off a handful of big plays during 11-on-11 drills, including a 62-yard touchdown run on a fake reverse. He also picked up a 29-yard gain earlier in the practice against the second-team defense and offensive coordinator Garrick McGee said the junior is performing well through Arkansas’ nine spring practices.
“He’s definitely made a commitment to run harder,” McGee said. “He’s a 6-foot-1 1/2 or 6-2, 230-pound kid. He’s strong. He ran somewhere in the low 4.3 (40-yard dash). I challenged him. He was running too light. He wasn’t heavy enough. He wasn’t running as if he was 230 pounds. I think he’s really listened to the coaching. He’s really tried to adjust his running style. I’ve been impressed with him.”
His work Wednesday is a carryover from last Saturday’s 171-play scrimmage. Wingo led all rushers with 90 yards on 17 carries.
“I think he has kind of figured out that is what it takes to get playing time,” Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson said. “He’s got all the physical tools and the speed, everything he needs to be a great player. What he needs to do know is let the coaching staff see he can be a physical runner. … I think his stock is rising and he is leaving us all impressed.”
2. Quarterback Update
Wilson and sophomore Brandon Mitchell continued to fight for the starting job at quarterback Wednesday. Both got chances to lead the first-team offense during some scrimmage work.
Wilson’s big play was a 57-yard touchdown pass to receiver Julian Horton. Mitchell had scoring tosses for 66 and 62 yards to receivers Marquel Wade and Joe Adams, respectively.
Mitchell believes both quarterbacks improved from Saturday’s scrimmage, using two off days to break down film. But Mitchell said there’s work to be done during the final six practices.
“We weren’t really satisfied with (Wednesday’s) practice,” Mitchell said. “But that’s something we have to come out as leaders and just push the tempo and come out with great emotion and enthusiasm and be better leaders.”
3. Hard Day
Arkansas players said Wednesday’s workout felt more physical than usual.
“He’s starting to prove his point,” Arkansas receiver Cobi Hamilton said. “This is a different team. We’re all trying to mold into his offense and everybody is trying to learn their role in the offense. … Hopefully when August comes we’ll be ready to play.”
It also ended with something the Razorbacks hadn’t done all spring — run sprints.
The Razorbacks spent several minutes on some extra running, which McGee said the group sorely needed as the tempo picks up in practice.
“We need to get more conditioned,” McGee said. “It’s the way to play the game, the way to stay healthy, the way that you’re focused at the end of practice to be in tip-top condition.”
4. Extra Points
Arkansas remained thin in the secondary with cornerback Darius Winston missing his second practice. In addition, cornerback Isaac Madison was limited because of a leg injury. The absences gave Jerry Mitchell and Greg Gatson first-team work, while De’Anthony Curtis and Kealon Kellybrew worked with the second-team. … Defensive end Chris Smith was back after missing Tuesday’s work because of a classwork. He practiced with the second-team defense. … Freshman receiver Quinta Funderburk, who appears to have left the team, did not practice for the fourth straight day. McGee was asked when Arkansas would have any details on his status and said: “I’m not quite sure.”
— Robbie Neiswanger • Arkansas News Bureau
