Jayden Johnson, defense have good day as Red squad wins 38-12

By Drake Priddy

FAYETTEVILLE – Arkansas concluded their spring training camp with their annual spring game when the Red squad secured a dominating 38–12 win over the White team.  

This was a highly anticipated spring game to say the least, considering the resurrection of Bobby Petrino’s offense, incoming transfers, and the unknowns that surround the off season.  

But what stood out today was a group of defensive guys that were flying around the field, putting hats on heads, and punishing any offensive player that crossed their paths.  

Head Coach, Sam Pittman was proud of his defense’s performance today, and the fact they only had four penalties on the day. He also gave senior safety, Jayden Johnson, a shout out for his physicality on the field.  

“With the one defense, I think you have to mention Jayden Johnson, because he was very physical, in position,” said Pittman. “The one thing about it is, I think we had maybe four penalties on the day, close to that, and I don’t believe when we were playing Reds and Whites — the ones and twos — we were very, very minimal in penalties. And as we all know, I’ve been here for going on five years now, and at the beginning of the year, it’s hard.” 

Johnson finished the day with four solo tackles but was a leader on the field. Johnson credits his improvement from hitting the film room hard this offseason.  

“I have gotten more in on the film aspect,” said Johnson. “Just recognizing formations and truly understanding the full defense. Like where everybody has got to be on the field. I also took my speed to another level this year.” 

Another guy that received a lot of praise today from both teammates and coaches was sophomore linebacker, Brad Spence.  

“Brad last year made some plays, didn’t make some plays,” said Pittman. “He was a freshman. He’s going to continue to make more plays, and not make some, we’re all human. But I think his growth this spring has been quite a bit. He’s earned where he started today…,” 

“Oh yeah, Brad Spence, said Johnson. “He’s been doing a great job. He took a captain role on the defense. He’s been doing good to me, making plays, being where he’s supposed to be, helping others.” 

Redshirt junior defensive lineman, Cam Ball, credits Spence for the first team’s defensive success today. 

“Brad, from a defensive lineman’s standpoint, he makes sure we get the call play in and play out,” said Ball. “He makes sure he communicates with us. I wouldn’t necessarily say we lacked last season, we just needed more of…” 

But these were not the only defensive guys showing out today. A group of defensive backs were making some plays. 

Sophomore safety, T.J. Metcalf was having a day defensively before leaving the field early in the second quarter due to a minor injury after delivering a punishing hit on the sideline. Metcalf recorded seven sole tackles before his departure in the first half. 

Freshman Cornerback, Jaden Allen, also had a day of his own. Allen gathered six solo tackles and recorded a sack for a loss of six yards. Allen did get called for a past interference. 

Freshman safety, Ahkhari Johnson made a late appearance in the game but managed to rack up four solo tackles and the lone interception of the day. 

Junior transfer safety from Florida, Miguel Mitchell, had totaled five solo tackles before the halftime intermission.  

Brad Spence was not the only linebacker putting in work today. Sophomore Alex Sanford and redshirt freshman, Carson Dean, were also getting their reps this afternoon. 

Both Stanford and Dean finished their day with six solo tackles.  

With the end of spring drills, three open scrimmages (including the Red-White game), and 15 spring practices out of the way, the Arkansas football team is starting to take shape.  

And it is safe to say that many Arkansas fans are ready to see what this team and upcoming season has in store for them.