Razorback Football practice/scrimmage report 8.9.14

[Ugly Uncle]

Players held out of practice and injury report:  Alex Collins, JoJo Robinson, Bij Jackson, Santo R. and Tevin Mitchell were held out of practice today. Nothing real serious. J. WILL strained a muscle today but again nothing serious.


QUARTERBACKS:

Brandon Allen looked very good today.  Had some really nice throws.  He hit Keon Hatcher deep and hit Drew Morgan on a deep ball as well.  He also threw some nice touch passes across the middle.  He also put one on Morgan's hands twice in the EZ for TDs.  He had a couple of balls wobble a bit on him, but they were still on target.  I don't remember him making a bad throw today.

Austin Allen:  To me he looks like the definite number 2.  Coach Bielema said the battle for #2 is in full swing, but I didn't see it today.  He looked very good, but a time or two didn't lead his receiver enough on crossing routes that caused the plays to go for no YACs.  He threw a beautiful ball down the sidelines to Duwop Mitchell that was perfect.  Duwop made the grab for a big gain.

Rafe Peavy:  Skipped a couple of passes today that should have been easy throws.  He ran mostly with the 3s but got some work with the 2s as well.  Kid can really run though.  He just didn't seem as comfortable back there as the other two.  I like his arm though. 


RUNNING BACKS:

Alex Collins:  As mentioned earlier, he didn't play today.  Coach Bielema said that he could have gone today, but they wanted to make sure his muscle strain/soreness/tightness gets plenty of rest so he can have full speed practices next week.

Jonathan Williams:  Didn't get that many carries today.  Did leave with a slight strain and was held out just to be safe.

Korliss Marshall:  Very explosive.  He isn't just a north and south runner, he has some moves and cuts in traffic that allowed him to pick up extra yards.  I wouldn't say that is his strength, but he has enough to make something out of nothing.  He can out run to the corner or cut back and break your heart.

Juan Day:  Man, I like this kid.  I was really surprised by him.  He has some nice moves and a burst of speed.  He also can lower his shoulder and get those extra yards.  I thought he looked very good.  I have ZERO concerns (From what little I've seen of him) if something happens to the guys in front of him and he has to come in and play.  You forget about this kid because he was hurt his whole SR season.  Don't sleep on him, he is a very good back.


WIDE RECEIVERS:

Drew Morgan:  Wow.  This kid made a catch, on the sidelines, going up over the defender, falling backwards and held on to the ball as he stayed in bounds.  Shortly after that he caught a ball on a deep slant over the middle that BA put right on his hands for a TD.  A couple of plays later (they were working on "redzone" from about the 25) he climbed the later to catch a ball that BA threw to him in the back quarter corner of the EZ.  Brandon had to loft it up over the safety that was closing and Morgan pulled it out of the air.  He also made some other nice catches.

Keon Hatcher:  He was running with the 2s today.  I don't know if that was to get his attention or to see what some of the other receivers could do with the first team.  Hatcher did make a great catch that I believe BA threw where he beat his man, and used his body to shield the defender from making a play on the ball and he made the catch.  That one was over the middle.  On another play down the sidelines the ball was under thrown a little bit and he came back and went over the defender to keep him from catching it.  He almost came up with the ball himself.

Jared Cornelius:  He didn't have just a great day, but not to bad.  Had a couple of nice catches but seemed to not be quite as sharp today.  He kept working though.

Duwop Mitchell:  I like this kid a lot.  He is big and can really run and has some nice moves and great hands.  He didn't get a whole lot of snaps today, but he seemed to make them count when he was out there.

Demetrius Wilson:  He had a good day.  He made a couple of acrobatic plays today that were very impressive. 


TIGHT ENDS:

I wouldn't say they just did a lot of work with these guys today.  You noticed AJ Derby out there quite a bit and Hunter Henry as well.  I think Hunter may have caught 2 or 3 today but they just weren't working that much on throwing to the TEs that much.

