On the outside looking in, Willy Robinson’s plan and new approach to naming starters may have seemed strained last week.

After all, what did Arkansas have to lose going against winless Eastern Michigan by starting six defensive players for the first time in their career as Razorbacks?

Arkansas defensive coordinator Willy Robinson is grading effort in practice and naming plenty of new starters as a result. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER)

The plan set in motion last Tuesday at practice will carry on through the rest of the season. Practice well, and grade out ahead of your competition at a position during the week, you’re a starter.

“All of a sudden they realize the message,” Robinson said. “It’s not a false message. It’s a true message, an honest message.”

Players didn’t take the plan seriously during the first practice last week, Robinson said. At practice this Tuesday, though, the players knew Robinson and head coach Bobby Petrino meant serious business.

“I think it meant a lot to a lot of those guys that some of them didn’t start where they had been starters,” Robinson said. “Yesterday’s practice it was very noticeable. People were flying around … It stands out quite a bit.”

The shakeups last week were noticeable — at least at the beginning of the game Saturday. Junior Damario Ambrose started ahead of redshirt sophomore Jake Bequette at defensive end. Alfred Davis, who isn’t even on the two-deep, started at defensive tackle. Bret Harris appeared out of nowhere as a starter. Harris, it should be noted, impressed coaches during the summer with his work ethic. So perhaps it shouldn’t be so surprising that the redshirt sophomore busted his tail to garner a starting spot in the defensive backfield.

True freshman David Gordon started ahead of sophomore Greg Gatson at a cornerback spot, which wasn’t too surprising considering Gatson’s history of giving up big plays and starter Rudell Crim’s injury (hip pointer).

“It just helps everybody execute better,” said free safety Anthony Leon, who started his first game as a Razorback on Saturday. “Everybody’s running to the ball. Against Ole Miss it was kind of like we let down, didn’t give our maximum effort and coach emphasizes on that.”

Leon has graded out at or above 85 percent in every practice since the new plan and grading system was put in place by Robinson.

“I was in good shape, but by doing this I’m getting in even better shape,” senior defensive tackle Malcolm Sheppard said. “I’m all positive about that. I’m glad they put it in there. If you don’t come out here and put in your best effort, then you’re not gonna start.”

Message received.

NOTES FROM PRACTICE

— I did not notice quarterback Brandon Mitchell on the field Thursday during the first 20 minutes of practice which are open to the media. Mitchell should be joining the basketball team soon. We’ll see if the true freshman dressed out at Arkansas’ exhibition game against Lemoyne-Owen on Thursday.

— CB Ramon Broadway (hamstring) isn’t so sure he’ll be returning to the field against South Carolina on Saturday, even if he has been practicing this week. Robinson says he’s day-to-day. Broadway says he’s a game-time decision.

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— Brandon Marcello