Just got done with a post-spring practice press conference with Bobby Petrino. The post-spring depth chart was released. Nothing earth-shattering, but here are a few highlights from the gathering:

  • Petrino said cornerback Jerell Norton underwent surgery on his hamstring, which sidelined him most of the spring. Norton went down early in spring ball and didn't return. He isn't even listed on the three-deep depth chart at cornerback. Petrino said the surgery is supposed to help the recovery time and he expects Norton to be available when the Razorbacks return for fall practice in August.

  • Freddie Fairchild was another player not on the depth chart. He was suspended for the spring, of course, because of his arrest. Petrino simply said there was nothing new with Fairchild's status. Clearly his future with the Razorbacks remains uncertain. Which brings us to...

  • Petrino said the biggest concern leaving spring ball is depth at linebacker. Elston Forte, Jerry Franklin and Ryan Powers are the first-team guys for now. But the Razorbacks need more bodies at the position.

  • There was one surprise on the depth chart. Jake Bequette is listed as the first-team guy at defensive end ahead of Damario Ambrose. It may be a surprise to us, but Petrino said there is nothing shocking about Bequette's appearance with the starters. He said the redshirt freshman has earned it.

  • All in all, Petrino said the post-spring depth chart is nothing more than a "worksheet" to build on entering fall practice. The Razorbacks are taking final exams now. Summer school begins May 19. The summer conditioning program will get underway in June. Preseason practice begins August 3.