Jeremy Sprinkle had a nice catch and did well blocking down field.



FULLBACKS:

Kody Walker and the rest of the guys did okay.  Bielema mentioned after the scrimmage that we don't have a real thumper like we had last year with Small and we would have to make adjustments with that.


OFFENSIVE LINE:

The first unit did really well for the most part.  There were a couple of pre-snap penalties but nothing too bad.  I don't think they just dominated the DLine, but the O was just mostly working on 1st down plays, so it didn't matter what happened early, the ball was going to go back to the line of scrimmage.  After they did that for a while they started doing first and second downs.

Cam Jefferson:  I really like this kid.  He looks lean out there.  I think he may start from day one, and would not be surprised to see him moved up to the 1s this week.  Bielema almost said as much after the scrimmage.

Frank Ragnow:  Good looking kid.  Very athletic.  Not great at snapping the ball in the shot gun.  He was consistently inconsistent on those types of snaps.  Not where he was just throwing the ball over the field, but he was making Austin Allen have to work to catch it.  Besides that, he was big and powerful and made things happen.


DEFENSE:

DEFENSIVE LINE:

Trey Flowers played well and had a fumble recovery.

KeTyrus Marks got a lot of snaps today.  I noticed him because I was looking for Bijohn Jackson.  Bijohn of course didn't scrimmage today as I said earlier. 

I would say that the defensive line held their own today.  On running plays you really never saw a RB get through cleanly.  If there were big running plays...and their weren't very many if any that went over 15-20 yards...it was because the running back reversed field or cut it outside.  There were only a handful of plays that went between the tackles that had 5 + yards.  I'm not a stat guy, but I was pleased with the way the defensive line held up.

LINEBACKERS:

As a group they did pretty well.  Brooks Ellis was in the middle with the ones.  I thought Otha played really well today.  He looks the part.  He had a couple of really nice tackles.  He did just kind of bump a guy once instead of tackling him but Bielema said it was because he was used to just doing that in practice.

Randy Ramsey:  He is a big FAST kid.  Very impressed with him.  He had a couple of nice tackles today.  He is a little bit gangly out there still, but he could see playing time right away.

Dwayne Eugene:  He caught my eye as well today.  Made some nice plays and seems to have a high motor.  He is another one that could add depth for us THIS year.  Both the guys I just mentioned at times seemed to be like a baby calf staring at a new gate, but for the most part played fast.


CORNERS:

Much more pressure coverage today.  There were several times where the QB had to pull the ball down and run because of the coverage.  The receivers made some nice catches today but they almost always had someone in their hip pocket when they did. 

Will Hines is going to have to be more consistent.  I know he lost outside containment on one running play and the coaches really let him have it.  I still believe he could be our best corner when it is all said and done. 

As a group I was impressed with them today.


SAFETY:

Our most experienced yet thin part of our defense.  Gaines and Turner talked well and knew where they were suppose to be...which is an improvement already over last year.  Coley and Liddell look they both broke on the ball well and came up and played the run well.  Sleepy looked like he got dinged up a little bit but Bielema said he should be fine.


I have a prediction for punt return.  Duwop Mitchell.  Great hands and speed with some nice moves.  Plus, people have told me it takes a special kind of person to be able to field a punt with people running at you.  Who better than a former QB to have to focus on making a play while there are people running right at you to hit you.

Bielema said that the defense has been working hard during practice on turnovers.  It showed today.  Bielema had to stop practice because the offense early on wasn't taking care of the ball.  That had more to do with the defense hitting and stripping the ball than it did with carelessness from the O.

I'll try to answer any questions that you have. 

[YtownHog]

Thanks for the updates UU!  Can't wait for game day. :razorback:

[Kevin]

Thanks for the info uu

[OLDHOG]

Thanks UU. appreciate the info. Nice job.

[arkfan81]

That's what I call a detailed report... :razorback:

[bell2629]

If BA didn't make many bad throws, how was he 12-20? Defensive breakups? Drops?

