FAYETTEVILLE — The pads will be on when the Arkansas Razorbacks head to Reynolds Razorback Stadium to resume spring practices today.
The Razorbacks’ third spring practice will be closed to the public and to the media, and it will feature the team’s first work in pads since Arkansas beat Kansas State 29-16 in the Cotton Bowl to complete its first 11-victory season since 1977.
Coach Bobby Petrino, who has used spring practice sessions to experiment with roster depth, has already shown some tweaks during the first couple of days of drills before spring break.
Tenarius Wright, one of the team’s top returning defenders and one of the SEC’s best defensive ends, worked the full day at inside linebacker in Arkansas’ last practice. The move could help shore up the linebacker corps and free up playing time for a pack of defensive ends - - led by Chris Smith, Colton Miles-Nash, Trey Flowers and junior-college transfer Austin Flynn - that the coaches project as a team strength.
Petrino said Wright has always been a team player and the move back to linebacker, his projected position coming out of Memphis Whitehaven, would suit the senior.
“I think in his heart that’s what he wants to play anyway,” Petrino said.
Arkansas’ depth at offensive tackle will be under more scrutiny after Petrino suspended starter Jason Peacock indefinitely following his arrest March 16 on a theft of property charge.
David Hurd, a former walk-on out of West Monroe, La., would presumably get the first shot at Peacock’s tackle spot, where he received practice reps before spring break. The Razorbacks have always pushed for versatility on their offensive line, however, meaning the competition for playing time at quick tackle might include work by Brey Cook or Chris Stringer, who are battling for playing time at strong tackle.
It might also give Mitch Smothers of Springdale, who started the first four games last season at quick tackle, another look there. Smothers is listed as No. 2 at quick guard on the depth chart behind Tyler Deacon.
Arkansas’ next open practice is scheduled for Friday at about 3:50 p.m. at Razorback Stadium. That workout is expected to feature the Hogs’ first scrimmage work of the spring.
Back to work
Starting today the Razorbacks have 12 more practices before the Red-White Spring Game on April 21. Most of the practices at Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville will be closed to the public and media.
CLOSED PRACTICES Today, Wednesday, April 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18 OPEN PRACTICES Friday, April 6, 13, 21 (Red-White Game)
Sports, Pages 15 on 03/27/2012