Running backs catching passes and other takeaways from Arkansas football's 12th fall practice

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas football returned to the practice fields outside the Fred W. Smith Football Center Tuesday for its 12th practice of fall camp.

The Razorbacks are closing in on their second scrimmage, scheduled for Thursday, and are halfway through preseason practices. Arkansas opens the season against UAPB in Little Rock on Aug. 29 (6:30 p.m., ESPNU).

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Here are four takeaways from Tuesday's action.

Ja'Quinden Jackson in the passing game

The transfer running back from Utah received a target from Taylen Green on the first snap of Arkansas' fastball drill for a second straight day, catching a pass across the middle and turning upfield for a good gain and a would-be first down.

After fastball, the position groups separated for individual drills, and the running backs practiced corner routes near the goal line. Jackson looked smooth breaking off running backs coach Kolby Smith, who was serving as a mock defender, before high-pointing the ball in the corner of the end zone.

Jackson told the media last week he detests the label as a power back, and is hoping to showcase his diversified skill set in his first and likely final year with Arkansas. A running back capable of being a threat in the passing game brings exciting potential to a Bobby Petrino offense.

Miguel Mitchell makes his case

Mitchell has had a slow climb up the Arkansas depth chart. Despite his arrival from Florida in the spring, the junior safety has spent most of fall camp working with the third-team defense.

On Tuesday, Mitchell ran with the second-string and produced the highlight play of the media-viewing portion of practice, intercepting Malachi Singleton for a pick-six. Mitchell read Ty Washington's seam route and jumped the pass, with nothing but green grass in front of him before the play was blown dead.

The safety depth for Arkansas remains a question mark. A strong close to fall camp for Mitchell would be a huge boost to the defense.

Marquise Robinson runs with the starters

Robinson has been a first-team cornerback in consecutive practices after missing all of last week with a concussion. The South Alabama transfer worked alongside Jaheim Singletary with the starters Tuesday, as freshman Selman Bridges and senior Kee'yon Stewart ran with the twos.

Jaylon Braxton — a returning starter — took fastball off Tuesday. Arkansas is still searching for its No. 2 cornerback, and Robinson looks to be firmly in the mix despite a sustained absence earlier this fall.

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Running backs catching passes and other takeaways from Arkansas football's 12th fall practice