Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

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

I. Student Support
Walking from the practice fields through Razorback Stadium and into the Broyles Center has become a pretty routine part of the day for Arkansas football players. 

Wednesday's trip through the tunnel on the south side of the stadium included a little more fanfare than usual.

A group of nearly 200 supporters lined a tunnel on the south side of Razorback Stadium to greet players after Wednesday’s practice. Students participated in multiple “Hog Calls” and a few held up a banner that read, “U of A Students [Love] Our Razorbacks.”

Players seemed to appreciate the gesture of support which comes after a pair of historic losses. They want to repay the favor.

”I think that’s a great thing, man,” defensive tackle D.D. Jones said. “That shows that those guys are still sticking with us through thick and thin. That shows the support of our student fan base, man. It’s really appreciated by us to have those guys out there. We’re just looking to get that thing rolling.”

II. Keep It Simple
Defensive coordinator Paul Haynes set about simplifying the Arkansas playbook in the spring. After three games coaches are looking to scale things back even more.

But keeping things simple isn’t just about downsizing the schemes. Safety Ross Rasner said getting back to basics involves more than just what plays are being run by the Razorbacks.

“It just comes down to fundamentals,” Rasner said. “Running and tackling and having leverage on the ball and everyone knowing their assignment. I think the big thing this week has been communication. We’ve been stressing that. If you’ve got your guy you need to point out … you’ve just got to talk every play. Even if it’s something simple you’ve got to still make it known to everybody on the defense.”

Opponents are averaging 436.67 yards and 36.67 points per game against the Razorbacks. Much of the issues stem from a breakdown in fundamentals.

“We know we’re not playing the type of football that we want to play and should play,” Haynes said. “But we’re actually getting a little bit closer. We’re getting a little bit closer.”

III. Tank On The Move
Tank Wright is returning to defensive end. At least in certain situations.

Wright, who moved to linebacker in the spring, is working more at end.

Coach John L. Smith said defensive end is "more of his natural spot. We plan on using him a little more in that environment."

Arkansas has increased the workload for freshmen linebackers Otha Peters and A.J. Turner.

Speaking Out
“I’m optimistic,” Smith said. “ [We] have not gotten Tyler cleared yet, but he’s made it through two days of practice and is looking very, very good at this point. We’re keeping our fingers crossed and we’ll have to wait and see what happens.”

—Coach John L. Smith on the status of quarterback Tyler Wilson. Arkansas played without Wilson last week as he recovered from a concussion.