I just got back from Arkansas’ second practice of the day, and there was more news to come out on the defense following a poor showing in Wednesday’s short scrimmage. I’ll try to get into all that, but first, here is what we learned this afternoon:

  • Tight end D.J. Williams finally made an appearance at practice after missing the past three sessions because of an ankle injury. Williams worked with injured wide receiver Marques Wade on conditioning exercises, but he continues to be held out of practice because of the ankle injury. It’s uncertain when he’ll be able to return.

  •  Along with Williams and Wade, fullback Mitchell Bailey and defensive tackle Lavunce Askew were also held out because of injuries. Meanwhile, wide receiver Lucas Miller was absent from Thursday’s afternoon practice, and he has missed the past few practice because of a leg injury.

  • Arkansas defensive coordinator Willy Robinson wasn’t pleased with how his unit performed in Wednesday’s abbreviated scrimmage, and as a result, he shook up the depth chart. Sophomore Tramain Thomas has earned his way into the first-team strong safety position, replacing sophomore Elton Ford for now.

  Meanwhile, redshirt freshman Jelani Smith is the latest linebacker to get a chance with the first-defense team. Sophomore Jerry Franklin has again been demoted to the second team, but as I wrote in my story today, Arkansas’ coaches are mixing up the linebacker rotation. It probably won’t end anytime soon.

  Well, that’s it for now. I’ll have more in tomorrow’s edition of The Morning News. Now, back to work.

Arkansas just released its depth chart for the season opener and there are a few positions that stand out:

Four true freshmen have been named starters, including wide receiver Jarius Wright, fullback Mitchell Bailey, weakside linebacker Jelani Smith and free safety Elton Ford.

Redshirt freshman Nathan Dick is listed ahead of Tyler Wilson as the No. 2 quarterback, but there is an “or” beside Wilson’s name, meaning he could get the nod over Dick.

Sophomore Wade Grayson, who has looked good during preseason camp, was named a starting offensive guard over senior Mitch Petrus. Meanwhile, junior Lucas Miller has jumped ahead of sophomore Carlton Salters for the starting “W” wide receiver position.

Senior Antwain Robinson is listed as the starting defensive end over redshirt freshman Jake Bequette, who was bothered by a concussion during fall camp. And perhaps most interesting, senior linebacker Elston Forte isn’t listed anywhere on the depth chart.

Forte, voted a captain by his teammates, has been bothered by an undisclosed injury.