FAYETTEVILLE -- Bobby Petrino is pleased with the offense after nine spring practices despite the fact so many new players are on the roster.

Petrino and the Hogs will practice later Tuesday, then scrimmage on Thursday and practice Saturday. The spring game is Saturday, April 19, at 1 p.m. Petrino expressed confidence in the offense this spring.

"I'm excited about the possibility of us being really good on offense," Petrino said Tuesday. "I feel like we're better and deeper in the offensive line. I like our running back crew. It's gonna be fun to see when we get to these scrimmages, the yards after contact and how many tackles we break. I think we're explosive there. Mike Washington gave us a little bit different of his speed so that helps you be not to have to call so many plays. I like our tight end group. I think it's a good combination of size and strength and a really good route runner, catcher. We need to get (Jaden) Platt back fully healthy, which he was the last two practices because he can do both. He can be the big run blocker and also running catch. He's a real talented guy.

"Receivers we're a little bit different than we were a year ago when you look out there and see the size of guys. But I do think that we have some explosive players there. We're trying to find out who's going to be that one go-to guy when you need a first down and that you can count on to get open and catch the ball when you're sometimes not open. I think that's one of the things that we haven't done as well as I would like is to catch the ball when you're contested, and still be able to catch the ball. (Ismael) Cisse's been the one that has done that better than anybody else so far."

At running back, Petrino really likes what former Benton standout Braylen Russell has brought to the room. Russell is seemingly in better shape than last season and has Petrino excited.

"I like the group a lot," Petrino said. "Braylen has done a really nice job getting his weight down. He’s faster, he’s quicker, he’s been able to play longer without getting fatigued. I want to see his explosiveness. Unfortunately we got our scrimmage canceled last week because of weather and having to go inside, but I’m looking forward to seeing his explosiveness at that weight and how well he can come out of tackles and make yards after contact.

"Braylen, I remember him in high school, they ran tight end routes with him and his ability to jump and turn and he’s been showing that this spring for us, too."

In addition to Russell, Petrino talked about the other running backs who are competing this spring.

"I really like Mike Washington," Petrino said. "He’s got great size, he sees things and he’s explosive. I think we have a chance to make big plays. He also catches the ball real well, as does Braylen, out of the backfield. Rodney’s (Hill) still a really good player. He’s gotta be able to stay healthy. That’s the issue right there. He’s a smaller guy and he does get hit hard, so he needs to just be able to stay healthy and we’ll have a good role for him, both in the run game and the pass game because he can do both of them very well.

"After that we’ve got Tyrell (Reed) and he’s done a good job. I think his speed needs to show up more. I thought that was one of the things that when we were practicing for the bowl game, where he got more and more reps, is his speed starting to show up. In high school, he was a very good 100-meter runner. Did a great job running track. It finally showed up in preparation for the bowl, so he’s gotta continue to get that. AJ Green is a young man that I didn’t know a lot about. I like him a lot. He’s very calm back there, he helps the quarterbacks a lot, he’s made plays running the ball. We do need to get him in with the 1s and the 2s a little bit to see if he can still make those same plays running the football. But he sees things and he cuts. Then the other thing we’re working hard with him is he needs to show his track speed on the field, too. He was a low 100-meter guy that we haven’t see that burst and finish yet on the field.

"I like Cam Settles a lot. Cam’s big, he’s strong, he’s shown he can pass protect and that’s the first thing as a young guy that gets you in the game, is your ability to protect the quarterback. So I’ve liked the way he’s played when he’s been in there."

Washington came to Arkansas from New Mexico State while Rohan Jones is a tight end from Montana State. Petrino was asked if he's surprised those two with the talent they have were available in the transfer portal?

"Not really," Petrino said. "There’s a lot of really good players out there. When you watch Rohan, obviously he played at Montana State and did a great job playing there, and then go back and see where he was before he even went there, he improved tremendously. And then we really liked his personality and his attitude and his toughness. We’ve coached a number of kids from Canada before, and he had more understanding of football than some of the other ones that I’ve coached. He really knew the game. And was fun talking to him and him being able to picture what you’re saying and him know it. So I think you’re going to see him excel and do really well for us."

Arkansas practiced at 3:40 on Tuesday afternoon.