Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

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

I. Gragg Back
Arkansas looked strong on offense in beating Kentucky 49-7 two weeks ago even though the Razorbacks weren’t full strength. They’re optimistic that having tight end Chris Gragg back for Ole Miss will provide an additional threat.

Gragg has been out since the first quarter of a 35-26 loss to Rutgers.

“It’ll be big from the standpoint that we can do some things from different formations, get him in the game plan,” quarterback Tyler Wilson said. “I think somebody brought up a stat that me and Cobi [Hamilton] and [Gragg] haven’t been on the field together for very many combined quarters, so it’s good to have him back out there.”

Gragg, who has less than four quarters on the field with Wilson and Hamilton, said he feels ready to play. He’s primarily dealing with soreness, but doesn’t expect to be limited.

“Once I’m out there and playing and everything, I don’t think about it. I don’t feel it,” Gragg said. “The coaches said I’ve been looking pretty fast on film, so I’m ready to go.”

Tailback Ronnie Wingo (shoulder) could see action this weekend. Offensive coordinator Paul Petrino said Wingo “doesn’t look maybe quite as 100 percent as Chris [Gragg] does.”

II. Snubbed?
Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson has thrown for an average 326.2 yards, a figure good enough for sixth in the country. He leads the SEC in passing yards and ranks No. 2 in total offense.

Yet Wilson wasn’t included on the list of 16 semifinalists for the Davey O’Brien Award. Wilson said he’s more interested in getting the team victories.

“We’re focused on our goals, and that’s to win this week,” Wilson said. “All that other stuff, yeah, throughout the season they do narrow it down to a list of guys. Obviously, you want to be on there, because you’re a competitor, and you think you’re a pretty good player. But we’ve got to go win this week.”

III. Improved Effort
Dennis Johnson has played a big role for the Razorbacks in their last two outings, both victories. He's begun showing a better attitude in practice and seems intent on helping the team finish strong.

What was the catalyst for the change in Johnson?

A visit from his mother, the Friday before the Rutgers game. She talked to Johnson, Coach John L. Smith and offensive coordinator Paul Petrino.

“Ever since his mom [Rosalind Reems] came to town,” Petrino said. “His mom came to town and talked to us, talked to him. He’s been great. ... She obviously made a big difference. It’s been just a great change for him and for all of us.”

Petrino noted it is unusual for a parent to have a meeting with a player and the staff. But he said the Razorabcks are glad it has worked the way it has.

Speaking Out
“I heard the pads popping out there at practice. That’s probably the best I’ve heard the pads popping that I can remember this year. That excites you. I’m ready to watch them go play this weekend.”
— Petrino on the Razorbacks' practice effort