Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

News and notes from Arkansas football media availability …

I. Come Together
John L. Smith likes the athleticism he has seen from some of Arkansas’ newcomers. There are even a few additions to the roster that could help this season.

Smith didn’t want to overwhelm them too soon, though. They’re still brand new to SEC football.

Rather than bring the newcomers and veterans together for practice on the day the team donned full pads and went full contact, Smith did it a day early. That way the new players could get a feel for the speed and tempo of practice and work their way into contact.

It still figures to be overwhelming for some, but the stair-step process should help.

“We did it a little earlier than we’d originally planned and got the rookies incorporated which I think was a good deal to get out here in shells before we pad up completely,” Smith said. “[Newcomers see] what practice is all about.”

It was a taste of what the first-year Razorbacks have gotten themselves into during camp. They’ll get the full thing when the pads go on Monday and contact is live.

Newcomers saw fewer reps in practice with the combined groups. But they were asked to learn at a faster pace, something that only figures to accelerate Monday.

“It was a little easier because we had more people so we had to get less reps,” cornerback Will Hines said. “But there was lot of learning. They emphasize that and they tell us what to do.”

II. Still Waiting
Is Knile Davis ready for contact when the Razorbacks incorporate tackling for the first time this preseason camp? It’s been nearly a year since a play during the first scrimmage of preseason camp resulted in a broken ankle and a missed 2011.

Smith indicated Davis might not be involved in tackling, though the running back looks physically ready to play.

“We’re still waiting on Knile,” Smith said. “He looks awful good, though. He looks awful fast.”

Davis has said throughout the preseason he is ready for contact, but is quick to add he’ll follow whatever plan the coaches have outlined for him. Smith has said the team will not rush him into tackling situations.