So, the first Arkansas practice has come to an end. And as is typically the case, there was more news than there was space in the newspaper. Here is one noteworthy item that didn’t make the cut.

  Arkansas safety Elton Ford returned to the practice field Thursday afternoon for the first time since he cracked three vertebrae in his neck while trying to make a tackle in a 23-21 loss to Ole Miss on Oct. 25.

  The grueling injury forced the star freshman to question whether he would be able to play football again as he wore a neck brace for nearly four months.

  “It felt great. I’m thankful to be out here. I’m thankful that God gave me another shot at this,” Ford said following Thursday’s practice. “I’m thankful that we came out here, full speed, ready to go as a team, as a unit, as a defense.”

  Ford ran around the field and looked like his old self during team drills. But the true test in the sophomore’s recovery will come in a few days when the Razorbacks put on pads and take part in contact drills.

  Asked whether he has prepared himself mentally to hit and get hit again, Ford said, “I can’t wait. I’m going to bring it.”

  The Morning News’ Robbie Neiswanger chronicled Ford’s injury and his extensive rehab in an April 11 article. Here is the link to the story.