Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

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

I. Getting Physical
Arkansas has not dialed back the contact in practice this week, even with the Red-White game coming up on Saturday. In fact, the Razorbacks have increased the hitting during what defensive coordinator Paul Haynes called “a real tough week.”

Haynes said the extra work was designed to help the team defense against the run. Recent seasons have seen the Razorbacks struggle against opponents with strong ground games, something Haynes has identified as an area of concern in his first season as defensive coordinator.

“We went a little against the norm and we did a couple of live periods,” Haynes said. “We focused on the run. So it was all run, stopping the run.”

“We were in full pads both of those days, so real challenging for our guys physically and mentally. But our guys again, to me, have done a great job this week with effort and attitude.”

II. Linebacker Woes
Depth at linebacker has taken another hit.

Redshirt freshman Brock Haman has been granted a scholarship release. Haman, a native of Scottsdale, Ariz., has been in contact with Arizona State, according to reports.

Haman, who missed last season after undergoing foot surgery, hadn’t been much of a factor at linebacker since arriving last summer.

Arkansas is also without linebacker Tyler Gilbert, who was arrested on aggravated burglary charges on Tuesday.

"Tyler Gilbert, we're definitely disappointed in what happened, but we have to let the process take place, and after the process does then we'll go from there," acting head coach Taver Johnson said.

III. Big Day
Robert Thomas showed promise last spring and fall in his first season at defensive tackle. Now he seems to be delivering on it.

Thomas had four sacks in last week’s scrimmage. He credits improved technique and understanding of the defense for his big day and continued strides this spring.

“That's what we expect out of Robert and that is what Robert expects out of himself,” defensive tackles coach Kevin Peoples said. “He has that type of ability, great size and great quickness and fortunately for us and for him he was able to show that last Friday.”

Speaking Out
“Our offense has been lighting up the scoreboard and this Saturday we’re going to see what the defense is made of. We’re putting it on our shoulders to go out and perform at the highest level for all the coaches here and just go out and just put on a show.”
—Defensive tackle D.D. Jones