Razorbacks Get Good Look at Young Talent on Tuesday

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UA Sports Information) - The Arkansas football team practiced just under two hours Tuesday afternoon in full pads on the grass practice fields south of Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in the first of three off-week practices. The Hogs spent the day correcting mistakes from last Saturdays game with Alabama and getting the younger players a lot of work. "We got the young guys a lot of good work today," Arkansas head coach Houston Nutt said. "We had a scrimmage between the true freshmen and the redshirt freshmen at the end of practice. "We are continuing to try and correct the little things that are stopping our execution and drives. I thought we got better today." Senior linebacker Pierre Brown returned to practice on Tuesday after missing the past two weeks after suffering a knee injury in the closing moments of the Vanderbilt game. "It was a good feeling to have Pierre (Brown) back," Nutt said. "The thing about a senior is his knowledge. He has seen a lot of formations. He can get himself lined up, and he can get other people lined up. There is nothing like experience." Nutt praised the progress of true freshman linebacker Freddie Fairchild, who has started the past two games on the strong-side. "I think Freddie Fairchild has come a long way, and I am really proud of him," Nutt said. "He is going to be even better in the second half of the season. He is going to be a little more rested when he is in the game. I also think this will make him even better on special teams." Nutt also had good news concerning freshman tailback Darren McFadden who is battling through an injured shoulder. "He is doing pretty well, but his shoulder is still sore," Nutt said. "We are not going to hit him this week. But he is a tough, tough guy that doesnt let too much faze him." The Razorbacks welcomed the return of Jonathan Luigs and Marcus Harrison to practice on Tuesday. Neither is at full speed yet, but both were able to participate in drills and team work. Several freshmen stood out during the 22-play scrimmage at the end of practice, including Rod Coleman, Casey Dick, DeAndre Bryant, Antwain Robinson, Kevin Thornton, Matt Harris and Matt Stoltz. The Hogs will conduct their off-week practice schedule on Wednesday and Thursday before a three-day break. Arkansas returns to action on Saturday, Oct. 8, in Little Rock against Louisiana-Monroe.