Razorbacks report
Posted on Saturday, April 5, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/adg/Sports/221857/
Texas game moved back from 2009
FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas announced Friday its 2009 home game with Texas has been moved to 2015.
The schedule change isn’t a surprise because Arkansas announced last month it is beginning a 10-year series with Texas A&M in 2009 at the Dallas Cowboys’ new stadium in Arlington, Texas, which pushed the Razorbacks one game over the 12-game limit for the 2009 season.
The Razorbacks play at Texas on Sept. 13, 2008, but will have to wait seven years for the Longhorns to return the game in Fayetteville.
Arkansas will explore the possibility of playing the return game earlier, Razorbacks Athletic Director Jeff Long said, if an opportunity arises before 2015.
“Given the tremendous opportunity to begin an annual series with Texas A&M in the new Dallas Cowboys’ stadium necessitated making some alterations to our future nonconference football schedules,” Long said in a statement. “With the addition of Texas A&M, we had 13 games scheduled for the 2009 season and were required to move one nonconference game on our schedule.
“ While it is unfortunate that we will have to postpone the return game in the Texas series, we felt that it was important to seize the window of opportunity to secure a long-term series with Texas A&M.” Petrino Sr. popped
Bob Petrino Sr., father of Arkansas Coach Bobby Petrino and offensive coordinator Paul Petrino, spotted his grandchildren across the Walker Pavilion field and was ambling over during a passing drill early in practice Friday.
Petrino didn’t see a back with his head turned catching a pass in the right flats and was bowled over in a pretty heavy collision that put a gash under his right eye.
“I’m all right,” Petrino Sr. said after returning to watch the remainder of practice. “I’ve been hit harder before.”
Said Bobby Petrino: “That was a good hit. I did see it.... I was just hoping he’s all right.” Norton nicked up
Cornerback Jerell Norton was racing up to field a punt during special teams work when he suddenly started running gingerly, clearly in pain, and later reaching for his hamstring. “It looked like he pulled up a little on a hamstring,” Coach Bobby Petrino said. “He was starting to make some strides and hopefully he won’t be out very long.” Norton is probably a top contender for punt returner and a candidate for a starting cornerback spot. He had been running at second-team cornerback, behind Jamar Love and Isaac Madison, before his injury.
Second day Arkansas Coach Bobby Practice schedule WHAT’S NEXT Today at 10: 30 a. m., Razorbacks outdoor practice fields (weather permitting ); Sunday at 10: 30 a. m. Razorbacks outdoor practice fields (weather permitting ); Tuesday at 4 p. m. (tentative ) Razorbacks outdoor practice fields Petrino said the second day of spring practice “went all right” Friday.
“I was happy we didn’t slow down,” Petrino said. “We inserted more offense and defense and kept our tempo pretty well.
“ I felt we improved some technically. Our quarterbacks are making strides in their technique. We are starting to catch the ball.”
Petrino said the defense emphasized running full speed to the ball. Safety competition Junior Matt Harris worked at first-team free safety Friday after junior Rashaad Johnson worked there Thursday. “It’s always good to be put at No. 1, but it’s the second day of spring,” Harris said. “We put the pads on [today ], so we’ll see.” Harris said moves on the depth chart and figuring out who will start is what spring practice is about. “You’ve got to keep your head on straight because one day you can be a starter and the next day you are No. 3,” he said. “So you just keep your head up and play the best ball you can.”
Dial out Tim Dial, a linebacker from Jenks, Okla., who redshirted at Arkansas last season as a true freshman, has been granted a scholarship release for the purpose of transferring.
Indoors again Inclement weather caused Arkansas to practice in the Walker Pavilion for the second day in a row. The team will practice at 10: 30 a. m. today, when it is expected to be sunny with temperatures in the 50 s. If the Razorbacks work outside, practice will be open to the public. Arkansas will practice in full pads today for the first time this spring. “We need to hear some pads pop and stay off the ground and see who likes to hit and who doesn’t,” Coach Bobby Petrino said.
Coaching clinic Arkansas’ coaching staff will host a clinic for high school coaches next weekend in conjunction with spring practice. The clinic, to be held Thursday and Friday, will include presentations by Razorbacks Coach Bobby Petrino, offensive coordinator Paul Petrino and defensive coordinator Willy Robinson as well as breakout sessions with other UA assistant coaches. The clinic also will feature several of the region’s top high school, junior college and college coaches. Registration for the clinic is $ 45 and includes dinner Thursday night and a pad folio. Clinic attendees will be able to watch two practices, including Friday’s scrimmage. For more information or to register, call Joda Parent at (479 ) 575-5552.