Ryan Silverfield has been able to coach his Razorbacks on the practice field. What stands out? It's early, but one can always make observations.
Basketball is the main point of focus for Arkansas Razorback fans right now, but spring football practice is not to be ignored.
College football analyst Josh Robinson wrote to us and shared his observations:
"Through two practices thus far, Silverfield has been upbeat and encouraged by what he’s seen. While practice is just practice, it is also the largest measurement tool Silverfield has at his disposal at this point.
"Silverfield noted the team 'attacked the field,' and that the team had 'passion, enthusiasm,' and an understanding of what he’s trying to install. A lot of that might sound like coach speak, but he’s really just saying the team seems dedicated to this installation, and while they might not be getting everything right on Day 1, they are hungry to get those details nailed down ahead of the season. To simplify that even further, the team has bought into Silverfield’s ideology. This is exactly what Arkansas wants to see from its new head coach.
"Day Two saw Arkansas get a bit more hands-on with the installation. Where KJ Jackson ran the first unit in their first practice, AJ Hill ran the first unit the next day. Whole Hog Sports said that Sutton Smith was in the backfield with Hill, and he enjoyed the protection of the first-team offensive line unit in this session held before spring break.
"Going through the list of drills implemented by Silverfield, two things immediately stand out to me. The first is ball security. Multiple drills focused on protecting the football in some way and, as a complement to that, attacking the football as well. They even have a name for it: cranking the lawnmower. They also refer to their special teams periods as 'special forces.' It’s clear this is a major focus for Silverfield.
"The second thing that stood out was the constant referencing of communication and details. Silverfield or a member of his staff has used those specific words constantly. It’s not for nothing, either. If the team communicates well and understands the details of how to play, much of the rest should fall into place. It should also reduce the number of chances for Arkansas to beat itself, as it did far too often under Sam Pittman.
"It’s only a few practices, but Razorback fans have to be somewhat encouraged by Silverfield’s start. Whether Arkansas can continue to grow and develop remains to be seen."