HOGS prep for Portland State

HOGS prep for Portland State

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FAYETTEVILLE - Arkansas wrapped up game-week practices Thursday with a workout completely closed to media.

The Razorbacks of the SEC and Football Bowl Subdivision commence their season at 3 p.m. Saturday at Reynolds Razorback Stadium against Portland State (lower-level FCS) the Big Sky Conference.

Arkansas head coach Chad Morris anticipated in Thursday’s light practice, checking on the availability of senior starting tight end Cheyenne O’Grady and freshman starting receiver Trey Knox.

O’Grady has worked all week in a green caution jersey, his first workouts since undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery in mid August. Knox practiced Wednesday for the first time since missing nine consecutive practices because of illness. A December high school graduate from Murfreesboro, Tenn., Knox was the offense’s freshman phenom of spring drills.

An August freshman phenom also is listed as one of Arkansas’ three starting receivers along with Knox and sophomore Mike Woods.

Treylon Burks of Warren not only has wowed as a receiver but replaces injured Deon Stewart as the punt returner.

Starting quarterback Ben Hicks, the graduate transfer from SMU and a fifth-year senior in football eligibility, is dazzled by the rookie receiver.

“The kid’s a stud,” Hicks said. “He’s a freak athlete, and I’m happy he’s playing for us. We got to continue to build his confidence with the offense, keeping his head on straight because he’s going to have a lot of success. Him building experience is going to be a big deal for the whole offense.”

One of two sophomores, Koilan Jackson or Tyson Morris, likely starts if Burks can’t. Junior Grayson Gunter likely starts at tight end, if O’Grady isn’t ready.

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