Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

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

I. Wilson Practices, OK After Accident
Tyler Wilson’s ability to take a hit and keep throwing was on display again Tuesday.

Hours after a mid-morning accident on Interstate 540 the Arkansas quarterback was on the field, going through practice with the Razorbacks.  

“He’ll probably be a little bit sore tomorrow, but he threw the ball good,” offensive coordinator Paul Petrino said. “He had a good practice. He looked fine.”

Wilson was driving his 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser when, according to the accident report, he had to brake for traffic stopping in front of him. He was rear-ended by a 2006 Chevy Express van driven by Dustin E. Whitmill.

Whitmill attempted to stop, but was unable to avoid collision with Wilson's vehicle. The report said Wilson's Land Cruiser "traveled into the median and struck the divider cables with the front left of the vehcile before coming to final rest in the median."

No injuries were reported by either driver. And no ambulance transportation to the hospital was needed.

Teammates said they didn’t notice a difference in Wilson on Tuesday. Wilson visited with media on Monday, so he was not among the players who spoke Tuesday.

Petrino said it was a “relief” to know Wilson was uninjured. Initially, the coach missed a call regarding Wilson’s accident, but Petrino later talked to his quarterback.

“You don’t want to answer your phone this year,” Petrino joked, referencing an adversity-filled 2012. “Your phone rings, you just want to run from it.”

II. Comfort Level
Austin Tate’s production has gone up at tight end the last two games. Not surprisingly, so has his comfort level as a starter.

Tate, who is filling in for the injured Chris Gragg (bone bruise), had four catches for 44 yards in a 24-7 victory against Auburn. He said he is getting a better feel for playing the position as a starter. He’s been used in spot duty in the past, but is being asked to take on a bigger role in the offense and started the last two games.

“Last week things just clicked for me,” Tate said.