FAYETTEVILLE – Wearing shells for the first time this fall, the University of Arkansas football team concluded its third of 24 preseason practices on Wednesday afternoon.
With shoulder pads on, the intensity turned up. Concentration was at an all-time high as the defense exhibited its strength against multiple offensive attacks.
Venue: Outdoor practice fields
Format: Helmets and shells (upper-body padding)
Highlights: Cornerback Carroll Washington made an athletic play to knock down a pass during 11 on 11… Brandon Allen was on point all afternoon. His arm remained steady for the entirety of practice, connecting well with the rest of the offense…Wide receiver Cody Hollister made a number of nice catches. Draped in heavy coverage, wide receiver Demetrius Wilson also made an impressive snag.
Quote of the Day: “Things didn’t go the way we wanted last year, but we have a 1-0 mentality and we’ve put that behind us. I see guys playing with way more confidence, and it’s showing out there.”– Alan Turner (@Dread_Head27)
Defensive Coordinator Robb Smith (@CoachSmithUA) on the first practice playing with shells: “We’ve had a great opportunity to get out there and start to establish our physicality as a defense. Today was a great opportunity for us to work on leverage, physicality and the basic fundamentals of defense you get to play when you get the pads on.”
Defensive Backs Coach Clay Jennings (@CoachJ4_UofA) on the foundations of a good defense: “The first thing to building a great defense is being able to recruit. I think one thing that Coach Bielema has proved in the offseason is preparing guys for spring ball, and now more importantly fall ball. We’ve got some length, and some guys that can run. Now we can communicate because guys have cohesiveness and are wanting to do things for the good of the defense so we can all be successful.”
DE Trey Flowers (@III_Flowers) on being a vocal leader: “I’ve tried to be more vocal, I guess it’s not in my nature. But, to be a leader I’ve got to step outside the box and encourage the guys that need that vocal leadership and know that I can be the one to do it.”
LB Martrell Spaight (@Spaight1) on progression of the linebackers: “I feel like this is going to be a great year for the linebackers. We’ve gone out there and really emphasized on the physicality. We go back on the field and question ourselves sometimes, mentally and physically, from previous years. This year we’re really challenging ourselves during practice, so when it comes to the game time we’ll be ready to go.”
News and Notes:
- The Arkansas Football Fan Day presented by Pepsi will be held Sunday, Aug. 17 from 2-4 p.m. in Bud Walton Arena. All fans in attendance will receive the official 2014 Razorback football team poster and pocked schedule card.
- Season tickets for the 2014 football season are now on sale starting at $300. Tickets for both Fayetteville and Little Rock games may be purchased by clicking here or by contacting the UA Ticket Office at 1-800-982-HOGS (4647).
- The 2014 Football Kickoff Luncheon, presented by URETEK Capital will be held on Aug. 22 at noon at the NWA Convention Center in Springdale, Ark. The doors will open at 11:15 a.m., and general admission tickets are $25 each. A reserved table for eight, with two seats for student-athletes or football personnel, is $300. To purchase tickets, please call 1-800-982-HOGS.
Follow Live: For complete coverage of Arkansas football throughout fall camp, follow @RazorbackFB on Twitter.
Kickoff: The Razorbacks open the season with a Southeastern Conference contest at Auburn University on Aug. 30. Kickoff is slated for 3 p.m. at Jordan-Hare Stadium and will be televised on the SEC Network.