Ben Hicks – Noteworthy
University of Arkansas senior receiver Deon Stewart noted the octane graduate transfer quarterback Ben Hicks brought to the first day of spring drills Friday. Hicks was clearly in a leading role in the quarterback group, at times dancing and seemingly in constant motion, whether it was due to reserves of energy or trying to stay warm in the cold weather on the outdoor practice fields outside the Walker Pavilion. “He’s got so much energy,” Stewart said. “He reminds me of Baker Mayfield Jr. kind of. I love him, though. He’s cool.”
Hicks had to laugh when told about Stewart’s reference to Mayfield, the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback at Oklahoma who is now with the Cleveland Browns. “I don’t know about all that,” Hick said. “Again, I just love playing football. I’ve been playing for a long time. I’m just passionate about the game and love playing.” Hicks said he was ready to start actual practice after a winter of player-led drills and conditioning. “It’s just good to be back out there,” Hicks said. “This is going to be my last go-around, so I’m just trying to enjoy it as much as possible and enjoy the guys. That’s kind of my goal for the spring is just to enjoy it, have fun and take it one practice at a time.” – Northwest Arkansas Times
DeJon Harris – Noteworthy
University of Arkansas senior linebacker De’Jon Harris will miss the rest of spring drills after requiring surgery to repair a small fracture in his foot, Coach Chad Morris announced after Tuesday’s third spring practice. Harris, a two-year starter and one of the most experienced players on the Arkansas roster, was expected to be held out of most of the live-tackling work this spring. Morris said Harris is scheduled for surgery most likely on Friday to repair a slight fracture. “I think it’s been something that’s been nagging,” Morris said. “It was during the season and … we rehabbed it and thought we had it. It just kept bothering him, so we just had it looked at. “We don’t want this to carry on. We know what he’s capable of doing, and he’s going to be just fine.” – WholeHogSports
Joseph Foucha – Noteworthy
“My sophomore year, I must have picked up like 12 offers my first year playing DB,” Foucha said. “That was like a big accomplishment for me. I seen the light come on.” Foucha considers himself a mature person on and off the field, carrying the ability to take any and all criticism thrown his way and use it to expand and develop his game. Last week, secondary coach Ron Cooper said he would grade Arkansas’ secondary play last fall a ‘D.’ The Razorbacks finished 11th in the SEC in 2018 in passing yards allowed per game (245.2). Opposing quarterbacks collectively totaled a league-worst 152.4 passer rating as well.
“We don’t hang our head down about it, we’re just going to improve,” Foucha said. “And I felt like today we communicated a lot with each other, and that I think will kind of bring us up a grade. I feel like there’s a lot of things we need to work on. “If we work on our weaknesses instead of our strengths we’ll be good.” Foucha is a key part of what Arkansas’ staff believes to be a talented, potential-filled secondary. In previewing spring practice on Monday, Chad Morris said he expects a big spring and sound season from Foucha and all of the Razorbacks’ young defensive backs. Foucha is ready for the challenge and eager to make his mark as a sophomore. “Not too many people where I come from get to this level,” he said. “I’m like the first to go to college in my family, so I just want to show my family and those coming under me that it’s possible to do it. – Northwest Arkansas Times