FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- The University of Arkansas secondary had one of their better practices of fall camp, as they collected five interceptions in a span of two drills to highlight Thursday’s practice.
Junior Jared Collins led the way for the Razorback secondary by picking off two passes in an intrasquad drill. The drill paid off later in the day, as the first team defense succeeded in the two-minute drill, as Rohan Gaines picked off a third-down-pass.
Venue: Indoor and Outdoor Practice Fields
Format: Shells
Highlights: The defense dominated in team drills, as they accounted for four interceptions in simulated game situations … Senior safety Alan Turner got the string of picks started by out-jumping a receiver and snatching the ball high in the air before it could reach the intended target’s hands … Sophomore Jared Collins collected a pair of interceptions by perfectly reading the quarterback’s eyes twice and jumping the route to make an easy pick on both occasions … Fellow sophomore corner D.J. Dean concluded the drill with a pick of his own by making a shoelace-catch … The practice moved inside as both the first team offense and defense took turns in the two-minute drill with simulated crowd noise … Brandon Allen went 3-for-3, highlighted by a long-distance connection with Keon Hatcher, who made a leaping grab over a defender to get his team in field goal range. Allen directed his team downfield and successfully killed the clock with a second remaining to complete the team’s objective for the drill …The first team defense also had a successful two-minute drill, as junior safety Rohan Gaines ended the practice with an interception on third down.
Quote of the Day: “Really, when you talk about our units, it’s got to be a cohesive group. Whether it’s the offensive line working together or the defensive line working together.” Defensive Coordinator Robb Smith on team strength.
Linebacker Tiquention Coleman (TQCole6) on preparing for the season opener against Auburn: “We’ve prepared for Auburn well. They have a fast-paced style, but their game play is pretty simple. We just have to be disciplined and do our jobs.”
Defensive End JaMichael Winston (@jwinston8) on playing with teammates who also started in 2012: “It’s nice to have those guys on the field with you. Just knowing that you all came in together, we’ve already got that comradery.”
Linebacker Brooks Ellis (@brooksellis51) on how he feels going into this season in comparison to last year: “I’m so much more prepared. I feel more mature and ready for the season. I can’t wait for next Saturday.”
News and Notes:
- 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 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.