Arkansas players put on shoulder pads for the first time this fall camp on Friday, and the extra gear brought a new level of energy to a Razorbacks practice.
It also had some rain and cooler temperatures that had as much discussion as anything going on during the practice.
Per media reports, the session ran through 10 open viewing windows totaling about 50 minutes, with highs near the low 90s and a heat index around 100 degrees.
Coaches stressed one theme above all others this week: taking care of the football. Offensive coordinator Tim Cramsey didn’t hold back when explaining why ball security has become such a focus for the Hogs heading into the season.
“That is a pivotal part of the game,” Cramsey said. “That’s what’s going to change and that’s what’s going to keep us in and win us football games. Whatever the numbers were last year I don’t know, but the other place I was at last year, a turnover was a big part of that game.
“That is going to lose us football games if we turn the ball over, so that’s all we practice. We do ball security every single day, ball-carry circuit.”
Per media reports, players and coaches even have a mantra for it: “OTB,” which stands for “own the ball.”
Antonio Jordan, other skill players stand out
Warren native Antonio Jordan continued to turn some heads during camp. For those of us that saw him in high school, we’ve been waiting to see with the Razorbacks.
The 6-foot-6 receiver made a couple of contested catches down the sideline, showing off the size and wingspan that make him a tough cover in the red zone.
Running back Braylon Russell also flashed some physicality, picking up extra yards after contact during team drills.
Not every throw worked out. One deep pass was picked off in the end zone, and there was a long touchdown connection during a one-on-one drill as well.
On defense, a hard hit during perimeter screen work drew attention from onlookers and could’ve easily been flagged for targeting in a real SEC game.
The Razorbacks’ quarterback battle remains a storyline worth watching as camp rolls on, with multiple passers getting reps with different units during team periods.
Scouts and the trenches
NFL scouts showed up to check out the Hogs, with representatives from several teams spotted watching practice this week, according to media reports.
Along the offensive and defensive lines, a few names stood out during one-on-one pass rush and pass protection drills, giving coaches plenty to evaluate as camp progresses.
At linebacker, a couple of players have separated themselves early with the way they strike blocks and drive their legs on contact, while others are still working on technique details that coaches want cleaned up.
Arkansas won’t put on full pads until practice number six on Aug. 11, but Friday’s session offered an early look at how physical this defense can be.
The Razorbacks open the season on Sept. 5 against North Alabama, and every camp rep between now and then matters as the roster takes shape.
Key takeaways
- Arkansas football players wore shoulder pads for the first time this fall camp on Friday
- Coaches are making ball security the top priority in practice with an “OTB” mantra
- The Razorbacks open their season Sept. 5 against North Alabama with full pads coming Aug. 11
