RAZORBACKS FOOTBALL REPORT

Linebacker Hackett no slouch in spring

Arkansas linebacker Khalia Hackett goes through workouts Saturday, April 3, 2015, at Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville.
Arkansas linebacker Khalia Hackett goes through workouts Saturday, April 3, 2015, at Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville.

FAYETTEVILLE -- Defensive coordinator Robb Smith said he expected to get more linebacker help behind starters Brooks Ellis and Dre Greenlaw next fall.

The spring performance of junior Khalia Hackett is making a difference already.

"Khalia Hackett, the last couple of Saturdays, has really played his best football since he has been here. That makes us feel better," Smith said.

"It's one thing to know what you're doing, but another thing to know what you're doing and why you're doing it," linebackers coach Vernon Hargreaves said. "He's gotten to the point that he knows why he's doing it, and it allows him to go faster. He understands what's going on around him."

Hackett said consistent team support has helped him concentrate on upgrading his performance from last fall.

"I'm focusing on my eyes, tracking the ball," Hackett said. "Focusing on my steps, focusing on my alignment. Just really honing into the little things more, detail work and watching more film."

Personnel update

Offensive lineman Brian Wallace was held out of practice and was wearing a walking boot on his right foot on the sideline. The redshirt sophomore, who is angling for a starting job at right guard, missed a week earlier in the spring due to a concussion.

Defensive end Tevin Beanum attended practice for the first time since he was excused a couple of weeks ago to attend to personal issues. Beanum was not dressed out, and he headed for the weight room with strength and conditioning coach Ben Herbert after the team stretch.

Nose guard Taiwan Johnson was limited earlier in the spring with an ankle injury, but he expects to be back to full speed for Saturday's Red-White game.

One on one

The Razorbacks conducted a one-on-one pass coverage drill between running backs and linebackers in the early portion of practice with some interesting developments.

Tailback Damon Mitchell made the best play of the drill, an out-and-up route against linebacker Randy Ramsey for a contested deep "touchdown" pass down the left sideline from quarterback Ricky Town. Earlier in the drill, linebacker Dre Greenlaw jumped an out route intended for Rawleigh Williams and intercepted a Town pass.

Prince tribute

During the team stretch, Prince songs such as "Raspberry Beret" played at a high volume over the loudspeakers as a tribute to the iconic singer who died Thursday.

Offensive line coach Kurt Anderson was the first to come up with the idea of honoring the singer, and Coach Bret Bielema was "all onboard with that," said a member of the football auxiliary staff who was running the master board at practice.

Prince died at his compound in Chanhassen, Minn., a suburb of Minneapolis that is also home to Arkansas junior center Frank Ragnow.

Defensive back Kevin Richardson enjoyed hearing the Prince songs at practice.

"Growing up, my dad and uncles, they were all involved with music," he said. "I had uncles who toured with groups like Club Nouveau. Growing up and hearing that type of music, and seeing somebody like Prince, an icon in the music industry, it's a sad day in music."

Defensive coordinator Robb Smith said he used to listen to Prince's music.

"Phenomenal artist and sorry to see his passing," Smith said.

Almost perfect

Redshirt sophomore Cole Hedlund said he's missed one field goal in team work this spring when he came up short on a 53-yard try. He made up for that by hitting a 55-yarder this week.

Rory Segrest, who coaches the specialists, said Hedlund's success shouldn't be a surprise.

"That's what he's here for," Segrest said. "He's always shown the potential to get it done, and now he's hitting the ball extremely well. He's getting more confidence, which is a big part of that position. I'm really pleased with his progress."

Hedlund was 9 of 15 on field goals last season, including 1 of 5 from beyond 40 yards, with a long of 45 yards. Four of his kicks were blocked, although Coach Bret Bielema said much of the problem resulted from protection breakdowns.

New offensive line coach Kurt Anderson had changed the protections, which Hedlund said has helped.

"I think it's definitely gotten better from last year," he said. "I feel like there's been a lot more emphasis on the line."

Hedlund said he's also doing better elevating his kicks quicker.

"I'm keeping my chest up, which allows for more height," he said. "It's allowed me to get my hips more through it and be able to finish better."

Deep snapping

Bob Decker, a junior walk-on from Greenwich, Conn., has emerged as the No. 1 deep snapper to replace Drew Gorton, who was a senior last season.

"Bob's shown he's probably the best guy we've got at that spot right now," assistant coach Rory Segrest said. "He's been the most consistent and given us the best location, best velocity and the most manageable ball."

Sports on 04/22/2016

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