Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

Frustrated by a perceived lack of effort he spotted during a preseason practice, Arkansas linebackers coach Taver Johnson voiced his displeasure and then pulled violently at the pullover he was wearing.

It ripped.

While the raised voice probably would have done the trick in getting his message across, the rending of garments was a nice touch. Razorback defensive players — particularly Johnson’s linebackers — took note. One Razorback relayed the story to media in an effort to illustrate Johnson's stance that going through the motions is not the way to win approval.

Asked about the incident a few days later Johnson cracked a smile and winked as he “explained” how his pullover ripped because he got it caught on a player’s helmet. Johnson wasn’t quite willing to admit it was his exuberance in practice that resulted in the torn top.

What Johnson will cop to, however, is that this Arkansas defense needed an infusion of energy. If the cost of getting the Razorbacks amped up is a trip to the equipment manager for another shirt, then so be it.

“I was coached to be high energy. Kind of raised that way. Tried to play that way,” Johnson told me. “It’s the only way I know.”

Playing with the level of passion encouraged by Johnson and defensive coordinator Paul Haynes is not something the Razorbacks have known in recent years. While working to fix all the defense’s struggles — 12^th, 9^th, 10^th and 9^th in the SEC in run stoppage the previous four seasons — an immediate emphasis was placed on getting the unit more energized for practice.

Too often it seemed like the motor was stuck in neutral. That's no way to play football, particularly on defense.

Haynes established early on that individual mistakes in practice — a missed tackle, for example — aren’t subject to ridicule or punishment. A perceived lack of effort, however, has landed individual players, specific units and the entire defense in hot water.

Haynes has challenged his players to have a “SEC West attitude” as they enter the season and the opener Saturday at 6 p.m. against Jacksonville State. Whatever they had previously wasn’t cutting it and seemed to result in lethargic, timid play at times.

“There is only one way to play this game defensively and that's with a lot of energy and that's fast," Haynes said. "We are trying to make sure this culture on defense is fast, tough and physical. It's the only way you can play defense. And don't take it.”

Coaches will continue to harp on what Coach John L. Smith calls "spirit." Haynes will probably raise his voice. Johnson might rip up another a shirt.