Notes and observations from Day 3 of the Razorbacks' fall football camp

Published Sunday, August 6, 2023
FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas held its third football practice of the preseason Sunday beginning at 9 a.m., splitting time between the indoor facility and the fields outside.
Here are some notes and takeaways from the open viewing window:
• The Razorbacks began the day by working on blocking bubble screens and quick hitters toward the sideline. It was maybe as physical of a period as we’ve seen through three days of fall camp.
• During the "fastball start" period, Louisiana Tech transfer Keivie Rose and Pittsburgh transfer John Morgan joined the first team along the defensive line at tackle and end, respectively. Maryland transfer Anthony "Tank" Booker and returnee Zach Williams were in those spots on Day 2.
Georgia transfer Jaheim Singletary also got some first-team work at cornerback. He had been with the third team the first two days of camp.
• Big plays in the fastball period included Jacolby Criswell hitting receiver Isaiah Sategna for about a 20-yard pickup toward the left sideline. Tight end Ty Washington also had a pair of grabs to close the segment. The second catch was contested and he showed strong hands to hang on with a defender draped over him.
Sategna showed the track speed he has been praised for having after his grab.
Freshman quarterback Malachi Singleton was responsible for finding Washington on those consecutive passes for gains of 5-10 yards. During his short time taking snaps, Singleton was a good decision maker and showed accuracy.
• On the first play of the period, Raheim “Rocket” Sanders showed patience reading his blocks and hit the defense for a big gain. His burst ability was evident. Strength and conditioning coach Ben Sowders said earlier this week Sanders is running 20.93 mph hours, despite added weight (up 15 pounds from last year to 242 pounds). This play was an example of how physically imposing he is.
Sanders said Saturday it is an emphasis of his to be patient in the run game. He noted that the experienced running backs on the team are “trying to show [the newcomers] patience is the key.”
• Quarterback KJ Jefferson rolled outside the pocket looking for a receiver on one play. He likely could have hit tight end Nathan Bax for a short gain, but ended up throwing a pass out of bounds down the field.
Co-defensive coordinator Marcus Woodson was thrilled with downfield coverage on the play and shouted to safeties Hudson Clark and Jayden Johnson, “That’s it!”
• Other notable defensive plays during the fastball included defensive end Landon Jackson flushing quarterback Jacolby Criswell from the pocket, and a "tackle for loss" on Rocket Sanders by Trajan Jeffcoat and Chris Paul. Live tackling is not permitted and the play was blown dead.
• Secondary coach Deron Wilson worked with players on opening with their hips and being in the correct position to stick with a receiver down the field. He put an emphasis on details with defending on the few steps of a route. Lorando “Snaxx” Johnson and Jaheim Singletary were seen giving each other tips throughout reps.
• Luke Hasz was impressive during an inside run drill with his blocking. He was head hunting and very physical upon contacting a defender. He held his own against defensive lineman John Morgan, who is nearly 30 pounds heavier. Hasz continues to work with the first-team offensive line during this drill, which is perhaps an indication that he will see significant playing time as a freshman.
• Running back Dominique Johnson made a good-looking cutback during the inside run drill. That was an encouraging sign for Johnson, who has had two knee surgeries in the past two years.
• Safety Jayden Johnson intercepted a pass during the final period open to reporters. Defensive backs Christian Ford and RJ Johnson also picked off passes. Receiver Isaac TeSlaa had a touchdown grab.
• Arkansas coach Sam Pittman spent time watching some blocking drills for tight ends. The focus was on getting out of their stance fast. "The faster you are, the more explosive you are," Pittman told them. He had praise for Tyrus Washington during the drills.