FAYETTEVILLE — Tyler Wilson passed for 246 yards and four touchdowns to spark Arkansas’ first-team offense Thursday evening in the first scrimmage work of fall camp.
Wilson completed 16 of 20 passes - hitting 14 in a row at one point - and led a Razorbacks offense that suffered what looked like a severe injury to top tailback Knile Davis on the seventh play of the scrimmage.
“We ended up getting on the same page, and it looked good,” Wilson said.
Wilson directed the starters on a drive that concluded with a 21-yard Zach Hocker field goal on his second series, then guided four consecutive touchdown drives, impressing offensive coordinator Garrick McGee.
“The last couple of days ... he seemed really in control,” McGee said. “He understood what was going on, he really demanded what he needed from his players. The last couple of days, I thought he put together two really good days.”
Wilson’s favorite targets were veterans Jarius Wright, who had 5 catches for 110 yards and 2 touchdowns, and Joe Adams, who had two touchdowns among his five receptions for 47 yards.
The starters on offense suffered no turnovers, though there was one interception and three fumbles from the other units. Second O
Second-team quarterback Brandon Mitchell completed 13 of 29 passes for 120 yards and 1 touchdown during the scrimmage, though his receivers had multiple drops.
Mitchell scored one rushing touchdown and his final play of the night was an 8-yard scoring pass on a crossing route to Javontee Herndon.
Offensive coordinator Garrick McGee pointed out that there were several true freshman offensive linemen on the second unit in their first live scrimmaging action at Arkansas.
Bounce back
The Razorbacks drove 76 yards for a field goal on the series in which tailback Knile Davis left the field with what looked like a severe left leg injury.
On the first play after the injury, Tyler Wilson hit Cobi Hamilton on a short crossing route for a 31-yard gain. Wilson then found tight end Chris Gragg for 23 yards to the 10.
“My point during that whole thing was just to get everybody’s focus back in, and you maybe saw some timidness for the next few plays. But you have to get everybody honed back in and working the way we should work,” Wilson said.
“I thought we did a good job. The energy after that happened was pretty good.”
Hamilton agreed, saying, “Coach McGee did a good job bringing the guys together and saying that when somebody goes down, we’ve got to come closer.” Turnovers
Freshman quarterback Brandon Allen did not see middle linebacker Braylon Mitchell dropping into coverage on a play during the scrimmage. The red shirt freshman intercepted an Allen pass and was off to a possible 49-yard touchdown return when whistles blew the change of possession dead. Allen finished 11 of 19 for 89 yards, with a touchdown throw to Julian Horton, who made a superb catch in double coverage.
Muffed hand-offs to Kiero Small, Kody Walker and Ronald Watkins led to fumbles for the backup units on offense.
Highsmith time
Junior college transfer Alonzo Highsmith’s start with the first defense is progressing at a solid pace, the weakside linebacker said.
“I’m just getting used to the fits and where I’m going,” he said. “The concepts are going well. I give myself a couple more weeks. Maybe by next week I’ll be full speed, ready to go.”
Highsmith said his first indication he’d work with the top unit was when he showed up the first day of practice and “my name was on the list at the top.” Vet moves
Senior cornerback Isaac Madison said the defensive units have been practicing with great energy and unity in camp.
“We have great camaraderie,” Madison said.
“We’ve all been working together for such a very long time. If I’m doing one thing, another guy’s doing his job.
It’s a trust thing.”
Madison has worked at first-team field corner in camp, opposite boundary corner Darius Winston.
Snappy start
The Razorbacks brought deep snapper Alan D’Appollonio on board in July, and the Phoenix freshman with the quick release has a chance to be the starter.
D’Appollonio sent out video of his snapping prowess in January. The Razorbacks responded and D’Appollonio chose the Razorbacks over an acceptance as a regular student at Columbia University.
“Arkansas is a really good school and I know they have a shot at winning the national championship, so I really wanted to come over here and help out the team,” D’Appollonio said.
Coach Bobby Petrino said the new snapper’s velocity is remarkable, but he has to improve his accuracy.
“Consistency and tackling,” D’Appollonio said as two areas that need improvement. “These guys are a lot faster than in high school, so I definitely have to work on that.”
Sports, Pages 24 on 08/12/2011