FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas’ football team went through its 15th practice of the preseason Monday afternoon inside Walker Pavilion.
It was the first time the team has had a preseason practice in the afternoon. Classes for the fall semester began Monday.
Reporters watched the first six periods of practice. Here are some notes and observations from the open viewing window:
• The first team offense’s reps during the fastball start period consisted of a pair of passes by KJ Jefferson — a completion and an incompletion — and two runs by Raheim “Rocket” Sanders.
Sanders took a run-pass option on the opening play to the right side for a pickup of a few yards. He took a handoff up the middle on the second play and was met by linebackers Jordan Crook and Jaheim Thomas
The next snap, Jefferson took the snap and rolled left. He found Andrew Armstrong, but Jaheim Singletary came flying in with a nice break and caused an incompletion. The pass breakup excited co-defensive coordinator Marcus Woodson.
Jefferson hit Armstrong on the next play on a short route. He caught the pass and ran for roughly an additional five yards.
• The second-team offense did not have much success. AJ Green had two short gainers on the ground and Jacolby Criswell did not have a completion.
Green ran at the left guard on the first play for a short gain and on the next snap Criswell tried to hit Jaedon Wilson, but the pass was too low. Green had another short gainer to the left on the next play, and the segment ended with Criswell rolling right but not throwing a pass.
• The third-team offense took five snaps, two of which were draw plays for freshman tailback Isaiah Augustave. He took one up the middle for a short gain and the other up the right side for a solid gain.
• During the coverage drill that pits wide receivers against defensive backs, the offense lopsidedly had the upper hand Monday. Quarterbacks completed a combined 23 of 25 passes during the drill.
Jefferson was a perfect 10 for 10 during his reps. Among the highlights of his snaps were touchdowns to Isaiah Sategna, AJ Green and Andrew Armstrong. Six of his completions went for short gains, three were touchdowns and another pass to Green went for a big gain.
Criswell threw four passes during the drill and completed three.
Fortin was 5 for 6 in the segment. His lone incompletion came on a pass intended for Sategna, but Jayden Johnson made a nice play to cause a breakup. Each of Fortin’s completions were to different receivers.
Singleton completed all four of his throws, highlighted by a touchdown to freshman Dazmin James. Rykar Acebo completed a pass to tailback Emmanuel Crawford for a short gain. It was noted on the play how speedy Crawford is.
• A Denver Broncos scout was in attendance.
• Here is a look at the offensive and defensive alignment during fastball start:
OFFENSE
QB: KJ Jefferson / Jacolby Criswell / Cade Fortin + Malachi Singleton
RB: Raheim Sanders / Rashad Dubinion + AJ Green / Isaiah Augustave
WR: Isaac TeSlaa / Davion Dozier / Dazmin James
WR: Andrew Armstrong / Tyron Broden / Marlon Crockett
WR: Isaiah Sategna / Jaedon Wilson / Bryce Stephens
TE: Luke Hasz / Ty Washington / Var’keyes Gumms
LT: Andrew Chamblee / Aaron Smith / Brock Burns
LG: Brady Latham / Josh Street / Paris Patterson
C: Beaux Limmer / Amaury Wiggins / Eli Henderson
RG: Josh Braun / E’Marion Harris / Brooks Edmonson
RT: Patrick Kutas / Ty’Kieast Crawford / Cole Carson
DEFENSE
DE: Trajan Jeffcoat / John Morgan / Quincy Rhodes
DT: Eric Gregory / Keivie Rose / Ian Geffrard
DT: Taurean Carter / Cam Ball / Anthony Booker
DE: Landon Jackson / Zach Williams / Nico Davillier
LB: Jordan Crook / Brad Spence / Mani Powell
LB: Jaheim Thomas / Chris Paul / Brooks Both
CB: Dwight McGlothern / Jaylon Braxton / Courtney Snelling
CB: Jaheim Singletary / Kee’yon Stewart / Aidan McCowan
S: Jayden Johnson / Malik Chavis / TJ Metcalf
S: Al Walcott / Hudson Clark / Dylan Hasz
Nickel: Lorando Johnson / Jaylen Lewis / Jabrae Shaw
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