[ricepig]

If BA didn't make many bad throws, how was he 12-20? Defensive breakups? Drops?

3 drops and 1 throw away.

[Poker_hog]

Nice report.  Was hoping Jefferson would be an upgrade at guard.

What about the juco lb?

[Jason Carroll]

Brandon had three to four bad throws today.  There were a few pass break ups and drops to go along with those bad throws.  He did look good and is far ahead of Austin and Rafe.

[Ugly Uncle]

If BA didn't make many bad throws, how was he 12-20? Defensive breakups? Drops?

What I meant was he didn't put any throws in danger.  He had a couple of throws that were out of bounds or drops.  He didn't float the ball over the middle or miss badly on his throws.

[Atlhogfan1]

Given our qb depth, I'm going to make an assumption or defense wasn't allowed to be too aggressive today.  Did our defense give our offense 8 men in the box looks, stunts in the line, DB's physical with our receivers near the line of scrimmage or were there free releases, controlled blitzes without being allowed to contact the qb?  Or was it vanilla working on the basics and assignments and allowing our offense to do the same? 

[masshog2412]

any report on LB Williams?  Thanks for the details UU

[swinesation]

UU, where does it look like Cam Jefferson will start? Whose place would he take of the current starting five OL?

[SoCal Hog]

Great report! Thanks.  :razorback:

[Bubba's Bruisers]

Always appreciate the updates, UU.

[Ugly Uncle]

UU, where does it look like Cam Jefferson will start? Whose place would he take of the current starting five OL?

I think he takes over for Charpentier at G.

[ldfergu]

I think he takes over for Charpentier at G.

Smothers still #1 at C?

[Ugly Uncle]

any report on LB Williams?  Thanks for the details UU

The coaches are really high on Williams.  He looks like a player out there with a lot of athleticism.  They think that he can only play mike LB though.  It is going to be interesting to see what happens at that position.

[ThisTeetsTaken]

Were there any busted plays by the secondary?   Did the JC LB perform well?    How did Skipper look at LT?

[Ugly Uncle]

Smothers still #1 at C?

Yes.  Ragnow ran with the 2s but Bielema mentioned that he was no where near Mitch right now.

[Ugly Uncle]

Were there any busted plays by the secondary?   Did the JC LB perform well?    How did Skipper look at LT?

Not really.  The defense did a good job at keeping things in front of them, but there were a few long passes.  Those were heavily contested though. 

I just mentioned Josh Williams a couple of post back.  Looks like the coaches like him a lot at middle linebacker, but Otha and Ellis are playing pretty well there.

Skipper is a natural T.  If I get to watch another practice I'll really pay attention to how he is doing.

[Hogs run wild]

Awesome. Thanks!

[razorbackkid]

What I meant was he didn't put any throws in danger.  He had a couple of throws that were out of bounds or drops.  He didn't float the ball over the middle or miss badly on his throws.

Sounds like he made good decisions.

[Ugly Uncle]

Given our qb depth, I'm going to make an assumption or defense wasn't allowed to be too aggressive today.  Did our defense give our offense 8 men in the box looks, stunts in the line, DB's physical with our receivers near the line of scrimmage or were there free releases, controlled blitzes without being allowed to contact the qb?  Or was it vanilla working on the basics and assignments and allowing our offense to do the same? 

There were some blitzes worked in there and different looks. 
No, the QBs were not allowed to be hit.
Most of the practice was spent working on first downs and second downs so the defense was working on those down and distances as well.  So, it probably was limited in what they showed.

[ldfergu]

Skipper is a natural T.

Ive always thought the same thing.  His wingspan and overall size should be plenty to contain the edge.  I'm sure he'd play the hell out of guard too.  Maybe the coaches considering moving him to get more talent on the line, who knows

[swinesation]

De'Andre Coley said we'd be hearing his name a lot after the scrimmage, but I haven't heard his name yet. So... how'd he look?

