Day one recap: Arkansas football practice

story by Gary Brown, president of College Sports Matchups (CSM is a content partner with The City Wire)
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In the post-practice conversation with Razorback head coach Bobby Petrino one writer asked the inevitable question about who stood out for the day.

Petrino’s response was exactly what one would expect from a coach who just put his team through their first practice of the fall camp. It is way too early to make that call and practice was just in shorts.

First practices are all the same around the country. There is plenty of energy and everyone can look like great since there is no real contact taking place. Just what can be expected from this Arkansas team will emerge over the next few weeks when the pads start popping.

Even in shorts there are items Arkansas fans want to know, so here is a quick look at some of them.

• Ryan Mallett looked strong throwing the football and did not give any indications that his foot was causing any problems. Petrino commented that he thought Mallett looked “balanced with pretty good timing.”

• Petrino also made special mention about backup QB Tyler Wilson, saying he was “settled and confident running the team.”

• Missing from the second session was redshirt freshman quarterback Brandon Mitchell. He practiced with the newcomers earlier and was their lead man at quarterback.

• When discussing the defense Petrino honed in the value of eliminating big plays, which was a sentiment echoed by defensive back Isaac Madison. Madison’s return after missing all of last season gives Arkansas a strong corner on one side to help achieve that goal.

Practices continue today (Aug. 6) and are open to the public. The veterans will take the field at 3 p.m. and the new faces are set for 6:30 p.m.