Arkansas Sports 360 - ArkansasSports360.com

8/25/2010 at 8:16pm

FAYETTEVILLE —Anthony Leon heard the question, and before he could speak, his ear-to-ear grin provided the answer.

Leon broke out in an ear-to-ear grin when the subject of his recent move from safety to linebacker came up. Arkansas coaches had Leon switch positions last week and it was obvious before he spoke how he felt.

“I like it a lot,” said Leon, who until last week had played only safety.

Coaches like Leon at weakside linebacker. At 6-foot-4, 227 pounds he is rangy and athletic and gives them a hard-hitter at what has been arguably the weakest position on the defense this preseason.

Leon, who had 20 tackles in 11 appearances in 2009, seems to have quickly taken to the position. He had an interception in the Razorbacks’ most recent open scrimmage and was very active near the line of scrimmage in pass defense.

“He’s having a lot more fun,” Robinson said. “He’s feeling a lot more involved in the game and it’s been a good move for us and added more depth.”

Leon has been getting first-team snaps on the weakside and could rotate there with all-SEC linebacker Jerry Franklin. Robinson said Franklin, Freddy Burton (middle linebacker) and Leon could be interchangeable in some situations.

Early success helped Leon quickly take to the position. He gained confidence with his scrimmage performance and has felt comfortable ever since.

Leon originally signed with Florida State out of high school. He came to Arkansas with the reputation of a hard-hitting safety, but hadn’t lived up to expectations at the position.

Getting a fresh start has been good for Leon, who eagerly agreed to try linebacker. His early success at the position has helped him grow fonder of a position he’d never played before.

“It makes you love that position,” Leon said. “I’m ready to make more plays, get my hand on some more balls. It felt good. I’m looking forward to getting it in my hands more.”

WELCOME  BACK
Andru Stewart figured his days of playing safety were over.

Stewart got some time in at the position in junior college, but was recruited as a cornerback. He played corner for Arkansas last season, but was recently moved to safety.

It was a surprising move, but one he’s OK with.

“It feels comfortable,” Stewart said. “I played safety my first two years at junior college. So, it was kind of good to be back at home in a sense.”

Stewart joins Rudell Crim as a cornerback converted to safety. Crim made his move in the spring and has been helpful as Stewart makes his transition.

“All the guys have been great; safeties, corners, linebackers, everybody kind of realizes it’s kind of late to be moving positions,” Crim said. “So everybody is pitching in and helping me out.”

A NATURAL
Freshman Eric Bennett is making a bid for playing time.

Robinson said Bennett, recruited as an athlete, has been a good fit at cornerback. Bennett is working behind Ramon Broadway.

“He’s a very natural corner. He’s a very pleasant surprise,” Robinson said. “He has a quarterback background. With Eric, you tell Eric once. He might make a mistake the next time, but he’s not going to make a mistake a third time. He picks things up very well, understands things very well.”

NOTABLE
*Wide receiver Greg Childs was back at practice on Wednesday after he missed Tuesday.

*Cornerback Darius Winston did not participate in contact drills. He had his finger wrapped and should be out “these next couple days” Robinson said.

*Greg Gatson is working in place of Winston on the second team.

QUOTABLE
“It was a temporary injury that he suffered. He had five seconds of jubilation and 15 minutes of pain after that, but he’ll be fine.”
—Defensive coordinator Willy Robinson describing why cornerback Darius Winston was out of contact drills on Wednesday

Tagged: Arkansas Razorbacks, Willy Robinson, Eric Bennett, Anthony Leon, Rudell Crim, Andru Stewart, Bobby Petrino, Darius Winston, Greg Childs, Greg Gatson