Hogs senior linebacker Highsmith to miss spring practice

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – University of Arkansas senior linebacker Alonzo Highsmith sustained an injury to his left pec Tuesday and is expected to miss spring football practice.

“I am extremely disappointed for Alonzo,” UA head coach Bobby Petrino said. “He had an impressive first year for us and I know he had high expectations for himself this spring. Alonzo has demonstrated he is a leader on our team and the coaching staff expects him to continue to be a strong part of building our defense.”

In 2011, Highsmith started all 13 games during his first year at Arkansas and finished the season first on the team and 10th in the SEC with 12.5 tackles for loss. He recorded 80 tackles, including 12.5 for loss with 4.5 sacks, two quarterback hurries, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, one interception and one pass breakup. His sack total was second on the team, and his tackle total ranked third on the team.

Prior to Arkansas, Highsmith was a junior college All-American linebacker at Phoenix College, In 2010, he recorded 94 tackles, including 12 tackles for loss and four sacks.