Kirkland, others tackle new roles

FAYETTEVILLE -- Arkansas unveiled its depth chart Wednesday with the start of spring football practice next week, and Coach Bret Bielema discussed several other issues that included a recent appendectomy that will limit tailback Alex Collins through at least the first week.

Standout junior offensive linemen Denver Kirkland and Dan Skipper also will man new positions when the Razorbacks hit the field Monday for the first of 15 spring practices.

Arkansas will practice three times next week, twice in helmets and shorts, before taking 11 days off for spring break. All practices next week are closed to the public, but Bielema is expected to open a couple of the workouts for viewing by fans in addition to the Red-White spring game April 25.

Bielema also revealed that he has suspended receivers Kendrick Edwards and Jojo Robinson for the first week of spring.

"The reason I'm suspending those two ... is that little thing right there," Bielema said, pointing to his watch. "When you're supposed to be somewhere at 4 o'clock, and they show up at 4:10, that ain't going to do it.

"I'm not going to stand for it, it's just plain and simple. ... Until they learn that it's an everyday thing, it's not an option, they will not be a part of our two-deep. If they keep doing it, they won't be a part of our program."

Edwards is a sophomore who caught 4 passes for 70 yards with 1 touchdown last season, and Robinson is a redshirt freshman.

The list of players who will be out or limited in the spring includes mostly defensive players. Linebacker Randy Ramsey (hamstring), who is expected to contend with fellow sophomore Khalia Hackett for the starting job at strong side linebacker, will be limited to open the workouts. Defensive ends Brandon Lewis (knee) and Mitchell Loewen (shoulder) are most likely out for the entire spring along with cornerback Cornelius Floyd (foot) and safeties Kevin Richardson (shoulder) and Davyon McKinney (foot).

Collins, will be held out of contact work at least until the team returns from spring break March 31, Bielema said, after having his appendix removed two weeks ago. Collins and senior Jonathan Williams both return after each rushed for more than 1,000 yards last season.

Junior Brooks Ellis, an 11-game starter at middle linebacker last season, will open spring at weak-side linebacker, which gives junior Josh Williams an opening in the middle.

"That's something that, first and foremost, Brooks embraced on his own," defensive coordinator Robb Smith said. "The Will linebacker in this system through the years has had a lot of productivity at Arkansas and other places.

"I think Brooks has seen that. He's a smart guy and really embraced that and is looking forward to playing that position this spring."

The most significant depth chart movement occurred on the offensive line, where Kirkland has moved from right guard to left tackle, which slid Skipper to right tackle. Those moves created a spot at right guard, where Frank Ragnow is listed as the starter ahead of Marcus Danenhauer. Center Mitch Smothers and left guard Sebastian Tretola, who join Kirkland and Skipper as returning starters, are staying in their previous positions.

"Denver Kirkland, by far one of the best pass-pro guys I've ever been around, so that was really the driving force to get him moving to left tackle, the blind side, if you will, of our protection," Bielema said.

Offensive line coach Sam Pittman said Kirkland was energized when he was told about the move.

"Denver's got the feet to play left tackle," Pittman said. "He was really pumped up that it was left tackle as well. Of course, Dan was all for whatever helps the team, and I think in the long run moving him to right tackle is going to help us and help him because I think he's a right tackle in the National Football League."

Promising redshirt freshman Brian Wallace is listed behind Skipper at right tackle.

"This will allow him to progress at his own pace," Pittman said. "Obviously if he's one of our top five, then we'll have to do some more moving."

The depth chart included two receiver spots, with senior Keon Hatcher ahead of Drew Morgan at one spot and Jared Cornelius ahead of Cody Hollister at the other. The chart did not list the slot position, where Cornelius would be a top option.

"I really believe that Jared is going to be as good as anybody," receivers coach Michael Smith said.

Smith added he was disappointed in Edwards and Robinson.

"We've got to get the guys ready to play who are doing things right," he said. "I hope they get on board. I will say it's hard to help someone until they want to help themselves. The guys who are going to play are the ones who do it right."

Sports on 03/12/2015