Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

News and notes from Wednesday’s Arkansas football media availability…

I. Stand Up
Versatility is key if you’re going to play defensive end at Arkansas.

Several packages installed this spring have called for ends to begin plays in a standing position, rather than with a hand on the ground. It’s been something Chris Smith and Austin Flynn have done throughout the spring.

It doesn’t end there.

Arkansas coaches have also asked Flynn and Smith to do some extra work after practice that includes linebacker drills. That’s a position where the Razorbacks are unsure of their depth and are looking at options.

“A lot of times we’ll sit there and work linebacker drills with them, but it’s nothing that’s written in stone,” defensive coordinator Paul Haynes said. “We’re just continuing to work through [personnel] position-wise.”

Tenarius Wright made the end-to-linebacker move earlier this spring when middle linebacker Alonzo Highsmith was sidelined with a partially torn pectoral muscle. Fullback Kiero Small is also among the players getting a post-practice look at linebacker.

III. No Worries
Whether standing up or in a two-point stance, Flynn has been working with a sprained hand this week and had it heavily wrapped when chatting with media after practice. He said the injury is nothing to be concerned about, though it has lingered.

It was during offseason weightroom work that Flynn first noticed his wrist was tender. Flynn said he didn’t expect it to impact his performance.

“I’m not going to use any excuses,” Flynn said. “It’s just a little something to adjust to. Just a sprain. I’ll be able to scrimmage.”

III. Talking Football
Arkansas Coach Bobby Petrino Petrino might not be seen on the practice field this week, but he’s definitely heard.

Petrino is watching from the Razorback Stadium press box while recuperating from injuries he got in a weekend motorcycle accident. Communication hasn’t been as issue thanks to walkie talkies.

Staff members said Petrino has not been shy about using them. 

“He’s communicating with us on his thoughts,” defensive coordinator Paul Haynes.

Offensive coordinator Paul Petrino said there isn’t much of a delay in hearing from the head coach.

“Any time there was something he didn’t like that was going on, he’d communicate that right away,” Petrino said.

Speaking Out
“I wish Bobby well. I hope there’s nothing serious there. … I’m glad to see that he does something that he enjoys doing and get out on the country roads and do it.”
—Alabama Coach Nick Saban, speaking to local media, on Bobby Petrino’s recent motorcycle accident.