DB's step up in practice; Bibby catches long pass

FAYETTEVILLE - The secondary struck back on Day 2 after giving up a high percentage of completions and scoring plays in 2 on 2 slot coverage drills against the wideouts in the camp opener.

Quarterbacks and receivers combined to go an unofficial 15 for 29 in the period, helped by completing their final six passes.

Junior Lorando “Snaxx” Johnson, who gave up a few big passes to Andrew Armstrong on Friday, performed much better. He had a big breakup against Armstrong on a deep sideline route, got up from that deflection and gave out a big yell. Jaheim Singletary, the transfer from Georgia, had a breakup over the middle, and Al Walcott, a transfer from Baylor who did not compete in spring ball due to a knee injury, and nickel back Jaylen Lewis had break-ups as well.

The offense went 0 for 4 to start the drill, with KJ

Jefferson and Jacolby Criswell throwing two incomplete passes each before Jefferson connected with redshirt freshman Kamron Bibby (El Dorado) for a big gainer down the left sideline versus coverage from true freshman Christian Ford.

The defensive backs did look to be a little “clutchy, grabby,” as offensive coordinator Dan Enos described the Alabama secondary during his first stint at Arkansas (2015-17) so that would need some cleaning up in game situations.

Co-defensive coordinator Marcus Woodson directed a brief line of advice to freshman cornerback Jaylon Braxton during the drill.

“Hey, they're going to complete some passes, right?” Woods said. “Just make them earn it. Don't have non-competitive plays.”

TeSlaa touch

The offense did not get snubbed completely in the 2 on 2 slot coverage drill. Among the big plays was Isaac

TeSlaa's catch against tight coverage on a deep ball down the left sideline. Safety Dylan Hasz, in support of a cornerback on the play, honed in but his swipe at the ball was a fraction late as it arrived. TeSlaa was the only player left standing after the catch and had a clear path to the end zone.

Same weight, realigned

Junior running back Dominique Johnson is listed at 252 pounds, the same as last season.

But running backs coach Jimmy Smith said the weight is better distributed on Johnson's 6-1 frame as he comes back from a second major knee surgery.

“His body is different,” Smith said. “There's more muscle.”

Smith said Johnson has done a good job working with the training staff and strength and conditioning coaches while recovering.

“They took care of him,” Smith said.