Nate Allen

FAYETTEVILLE - Arkansas’ defense thoroughly dominated its offense, Arkansas Coach Sam Pittman reported on a Zoom press conference following the Razorbacks’ closed scrimmage Friday afternoon.

“The defense definitely won today,” Pittman said.  “The only thing that they did not win was goal line situation and a 4-minute situation. Other than that, they dominated the scrimmage."

Pittman said the defense wore out in the previous Friday scrimmage in 90-degree heat but played with energy throughout Friday’s second scrimmage of the preseason that started at Reynolds Razorback Stadium but eventually because of lightning moved inside the Walker Pavilion.

“I thought our defense played much better this week, much harder,” Pittman said.  “It seemed like they were in better shape than they were a week ago and made a lot of plays whether it be tackles for loss, causing fourth downs on third and 3. A lot of turnovers for the offense, which means the defense forced them.”

Notable defensive plays provided by Arkansas’ sports information department included interceptions by defensive backs Simeon Blair of Pine Bluff, Jarques McClellion and Nick Turner; safety Jalen Catalon recovered a fumble caused by fellow safety Joe Foucha stripping the ball; running plays tackles for losses by Catalon and linebacker Deon Edwards and whistled (the quarterbacks wore don’t be hit caution jerseys) sacks by defensive ends Dorian Gerald and Eric Gregory.

Notable offensive plays, with top  1,000-yard running back Rakeem Boyd very limited lest he risk injury, included backup running back Trelon Smith catching a 40-yard pass from quarterback Feleipe Franks and later popping a 20-yard run, and freshman running back Dominque Johnson catching a 20-yard pass from quarterback KJ Jefferson and also popping a 40-yard run.

“It was just out in open space and making guys miss, a couple of them,” Pittman said of the big offensive plays.  “Then we had one that was well blocked inside. I think one of those runs ended with a fumble, however. Then (sophomore receiver)Trey Knox caught a long pass in the four-minute and did a nice job of getting down, understanding the situation. But other than that, there weren’t a whole lot of offensive highlights.”

Knox  post scrimmage said the defense avenged the previous week’s scrimmage that the offense won. 

“We didn’t play to our full potential today, but defense had a heck of a day today,” Knox said. “They executed and they just got after our tails today.”

Pittman bragged on quarterbacks Franks, the graduate transfer former Florida Gators starter, and redshirt freshman Jefferson after the first scrimmage.

“We didn't look good today,” Pittman said.  “We didn't make good decisions.  We have to play with more confidence. We have to protect them better. But from a week ago to this week, it was not acceptable play by that position and they know it. Certainly we'll get better."

Concerned throughout preseason about his two linebacker spots, Pittman and defensive coordinator Barry Odom  had sophomore Andrew Parker running first-team middle linebacker and 3-year senior letterman but mostly reserve Deon Edwards at first-team weakside ‘backer ahead of top returnees Grant Morgan and every game 2019 weakside starter Bumper Pool and gave Levi Draper, the graduate transfer from the Oklahoma Sooners, plenty of Friday work at both spots.

“"Well, when we go (defensively)  it's usually because the D-line becomes disruptive,” Pittman said.  “But I did see those guys (linebackers)  making some plays in there.  Parker I saw make some plays. Draper seemed to play well today, and I saw (true freshman linebacker)  JT (Towers) make a few plays in there today. Edwards is a guy that can run.  I think last week they know they didn't play well, and I think they made some plays today."

Offensively, it seems left guard and tight end remain the most unsettled positions.

On special teams Friday Pittman praised punter George Caratan, the transfer from the University of Michigan, and place-kickers AJ Reed, the graduate transfer from Duke, and sophomore squadman returnee Matthew Phillips.

“Caratan had a really, really good day,” Pittman said.  “He punted well. Then we also had a couple of kickers (Reed and Phillips) make 52-yard field goals today into a breeze  and they were both 4 out of 5, both guys. So I was really pleased with the kicking overall today. Obviously you boom one a long ways or make a long field goal, it just does wonders for your confidence, and that’s what we needed with all those kids.”

That’s also what the defense needed and got Friday, and the offense will seek when practice resumes Monday.

“Certainly we weren't the same offense that we were a week ago,” Pittman said comparing scrimmages.  “Nor was the defense the same a week ago.”