Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

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

I. Wilson’s Return
Tyler Wilson returned to practice after missing most of last week’s workouts and the game against Alabama because of a concussion. His practice time has been limited and at least one teammate could tell Tuesday that Wilson had been off for a few days.

Tight end Chris Gragg said he asked Wilson to take a little bit off his passes. With a rested arm, Wilson was throwing harder than Gragg expected.

“He was actually throwing a little harder because his arm was fresh,” Gragg said. “He looked real good.”

Offensive coordinator Paul Petrino said Wilson is progressing in his return. Arkansas needs Wilson back to help right the ship after consecutive losses and Wilson looked ready to contribute.

“He was on fire,” Petrino said. “His arm was fresh and hot. He looked really good.”

How Wilson performs off the field this week is most important to his return. He’ll need his concussion testing scores to get back to baseline levels for doctors to clear him for Rutgers.

Wilson said his scores are “almost” to baseline when he visited with media Monday. Petrino said the team is preparing as if Wilson will play, giving him 50 percent of the team’s snaps with Brandon Allen and Brandon Mitchell each getting about 25 percent.

II. Ball Security
Arkansas worked drills designed to help protect the football. Again. Ball security has been an ongoing focus in practice. Emphasis was increased this week after the Razorbacks fumbled eight times and lost three against Alabama in a 52-0 loss.

Arkansas has 10 turnovers in three games. Teams have converted seven of those into scores.

“To be honest with you, we’ve been doing it almost every day for the last couple of weeks,” Petrino said. “They just need to do it in a game.”

III. On The Move
Arkansas seems to have plenty of capable bodies at running back (even if they’ve yet to really get going this season). There is limited depth at defensive back on the Razorbacks’ roster. So speedy freshman Nate Holmes has been asked to move to defense. He began working at defensive back Tuesday, a move Petrino said was “best for the team.”

“He was fired up about it,” Petrino said. “He just wants to get on the field and help the team any way he can.”

Speaking Out
“They bring a lot of swag to us. I think the fans will like them, too.”
—Tight end Chris Gragg on the white helmets players wore during Tuesday's practice. Arkansas was “breaking them in” so they can be worn on game day. There is no official word on if the players will wear them Saturday against Rutgers.