Bielema: 2 QBs have set themselves apart in first 3 spring practices

We’re only 1/5 of the way through Arkansas’ spring practices, but it appears as though there may already be some clear separation in the Razorbacks’ quarterback competition.

According to reporters on site in Fayetteville, Razorbacks coach Bret Bielema put the Razorbacks through a 61-play scrimmage on Saturday, which was the team’s first day in full pads.

The consensus from those in attendance seems to be clear: Austin Allen and Rafe Peavey are the early leaders in the competition to replace Brandon Allen.

In fact, Bielema reportedly said as much during a post-scrimmage meeting with the media:

Bielema: I feel like Austin Allen and Rafe Peavey have really set themselves apart at QB.

— Bo Mattingly (@SportandStoryBo) April 2, 2016

https://twitter.com/ericwbolin/status/716312372223156224

In true Bielema form, he made sure to crack a joke or two about the vanilla nature of the scrimmage:

Bielema: wanted work on run game, fundamentals, nothing fancy. Wanted media to get bored. Didn't have third down yet so no move the ball

— Thomas Murphy (@TomMurphyADG) April 2, 2016

That means there likely weren’t many opportunities to standout as a quarterback, aside from commanding the huddle and controlling the offensive pace of play, among other basics.

247Sports’ Otis Kirk posted unofficial statistics from Saturday’s scrimmage, and this is how the quarterbacks stacked up:

Austin Allen, 2-5, 22 yards
Rafe Peavey, 5-7, 41 yards
Ty Storey, 1-3, 13 yards
Ricky Town, 1-2, 5 yards

That’s hardly anything to get worked up about, but every little bit of information counts when you’ve seen so little of them on the field.

Recently, we took an inside look at Arkansas’ task of replacing Brandon Allen as its starting quarterback.

Nick Cole

Nick Cole is a former print journalist with several years of experience covering the SEC. Born and raised in SEC country, he has taken in the game-day experience at all 14 stadiums.