FAYETTEVILLE -- The Arkansas defensive line is shaping up under Deke Adams with Landon Jackson and Cameron Ball leading the way.

Following Arkansas' seventh practice on Wednesday Adams met with the media to discuss his group.

"I think they’ve done a really good job, competing hard, they’re holding each other accountable," Adams said. "The expectations in the room are high, and even with the guys that are coming back, they’re really putting a lot of pressure on the young guys to learn things and kinda develop and come along, it’s been good. Tomorrow, I want to sit back and let them play, see where we are, see what we need to do. We got a lot of work to do, but I want to see where we are at this point tomorrow. Like I said, they’ve done a great job up to this point though."

In addition to Jackson and Ball, another defensive lineman who has been in the program for awhile and is among the most valuable players on the team because of his versatility is Eric Gregory.

"You know, he’s so valuable because he does so much," Adams said. "He can play at the inside position, he can play outside. He did that early in his career. I kind of agree with you, he’s very, very underrated. But, he does a really, really good job. He’s such a humble kid that that stuff doesn’t really bother him. He doesn’t ask questions about it, it’s not even an issue with him. He just shows up and works hard every day."

Sam Pittman has said the team will be more physical this season and feels that is necessary. Adams talked about his group has responded to that.

"We've been fine because I think, and there's no doubt about it, that the game is won in the trenches," Adams said. "So, I demand that of my guys up front all the time anyway. And tackling is a big part of what we do in a lot of ways because you look back to last season, we left some things, we left a lot of plays on the field. We left some sacks on the field and if we can make those plays this year, it'll make a difference in a lot of games."

Adams admitted getting Gregory back for a sixth season helped the team.

"It's been great and I love having him back," Adams said. "I want him back. It's kind of a joke in the room. Coach Pitt might bring up when he first got here and things like that. He asked guys, 'Raise your hand who was here when we first got here' and all that. [Gregory] might be one of maybe two or three that's in the room and was actually here when [Pittman] first got here. But Eric is such a mature kid and he's very, very quiet, doesn't say a whole lot. He just works. So, man, it's great to have him back."

Gregory also was asked what the camp has been like for him?

"I feel like we’ve started pretty good," Gregory said. "I loved the first couple of days. It was real hot and kind of tested us mentally. I feel like those days helped us out a little bit, preparing us to be better than we were the first couple of days. I feel like it’s started off pretty good."

Gregory laughed when asked about this being his sixth camp at Arkansas.

"I’m just taking it day by day, man," Gregory said. "The first camp, I didn’t really play in, I had an injury. So this is really like my fifth camp (guys all laughing). But I’m just taking it day by day. You can learn a lot of stuff from a lot of people, and that’s all I’m doing."

The defense was on the field a lot last season as Dan Enos' offense sputtered. It figures Bobby Petrino's offense will help the defense this season.

" Schematically I feel like it’s going …. They can stretch the field," Gregory said. "They can do a lot. They can run the ball, they can throw the ball. And they have different looks that I feel like will keep the defense on their toes a lot. Offensively, I think we’re going to be good."

Several players hit the transfer portal before their career is over, but Gregory said he wasn't one of them.

"I never really thought about going anywhere else," Gregory said. "
"My mindset is I’m going to stick with it throughout wherever I’m at. Going other places, that wasn’t really my mindset."

Arkansas will hold its first preseason scrimmage on Thursday and it is closed to the media and public. They open the season on Thursday, Aug. 29, in Little Rock against UAPB at 6:30 p.m. and on ESPNU. 

Photos Courtesy of Craven Whitlow CW3 Sports Action