SportsLine wire reports
April 15, 1999

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- Competition for several positions continued Monday as the last week of Arkansas' spring football practice began. Coach Houston Nutt's chief concerns are finding a backup quarterback, a second-team free safety and continuity on the offensive line.

Nutt said, each spot has seen improvement.

"One of the things we were worried about was finding a backup free safety," Nutt said. "We also need to find a guy to take Zac Painter's spot and to find out where the offensive line will be. The line has gotten better. There were some holes for the backs, and all the backs are running hard. The more players you have out there, the better the competition is."

Nutt credits the heightened competition with improving the level of play at several positions. At the overloaded quarterback position, each man has raised his game.

"All of our quarterbacks have improved," Nutt said. "It's amazing what competition does. They've all gotten better, but you have the problem of having seven out there. You can get two ready. Even though Clint Stoerner hasn't been in many plays, he's worked hard. Robbie Hampton is probably right behind Clint because he's been here a year. He's familiar with our offense and he's impressive physically. Gary Brashears is a youngster who's not far behind. That's the way we finish out the spring. We'll see how it works out."

Several young players at less-publicized positions also saw extensive work. This was partly because of the fact that many first-teamers were still feeling the effects of Saturday's full-contact scrimmage.

"We tried to get the guys who had 15 or fewer snaps on Saturday some more work," Nutt said. "A lot of guys are a little bumped and bruised from the scrimmage. We're just trying to take advantage of every practice. I'm pleased with the effort they gave us Saturday. The thing that keeps showing up is guys like Joe Bailey who are willing to listen. There's a lot of guys who can help our football team trying to learn a new position."

The Razorbacks did not practice Tuesday. They resumed Wednesday before wrapping up with a Friday scrimmage at 7 p.m.