Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

News and notes from Tuesday’s Arkansas football practice availability…

I. Suspension Lifted?
Arkansas offensive  lineman Jason Peacock was back on the field after missing the previous three practices and being indefinitely suspended following an arrest on felony theft of property charges. Peacock was arrested March 16.

Offensive coordinator Paul Petrino said Peacock was “full tilt” with the team, but declined to elaborate. Peacock started nine games in 2011.

Position coach Chris Klenakis said he didn’t want to talk about Peacock’s return.

“All I’m worried about is the whole line is out there practicing,” Klenakis said “I’m not worried about one guy right now.” 

Coach Bobby Petrino typically speaks on personnel maters, including disciplinary action against players. He spoke before practice, before Peacock was spotted on the field.

II. Willing To Hit
Fullback Kiero Small proved his value as a blocker last fall. He showed flashes as a ball carrier in a recent scrimmage.

But his background as a junior college linebacker made Small a natural for an audition at the position as the team looks for depth and playmakers there. Small has put in limited post-practice work at linebacker.

Small doesn’t anticipate going two ways becoming a “full-time” thing, but…

“I look at linebacker and fullback the same way,” Small said. “You’ve got to be willing to hit somebody.”

III. Just Waiting
The coaching staff continues to hold running back Knile Davis out of full contact this spring. Davis, an all-SEC pick in 2010, missed last season after surgery to repair a fractured ankle.

Davis said he’s not lobbying coaches for contact. He’s trying to exercise patience.

“I’m waiting on them,” Davis said. “So … just waiting.”

Speaking Out
“The tempo was fast. Guys were playing hard. Now we’ve just got to get our execution a little bit better. A couple mistakes here and there, but I thought everybody went out and played with good effort.”

—Offensive coordinator Paul Petrino on the team’s return to practice after Friday’s scrimmage