WATCH: Arkansas Football enters first fall practice

It’s been a very long offseason. We’ve all endured talkin’ season. Now, it’s time for overreaction time with highlight practice plays.

One of those plays that will be extremely dissected today will be KJ Jefferson’s beautiful deep ball to transfer receiver Andrew Armstrong.

Beautiful deep ball by KJ to Andrew Armstrong pic.twitter.com/69pDpaBchZ

— Pig Trail Nation (@PigTrailNation) August 4, 2023

Flick of the wrist

On one side of the coin it was a beautiful display of offensive production. The timing was right with no hang up while the ball was in the air. The route was beautifully run by Armstrong. The 6’4 190 pound wideout was able to get separation at the line and score a touchdown.

The flip side will be fans becoming anxious thinking the secondary will not be improved. Who was the defensive back that was burned? That would be 4-star transfer DB Lorando “Snaxx” Johnson.

The former Baylor Bear was given a 76.2 coverage grade last season. That would rank third for Arkansas secondary players in 2022.

The 6’0 defensive back recorded 16 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, five passes defended and one forced fumble.

KJ ➡️ Davion Dozier #WPS pic.twitter.com/2njcbZkjUm

— Evan Kamikow (@emkamikow) August 4, 2023

Jimmy Smith and the RB’s working on staying low (featuring Rocket Sanders)

Fast feet and explosion while keeping the ball secure. We’ll hear from Smith and the backs tomorrow morning! #WPS pic.twitter.com/T41sMchdCh

— Pig Trail Nation (@PigTrailNation) August 4, 2023

Rocket Praise

When it came to the running backs there was plenty of praise that came from them. Even new strength coach Ben Sowders was happy about the progress Raheim Sanders made this offseason.

”Sanders is up to 242 now…but he hasn’t lost speed,” Sowders said. “He’s running at 21 MPH.”

Linebackers

If anything has been a given under Pittman, Arkansas will field capable and physical linebackers.

The Razorbacks have seen Grant Morgan, Hayden Henry, Bumper Pool and Drew Sanders excel since 2020. This season will see a new group of LBs ready to take over.

Although they do have college experience Jordan Crook and Chris “Pooh” Paul will be two of the primary players rotating at the position. Through the transfer portal experience was gained by adding Antonio Grier and Jaheim Thomas.

LB’s working physicality and intensity, even on day 1! pic.twitter.com/7hsxENjDMx

— Pig Trail Nation (@PigTrailNation) August 4, 2023

The linebackers were already physical on day one and here is a highlight.

It’s always fun to get in the first practice of the fall. However, it’s important to not overreact to certain details.