FAYETTEVILLE (Ark.) - The Razorbacks endured cooler temperatures and gusty winds as they practiced for two hours in full pads on Tuesday afternoon. With only one offensive starter returning in the fall an emphasis of improvement has been placed on the offensive line and the Arkansas staff is beginning to see results.

“The offensive line has made big strides,” Arkansas head coach Houston Nutt said. “They’re blocking well and coming off the ball and creating some nice holes. Kyle Roper is having an excellent spring and he’s doing a great job of getting his guy and making calls for us. He’s showing leadership on the line, so I’m proud of him. Gene Perry is a guy that has been a journeyman for us. It seems like he’s been here for a while being a junior college guy and he’s keeping the starting right guard spot. has been a leader for us at tight end. We’ve improved and we just have to keep going.”

Nutt pointed out that even though the line is improving the Hogs are still spread thin at the tight end position. Redshirt freshman Mason Templeton was in the plan to see time this spring, but rolled his ankle last week and will not return for the remainder of workouts.

“I just hate that Mason Templeton is not here,” Nutt said. “Jared Hicks has been very solid for us. Jonathan Barry is improving and Payne Hall we moved from defense to offense. We’re just really thin there, but we know we have one solid guy.”

Arkansas is also lacking depth on the defensive side, but Nutt has been encouraged by the efforts of several players. The defense is also slowly, but surely improving and is being assisted by dependable contributors such as Jeb Huckeba and Clarke Moore.

“We’re missing some numbers, especially on the back end and that’s hard,” Nutt said. “Vickiel Vaughn is just like we thought he would be when we recruited him. He’s having a good spring, along with Lerinezo Robinson. Michael Coe, Chris Houston, Kevin Woods and John Johnson those guys have to keep coming. I feel good about Jeb Huckeba and Clarke Moore, because they’ve had a lot of snaps. Overall, I know how far we have to go, so I’m proud of the attitude and baby steps they’re taking.”

Arkansas will have Wednesday as its off day, but will return to practice on Thursday. The spring scrimmage is scheduled for Saturday, April 3, at noon in Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. The team will be split into two squads and will play four quarters. The team will take the field for warm-ups around 11:45 a.m.

Seating will be available in the lower level of the east side stands, and in the Red Zone seats of the south end zone. Concession stands on the east side will be open, as well as the Hog Heaven store in the south end zone. The west side stands and all upper deck seating will be closed.

Fans will be able to enter the stadium through gates 1, 12, 13, 15 and 16. Gates will open at 11 a.m. There is no admission charge.