Spring Practice Continues for Razorback Football

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas football participated in drills and maneuvers for two hours in full pads on the practice fields just south of Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on Tuesday.

“We had a good day today, we had a good teaching day,” head coach Houston Nutt said. “We learned from yesterday. We got better. The mistakes we made yesterday, we came back out here and got a little bit better today. We picked up a couple of blitzes. The receivers are catching the ball better. I thought Marques Wade, Rod Coleman, Carlton Salters, those young guys are really making some strides. It’s good to see guys like Cody Green, Mike Aguirre, Joey Crossland, younger guys, getting a lot of reps.”

With the addition of David Lee as offensive coordinator, Alex Wood has taken over coaching duties of the receivers. His impact has been well-noted during these early spring practices.

“Coach Wood has done a great job (with the receivers) so far,” Nutt said. “I know it’s only been two days but I love the way he teaches them and the intensity. They come out here with a purpose, to get better. There is competition. Of course, it is Marcus Monk leading that group with his work ethic.”

Monk, a soon-to-be senior, leads a group of young, talented receivers that will spend the spring adjusting to Coach Lee’s new offense.

“(Monk) made two good plays today,” Nutt said. “He’s made plays where you have to go get the ball with your hands away from your body and that’s exciting.”

Punt returner is another position where the Razorbacks have some depth with young talent.

“We have a bunch of candidates right now,” Nutt said. “Reggie Fish is still there. Peyton Hillis is back. We have (Darren) McFadden there, Felix Jones. Jerell Norton played there in high school. We have a lot of guys working there. We want to get the best. We are trying to get them all catching the ball.”

An MRI revealed Tuesday that Marcus Harrison tore his anterior cruciate ligament during Monday’s practice. He also has torn cartilage and a bone bruise. He will undergo surgery in the coming weeks. Recovery time is expected to be five to six months.

“It’s bad news,” Nutt said. “We are hopeful that he’ll be ready for next season. I know he’s done for the rest of the spring.”