Heat Wave Forces Razorbacks Indoors.
The Arkansas Razorbacks held their second training camp practice indoors at the Walker Pavilion due to soaring temperatures of 97 degrees and a heat index of 108. The artificial turf outside reached a scorching 138 degrees, prompting some kickers and punters to work on it briefly before retreating indoors.
Tight end Var’keyes Gumms acknowledged the transition, saying, “I wasn’t complaining too much.” Second-year tight ends coach Morgan Turner noted the importance of resilience: “I want them to push through when things get tough and focus on the calls, even when it’s hot. But I understand we need to go inside at times, too.”
Turner emphasized that maintaining focus is essential, regardless of whether practice is held indoors or outdoors. “I told them, ‘I don’t know what the weather will be in Stillwater or Little Rock. It might be hot, and we need to learn how to handle that.’”
### Engagement at 50-Yard Line
On Monday night, tight end Luke Hasz proposed to MJ McConnell at the 50-yard line of Reynolds Razorback Stadium. A photo of the moment was shared on Instagram. The couple has been together for about a year and three months since meeting as students at Arkansas. Hasz praised McConnell, saying, “She’s been a huge part of my success here, helping me mature and grow in our relationship with each other and with the Lord.”
Hasz credited Coach Turner for assisting with the proposal setup, explaining, “It was special to do it there. I had Coach Turner call me after dinner, saying I had a recruit to meet at the stadium. She had some idea, but not fully.” McConnell, an RBI girl for the Arkansas baseball team, and Hasz have not yet set a wedding date.
### Notable Plays
During evening practice No. 2, Hasz made a standout catch from Taylen Green while using spider pads inside the pavilion. He executed a toe-tap on the final play of the starting unit’s session against lead cornerback Jaylon Braxton, who had previously been beaten by Tyrone Broden for a long touchdown in Wednesday’s practice.
### Fastball Summary
In fastball starts, Green completed 2 of 3 passes with the first unit. Tailback JaQuinden Jackson caught a swing pass, and Hasz had an impressive sideline catch. Green missed a pass on a play where defensive end Nico Davillier could have registered a sack, while Jackson rushed for about 7 yards on the first snap.
Malachi Singleton completed 1 of 3 passes with the second unit, finding Gumms for a 5-yard curl. Singleton also missed on attempts to Gumms and CJ Brown, with cornerback Marquise Robinson making a pass breakup. Rodney Hill contributed with a 4-yard run in that series.
Freshman KJ Jackson was 2 for 3 with the third group, completing a curl route to Davion Dozier and a short pass to tailback Braylen Russell, while missing a deep ball intended for Khafre Brown against coverage from Miguel Mitchell.
### Injury Report
During the media viewing portion, second-team right guard Ty’Kieast Crawford went down following an inside run, appearing to be hit from behind by a tailback. After a brief check by head athletic trainer Dave Polanski, Crawford managed to walk off the field slowly.
### Competition Highlights
Several impressive plays were made by defensive backs during the media viewing. Cornerback Kee’yon Stewart intercepted a pass from Green, and safety TJ Metcalf made an athletic pick against Singleton. Additionally, Andrew Armstrong caught a 25-plus yard pass, and Jaedon Wilson grabbed a pass for about 50 yards during the 1-on-1 segment.
### Wuerffel Trophy Watch List
Redshirt junior Cam Ball was named to the preseason watch list for the Wuerffel Trophy, which honors athletes who excel in community service, academics, and athletics. The Atlanta native was among 111 players from FBS schools recognized. Last season, he recorded 32 tackles, including 1.5 for loss and a forced fumble.
### Heavyweight on the Roster
Defensive tackle Ian Geffrard is set to be the heaviest player on the Arkansas roster for the second straight year. The 6-5 redshirt freshman from Mableton, Ga., is currently listed at 388 pounds, having lost weight from a peak of 391 during the offseason. Strength and conditioning coach Ben Sowders noted, “He’s down to about 382 and has been doing great, working hard throughout the summer.”
Geffrard’s weight makes him a standout on the team, where he is joined on the second unit by 314-pound Keivie Rose, behind veterans Eric Gregory and Ball. The closest players in weight are 6-3, 376-pound Elijah Brown, a walk-on, and 6-3, 375-pound Danny Saili, a transfer from BYU.
