FAYETTEVILLE -- Bret Bielema blew into the media room in the Fred Smith Center on Monday full of positive vibes after the Arkansas Razorbacks' first practice of fall camp.
Bielema, who fielded nearly 30 minutes worth of rapid-fire questions, opened by saying the 105 players who engaged in Monday's practice showed their dedication throughout the summer.
"I thought our returning players from January to where they are today have just done an outstanding job of getting themselves ready to be in this position in the classroom, off the field, obviously on the field and in the weight room," Bielema said. "I couldn't be happier with some of the senior leadership and some of the more veteran players taking some leadership roles during the offseason to get to where they are."
The Razorbacks, trying to re-establish themselves as an SEC contender after a 3-9 season, went through a 26-period, no-pad workout, with the newcomers practicing exclusively for the final three periods while the veterans watched.
"The incoming freshmen, we're really excited about this group," Bielema said. "I think it shows today and we'll see over the course of this week that there are some guys who will be able to help us ... not just in a reserve role, but maybe in a big way at certain positions."
Bielema specifically mentioned offensive guard Cameron Jefferson, a senior transfer from UNLV, and linebacker Josh Williams, a Fort Lauderdale, Fla., native and transfer from Dodge City (Kan.) Community College, as players who could have a big impact quickly. He also pointed out freshman offensive linemen Frank Ragnow and Brian Wallace, receivers Jared Cornelius and JoJo Robinson, defensive tackles Bijhon Jackson and Armon Watts, tight end Jack Krauss, linebackers Dwayne Eugune, Khalia Hackett and Randy Ramsey and kicker Cole Hedlund as newcomers who could play early in their careers.
Bielema touted the improvements being made by junior quarterback Brandon Allen.
"B.A., I'm sure everybody's going to be anxious to watch him, but again, as much of a jump as he made from fall to spring, spring game to summer is that much more," he said.
Bielema said he charged his coaches with a mission during the first week of drills.
"Look, let's find out who can play football," he said he told the assistants. "Just let our guys play some basic instincts and not complicate things with calls.
"We're going to install and do some things, but I really want to know on Saturday, going into Sunday review, who do we think can help us play this year?"
Bielema said the Hogs' offensive line is beginning to resemble the type of unit that can do all the things he wants from an offense, and that the overall team speed, which was clearly lacking last year, is on the rise.
"Without a doubt, we recruited more speed," Bielema said.
He singled out Eugene, Hackett and Ramsey as newcomers with better speed.
"Martrell [Spaight] used to stand out because of how fast he was, now those other three guys, those freshmen, are just as fast as Martrell," he said.
Bielema pointed out a few plays that stood out to him, a run from sophomore Korliss Marshall and catches by seniors AJ Derby and Demetrius Wilson.
"Korliss again today, he put his foot in the ground and accelerated through a hole -- and he's a very special player, pound for pound might be one of the most explosive players I've ever been around," he said.
"We did a little pass to [Wilson] where the whole team went 'Whoo!' and did one of those shots," he said. "He made a guy miss in open space."
Bielema said Derby made some "circus catches" at tight end and that his presence as a blocker has helped improve sophomore starter Hunter Henry at the position.
The Razorbacks continue with closed practices through the week until the media is allowed in on Saturday.
Sports on 08/05/2014