Chad Morris challenges Razorbacks following practice, singles out two veterans
By Keith Farner
Published:
With the first day in pads one day away, and a scrimmage set for Saturday, the pressure is mounting at Arkansas, where coach Chad Morris has turned up the heat.
The Razorbacks coach singled out several veterans, including a returning starter at tight end in his comments following practice.
“I think we’ve got some competition in the tight ends room,” Morris said, according to WholeHogSports. “We’ve got a standard you have to live up to. Cheyenne O’Grady has to decide if this is what he wants to do.”
Perhaps hoping to motivate a senior defensive lineman like Jamario Bell, who is competing for a starting job, Morris said he’s looking for more from the native of Junction City.
“It’s his time. He’s from Arkansas, and now it’s time for him to take it over the top and make a difference in his position group,” Morris said. “He’s met the challenge. He’s had a really good four days and been active, but we need some production out of that position and him.”
But Bell wasn’t the only one.
“Dorian Gerald’s career has come down to the next 114 days, how he attacks them and how he works,” Morris said. “I’ve seen a difference in Dorian and Gabe Richardson. He’s vocal and he’s holding his own and doing some good things. Dorian’s sense of urgency has gone up. He wasn’t consistent throughout last season. He’s worked to understand what his purpose is.”
Morris may have highlighted some players down the depth chart like TE Chase Harrell and RB T.J. Hammonds, to motivate them, or some teammates.
“Chase Harrell has transformed his body and he is so much more at home at the tight end position,” Morris said. “Chase is going to add great value to that room.”
For Hammonds, Morris said he wants to see production over time.
“T.J. Hammonds just came to work and that’s what we asked him to do,” Morris said. “He’s got to earn it. He’s battling for playing time. I’ve been pleased with him and he had a great play on the edge, but it’s about consistency. I want to see it over the course of time.”
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
