FAYETTEVILLE - Arkansas Coach Bret Bielema said after Saturday’s Red-White spring finale the unit that made the most significant strides during the spring was an easy call.
“The O-line play,” said Bielema, who is in his first spring with the Razorbacks.
“The way that we want to play, the way that we’re going to have to play to fit our playbook, I mean, there’s no doubt that was a position that grew.”
Bielema said the receivers were a close second.
“The way we caught the ball today was another good example,” he said. “I’ve continued to be impressed with Keon Hatcher. I would say Demetrius Wilson has had the best spring overall.
… Mekale McKay flashes at times. Julian Horton flashes at times. I’m excited about that group and the progress.”
Bielema kept moving through different units, adding that the defensive line “made really big jumps” and that under Charlie Partridge’s tutelage players will wind up in the NFL as “exceptional” players.
Record crowd
Arkansas’ crowd estimate of 51,088 might have been fudged a bit, but probably not any more than the past couple of record breaking spring crowds listed at 42,500 and 45,000, respectively. The lower bowl of Reynolds Razorback Stadium was almost full, and club level seating in the suites was tough to judge.
Fans showed up in force at Bielema’s request to break the school record with a crowd of 50,000.
“I mean this with all due respect, it doesn’t surprise me,” Bielema said. “Just the passion and the statement that they wanted to make in the world of college football today, and specifically to our players. That’s what I said to our players after the game, was ‘Look what these people wanted to do for you. They wanted to come out and support you and show you what they’re all about, and it was very, very evident.’ ”
Let’s talk
Bret Bielema said he needs to talk to Brandon Mitchell about the role the fifth-year senior - who returned to quarterback this spring after playing wide receiver last season - can have on next season’s team.
“As a senior, I want to be able to let him know he’s a contributor, and if it’s not at quarterback, what we can do,” Bielema said. “He’s a tremendous competitor and a kid that we’re excited about. I love his leadership skills and what he can bring.” Arinze shines
Patrick Arzine, a walk on from Grossmont (Calif.) Community College, led all rushers with 66 yards on nine carries, including a 21-yard run.
“Patrick’s been a nice surprise,” Bret Bielema said.
“He’s very powerful. You can see he’s got some ability to run the football. He’s pretty solid as a blocker as well. He’s like a little Tonka truck, just really built strong and tough and physical, and he’s got those big ol’ legs churning.”
Best shot
The new Arkansas coaching staff loves the power play, and they are determined to make it a staple for the Razorbacks.
“Our best play today by far was an off-tackle power, where you lead with the fullback, wrap the big guy,” Bielema said. “It’s just a play that kind of sets a mode of operation.” Big pop
Linebacker Robert Atiga, who had an 85-yard interception return for a touchdown in a previous scrimmage, had the Red-White game’s best hit, a crack on running back Jonathan Williams at the line of scrimmage that echoed through the stadium and drew a big reaction from fans.
Focus on football
Arkansas’ players were grateful for their first spring under Bret Bielema and the new coaching staff a year after uncertainty engulfed the program in the wake of Bobby Petrino’s firing last April.
“It was real nice,” defensive end Chris Smith said. “You could just go out there and play. You didn’t have to worry about any off the-field issues. What we all love to do is play football, and that’s what we’re doing.”
Senior fullback Kiero Small said it was nice to leave last spring’s turmoil in the past.
“We’re all happy that it’s over,” Small said. ” We can put it behind us. It’s not a story anymore.”
One and done
Cornerback Tevin Mitchel sustained a hamstring injury on the first snap of the game, an incomplete deep pass for Demetrius Wilson, and the junior went immediately to the bench and did not return.
“I don’t think it’s anything too serious,” Coach Bret Bielema said. “He was bothered by his hammy at the beginning of spring, had a really, really nice last two weeks, but unfortunately tweaked it there on the first play and didn’t get him back in there.”
Light touch
Demetrius Wilson had the game’s first score, a 26-yard reception from Brandon Allen on the third series, on which it looked like Wilson used a defender’s back for some leverage.
Cornerback Carroll Washington, running with the first team in place of the injured Tevin Mitchel, got a little turned around on the play and Wilson’s nudge kept him out of the action as the ball arrived for the score.
Injury report
Offensive tackle David Hurd (knee) did not suit out, while tight end Mitchell Loewen, who injured an ankle in the first scrimmage, was able to play.
Receiver Javontee Herndon had a minor injury while catching a chain-moving 11-yard pass on the first unit’s second series. Herndon shook it off, returned moments later and finished with a team-high six receptions for 85 yards.
Holmes held
Bret Bielema said he held running back Nate Holmes out of the first half for academic reasons.
“Nate Holmes did a lot of good things,” Bielema said. “I love him to death.
I suspended him from the first half. I didn’t let him play because he needs to get himself in line academically.
... God bless him, he’s done everything we’ve asked him to do.”
Hogs in house
Former Razorback standouts Ryan Mallett, Jerry Franklin and Mitch Petrus handed out the 2012 framed jerseys to the team’s seniors.
Extra points
Coach Bret Bielema spent a lengthy portion of the pregame warmups chatting with recruits and commitments and their families on the sidelines and in the end zone.
Arkansas officials observed a moment of silence for the families impacted by the Boston Marathon bombings prior to the game and paid tribute to former Razorback Pat Summerall, who died Tuesday.
Sports, Pages 33 on 04/21/2013