The Arkansas Razorbacks are gearing up for an action-packed spring as they dive into Practice No. 4 under the guidance of first-year head coach Ryan Silverfield. With a schedule locked in for Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday sessions over the next month, the team is building up to their annual Red-White game on April 25 at Reynolds Razorback Stadium.
Coach Silverfield and his staff are eager to see their players in action, emphasizing the importance of live periods during practice. “There’s nothing like seeing with our true eye,” Silverfield noted, highlighting the value of these sessions in evaluating both returning and new players. The live tackling sessions are carefully planned to balance physical readiness and player safety as they look ahead to the season opener.
While the midweek practices offer some media access, the Razorbacks are keeping their initial scrimmages on April 4 and 11 under wraps. These closed sessions will be crucial in starting to shape the team’s depth chart, though Silverfield cautions against reading too much into early lineups. “There is no depth chart right now,” he emphasized, pointing out that significant insights will come once the team is in full pads and the first scrimmage is complete.
The quarterback battle is heating up between KJ Jackson and AJ Hill, with Jackson taking primary first-team reps in the latest practice. Meanwhile, the running back rotation has seen both new and familiar faces, with transfer Sutton Smith and veteran Braylen Russell leading early on, followed by sophomore Cam Settles and transfer Jasper Parker.
In the trenches, the offensive line seems to be taking shape with Kavion Broussard, Malachi Breland, Caden Kitler, Kobe Branham, and Bryant Williams forming a consistent first unit. Defensively, Quincy Rhodes, David Oke, and Hunter Osborne are holding strong on the line, while the “Jack” linebacker reps are split among Charlie Collins, Jamonta Waller, and Steven Soles.
The secondary is seeing solid performances from Miguel Mitchell and Colorado transfer Carter Stoutmire at safety. At cornerback, Maryland transfer La’khi Roland and Tulane transfer Jahiem Johnson are leading the rotation.
Looking ahead, the media will hear from more of Arkansas’ coaching staff and players. Co-defensive coordinator Deron Wilson and cornerbacks coach Eddie Hicks are set to speak, bringing their rich backgrounds and insights to the forefront. Wilson, with a history at Florida and Southern Miss, returns for another stint with the Razorbacks, while Hicks, fresh from his role at Cincinnati, brings a wealth of experience to the secondary.
Quarterbacks coach Mitch Stewart and receivers coach Larry Smith will also meet with the press. Stewart, who has worked alongside Silverfield and offensive coordinator Tim Cramsey at Memphis, brings a strategic mind to the quarterback room. His previous head coaching experience at Murray State adds a layer of depth to his coaching approach.
As the Razorbacks continue their spring journey, all eyes are on how these early practices will shape the team for the upcoming season.