Arkansas Sports 360 - ArkansasSports360.com

11/14/2011 at 3:51pm

Image by Mark Wagner

Not surprisingly Joe Adams was named special teams player of the week by the SEC.

News and notes from Monday’s Arkansas football media availability… 

I. Amazing Adams
Joe Adams' 60-yard punt return touchdown against Tennessee earned him national recognition over the weekend.

National blogs linked to the return. SportsCenter named it the No. 1 play of the day.

And on Monday he was recognized as SEC Special Teams Player of the Week.

Coach Bobby Petrino said he’s watched Adams’ return multiple times. He is still amazed by it a few days later as the Razorbacks (9-1, 5-1) begin preparation for Mississippi State (5-5, 1-5).

“It’s an unbelievable play. It’s an amazing play,” Petrino said. “It reminds you of the one he made early in the year when he took that one back for a touchdown. So, tremendous athletic ability. Great toughness and an unbelievable play.”

Adams, who now has three punt returns for touchdowns, also had two catches for 52 yards and a touchdown in the 49-7 victory. This was the third weekly special teams award for Adams in his career and he's the 11th Razorback recognized this season.

Arkansas has five special teams touchdowns in 2011. Wide receivers coach Kris Cinkovich is coaching returns this year, while John L. Smith continues to oversee special teams as a whole.

“I don’t know if I’ve ever been around [a return game] that’s done as well as we have this year with the big plays, the consistency, making the opponent punt the ball out of bounds or punt it short,” Petrino said. “It’s all played into our favor for sure.”

II. Going Left
Tenarius Wright was back in the starting lineup for Arkansas on Saturday. Things weren't totally back to normal for the defensive line, though.

Wright lined up on the left side, the byproduct of breaking his arm against Alabama on Sept. 24. Prior to the injury Wright was utilized most from the right with Jake Bequette at the other end spot.

Bequette said while both were on the field Saturday, they weren’t in their most comfortable positions. Wright finished with one tackle and one quarterback hurry, while Bequette had three tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and two pass breakups.

“Tank and I have fought some injuries this year, but it feels great to be back,” Bequette said. “I think Tank, once he gets some more snaps under his belt, you'll see the same Tank as he was earlier this year and last year. I think he's a little more natural playing on the right side and I'm a little more natural playing on the left side.” 

III. Wade Status
It is unknown if freshman wide receiver/return specialist Marquel Wade will be back for Mississippi State. Wade was suspended last week for a violation of team rules.

That suspension came a week after Wade missed a game following an ejectinon against Vanderbilt.

Coach Bobby Petrino said, "we'll have to see how the week goes," when asked about Wade's availability.

Speaking Out

“Our players have always done a nice job in the week of preparation of having energy and excitement to go down there and taking care of the guys from Little Rock.”
—Bobby Petrino on closing out the season against Mississippi State at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m.

Tagged: Jarius Wright, Jake Bequette, Bobby Petrino, Tenarius Wright, Joe Adams