Notes and observations from Day 1 of fall camp

Published Friday, August 4, 2023
FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas’ football team opened preseason practices Friday with a 6:40 a.m. workout on the fields outside Walker Pavilion.
Here are a number of notes and observations from the open-viewing window:
• In the final open period of practice, pass catchers ran routes against defensive backs. Andrew Armstrong had a strong showing, catching a pair of deep balls. His first catch, thrown by KJ Jefferson, went for a score against cornerback Lorando Johnson. Later, Armstrong made another grab for a big gain and got both feet down before falling into the sideline.
Freshman Davion Dozier also caught a touchdown pass and had a second long reception. Receivers coach Kenny Guiton gave Dozier props for his energy following the second big catch.
Others who made nice catches were receivers Isaac TeSlaa and Tyrone Broden, and tight end Luke Hasz. Isaiah Sategna and Jaedon Wilson caught passes over the middle of the field as well.
• In that same period, cornerback Dwight McGlothern picked off a Jefferson pass on what looked to be a come-back route by the receiver.
• Offensive coordinator Dan Enos had his quarterbacks working on footwork and throwing just over the top of a throwing net. Enos once said he could tell the group had been working hard prior to camp given how smooth things were moving on Day 1.
• Linebacker Antonio Grier had a wrap around his left thigh. Chris Paul provided some encouragement to Grier a couple of times when the South Florida transfer doubled over during a position group drill.
• New strength and conditioning coach Ben Sowders rotated through the different position groups during drills to offer motivation. When Sowders walked past the linebackers’ station he loudly repeated, “How you practice is the way you play” three times. When he got to the defensive line he shouted, "You've got to win up front! The game is won in the trenches!"
• The linebackers were energetic during drill work, as defensive coordinator Travis Williams had them working on speed, agility and quick reactions. There is only so much to glean from drills, but Carson Dean moved well.
Dean had some of the group’s best hands when working on catching bullet passes. Paul appears to be a clear leader of the group.
• Dominique Johnson, wearing a brace on his right knee, was back and appeared to be moving well. He caught a pass during a coverage drill.
• Running backs, linemen, tight ends, linebackers and safeties worked on inside run game near the end of the open portion. Bax and Var'keyes Gumms were the tight ends who worked as end-line blockers with the first-team offensive line.
• During position work, transfer defensive lineman Trajan Jeffcoat appeared to show good quickness. Jeffcoat's voice also stood out as he encouraged and corrected his position mates.
• Defensive line coach Deke Adams appears to show supreme attention to detail, which likely explains why he has had such a long, successful career. He coaches his players hard.
• An on-field thermometer read 75.8 degrees when practice began at 6:40.
• A scout for the Arizona Cardinals was in attendance.
Here is how the offense and defense looked during the Fastball Start segment of practice:
OFFENSE
First Team / Second Team / Third Team
QB: KJ Jefferson / Jacolby Criswell / Cade Fortin
RB: Raheim Sanders / Rashod Dubinion / AJ Green
WR: Sam Mbake / Tyrone Broden / Kalil Girault
WR: Isaac TeSlaa / Andrew Armstrong / Marlon Crockett
WR: Isaiah Satenga / Jaedon Wilson / Chris Harris
TE: Nathan Bax / Luke Hasz / Ty Washington
LT: Devon Manuel / Andrew Chamblee / Cole Carson
LG: Brady Latham / Josh Street / Brock Burns
C: Beaux Limmer / Brooks Edmonson / Eli Henderson
RG: Joshua Braun / Ty'Kieast Crawford / Kai Hamilton
RT: Patrick Kutas / E'Marion Harris / Tommy Varhall
DEFENSE
DE: Jashaud Stewart / Trajan Jeffcoat / Nico Davillier
DT: Eric Gregory / Tank Booker / Marcus Miller
DT: Taurean Carter / Cam Ball / Keivie Rose
DE: Landon Jackson / Zach Williams / John Morgan
LB: Chris Paul / Brad Spence / Carson Dean
LB: Antonio Grier / Jordan Crook / Jaheim Thomas
CB: Dwight McGlothern / Jaylon Braxton / Courtney Snelling
CB: Lorando Johnson / LaDarrius Bishop / Jaheim Singletary
S: Hudson Clark / Malik Chavis / RJ Johnson
S: Jayden Johnson / Al Walcott / TJ Metcalf
Nickel: Jaylen Lewis / AJ Brathwaite / Jabrae Shaw