Nutt Unsure of Harrison's Playing Time

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas defensive end Marcus Harrison is expected to play Saturday night against Alabama, but it remains to be seen just how much.

Arkansas coach Houston Nutt said Monday afternoon that he’ll have a better idea as to how much Harrison will play after watching the senior practice this week.

Harrison was listed as the starting left defensive end at the end of preseason camp, but he was suspended following his Aug. 24 arrest on a felony drug charge and several misdemeanors.

“He’s eligible to play. Again, we don’t know how many snaps, or as far as putting a number on what he can do. We don’t know that yet,” Nutt said.

“Again, it’s going to depend on this week and we’ll see how the game is going and how he’s going to fit.”

Harrison is one of No. 16 Arkansas’ more proven defensive playmakers. But he was suspended for the 46-26 win over Troy University in the Sept. 1 season opener because of his arrest.

Nutt said early last week that Harrison has been reinstated on the team, but it’s uncertain how much playing time he’ll get in his first game back.

“He brings size, he brings speed and a lot of ability. He’s one of the most talented guys on our defense,” Arkansas middle linebacker Weston Dacus said. “We’re really going to need him to plug up the run a little bit.”



Monk, Cleveland Sidelined

Arkansas wide receiver Marcus Monk and tight end Ben Cleveland played key roles in last season’s 24-23 double-overtime win over Alabama.

But neither of them are expected to get any action in Saturday’s rematch because of injuries.

“Right now, we’re not counting on them, no,” Nutt said.

Cleveland made the biggest catch in last year’s win over the Crimson Tide, reaching over two defenders to snag an 11-yard jumpball thrown on a third-and-8 in double overtime. His touchdown catch set up kicker Jeremy Davis for the game-winning extra point.

But Cleveland has been sidelined since early in preseason camp because of nerve damage in his neck. It’s uncertain when the former Springdale High star will return to the field.

Monk, meanwhile, will miss Saturday’s game because he’s still recovering from the second arthroscopic surgery he had on his injured right knee. He had the procedure Aug. 28.

His return is also unknown.

Monk was Arkansas’ leading receiver in last year’s win over Alabama, catching two passes for 53 yards.



On Primitive

Arkansas officials announced Monday that ESPN2 will televise next Saturday’s game against Kentucky in Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Kickoff has been moved from 6 p.m. to 5 p.m.

It will mark the second consecutive nationally televised game for Arkansas. Saturday’s game at Alabama will be televised on ESPN, starting at 5:45 p.m.