[12247]

I really appreciate this information.

[razorbackkid]

I really appreciate this information.

About this time in 21 days we'll be in an Official Game Thread.   :razorback:

[ricepig]

Not really.  The defense did a good job at keeping things in front of them, but there were a few long passes.  Those were heavily contested though. 

I just mentioned Josh Williams a couple of post back.  Looks like the coaches like him a lot at middle linebacker, but Otha and Ellis are playing pretty well there.

Skipper is a natural T.  If I get to watch another practice I'll really pay attention to how he is doing.

Next Saturday's scrimmage is open to the public.

[PygmalionEffect]

Thanks UU

Noticed the injury list is starting to grow. Supposedly nothing too serious so far, but all coaches tend to understate injuries, especially in practice.  I hate to hear Bijhon rolled his ankle.  Those things can linger if not properly healed.

Glad to hear Juan Day is performing well being that 2 of our first 3 backs already have injuries.  RB is a tough position to stay healthy at.

[lefty08]

Given our qb depth, I'm going to make an assumption or defense wasn't allowed to be too aggressive today.  Did our defense give our offense 8 men in the box looks, stunts in the line, DB's physical with our receivers near the line of scrimmage or were there free releases, controlled blitzes without being allowed to contact the qb?  Or was it vanilla working on the basics and assignments and allowing our offense to do the same?

with 8 sacks it would say they were allowed to be aggressive. read the info man

[flagstaffhog]

Great update, Sir. I honestly appreciate the work you put in for us. Thank you.

Go HOGS Go!

[tophawg19]

how did hawkins play? is he going to be strong enough at the LOS to get into the route ?

[chitwnhog]

Always great info from you Ugly...+1

[old hog]

Good report, UU. Thanks for keeping us updated.

[Dr. Starcs]

After reading this, 12-0.

[Vantage 8 dude]

Along with so many others I really appreciate the work and effort you put in covering these practices. For those of us who can't your insight is invaluable. Thanks again!!

[Huckleberry Pig]

Thanks UU! Really appreciate your work!

[IronMountainHog]

Any word on Alex Brignoni? Thanks Ched.

[mhsbc59]

thanks for the info

[swinesation]

how did hawkins play? is he going to be strong enough at the LOS to get into the route ?

Bielema mentioned 5 WRs who will be counted on this season; Hawkins was not one of them.

[Kevin]

Any word on Alex Brignoni? Thanks Ched.

On medical schloarship   No longer playing football

[HogimusMaximus]

If BA didn't make many bad throws, how was he 12-20? Defensive breakups? Drops?

Hey, 60% is a pretty good completion percentage....better than last year.

[Uncommon]

On medical schloarship   No longer playing football

You know this how?  I know there were rumors of it but I didn't see any official word about it.  If it is pay board material, just reply with "Pay board".

[Kevin]

You know this how?  I know there were rumors of it but I didn't see any official word about it.  If it is pay board material, just reply with "Pay board".

Rumored for now. I thought I heard it in a interview but can't find it. So revised to rumor

[rusvegashog]

There had been zero talk of Drew Morgan to the point I had almost forgotten about him, sounds like he had quite a day.

[HF#1]

Thanks for the report.  I lump it in with Spring Game type stuff but still appreciate the work none the less. 

Have to see them play someone in a different uniform before I can pass judgement.

[Deep Shoat]

You know this how?  I know there were rumors of it but I didn't see any official word about it.  If it is pay board material, just reply with "Pay board".

It happened.  Hasn't been officially announced.

[Uberanubis]

After reading this, 12-0.

not exactly, but a possible bowl game? yeah I feel a bit better about it. its not like last year when the coaches told us in code that we didn't have the horses to play in the sec.

[Uberanubis]

On medical schloarship   No longer playing football

it was posted on this board I believe. but you are correct. he has been put on medical scholi.

I bumped the thread for alex. this is where some found the info.