Questions from spring ball linger for Razorbacks’ quarterback room, but Jackson’s experience can provide stability offense desperately needs.
There’s some skepticism out there this summer that one position could hold Arkansas back from being a competitive SEC team this fall.
That’s the quarterback position led by redshirt sophomore KJ Jackson and redshirt freshman AJ Hill. Each of them have reportedly struggled with the long ball during spring practice, but that might be the wrong thing to worry about.
Don’t Hit The Panic Button…Yet
At least some semblance of a deep passing attack has previously been a hallmark of Tim Cramsey’s offense for years now.
The Hogs’ first year offensive coordinator saw his Memphis quarterbacks complete 18 passes of 30+ yards last season, which ranked in the top-20 last season.
Despite having a young quarterback run led by journeyman Brendon Lewis, the verticality of Cramsey’s offense didn’t go away.
He understood how to put his players in position for success which is a sign of great coaching.
Memphis ranked No. 10 nationally in 2024 with 22 passes of 30+ yards, No. 14 in 2023 (22), and No. 14 in 2022 (21).
That level of consistency should translate to Arkansas and there’s plenty of time to be spent in individual workouts and OTAs to refine everything that was absorbed during spring ball.
While Cramsey’s track record provides reason for optimism, Arkansas’ success ultimately depends on the player taking the snaps. That’s where Jackson’s experience becomes most important for ultimate team success.
Jackson’s Experience Should Prevail
There has to be something said for a player with SEC playing experience and that’s what Jackson brings to the table over Hill. Both quarterbacks were 4-star record-breakers in high school before signing with their respective programs.
Now, it’s time for one of them to emerge past the other. Jackson has the physical tools to just about fit any offense across the country.
His work in the second half against Texas and first career start against Missouri in the season finale showed he had command of an offense.
• Composure
The first thing that stood out was his timing on routes and that’s one quality a quarterback must possess under a coach such as Bobby Petrino.
Jackson’s composure is severely underrated as he anticipates exactly where a receiver is supposed to be with a very catchable pass and zip on his throws.
• Quick Reads
The Razorbacks are in need of a quarterback who can process his reads quickly. With a restructured offensive line that features only two returning starters, there will certainly be some growing pains early on.
However, there were several throws Jackson made in extensive late season action where he looked off multiple pass catchers before settling on a teammate breaking for the most effective play.
One play-action concept had multiple open targets such as Rohan Jones on a hitch, and running back Cam Settles in the flat. After processing those two reads, Jackson quickly found O’Mega Blake open on a slant for a first down plus extra yardage.
The next week against Missouri, Jackson linked up with Blake again by delivering a 17-yard strike on a seam route to tie the game at seven apiece.
With a pass rush in his face, the 6-foot-4 passer saw his target break open between a defensive back and safety that proved his composure and ability to process quickly.
Jackson has the tools to be successful and has real-time game experience and effectiveness behind center to perform well for Arkansas this fall. He completed 33-of-54 pass attempts for 441 yards and three touchdowns without an interception.
His swagger in the run game showed up on tape as he rushed 11 times for 52 yards and another two scores.
Sometimes athletes raise their level of play when the lights are brightest and that’s plenty of reason to put hope in the Mobile, Ala. native this fall.
Razorbacks Need Jackson to be The Guy
In a transitional year, Arkansas won’t need Jackson to perform at a first team All-SEC level and that shouldn’t be the expectation either.
What the team needs from him is to provide stability at the game’s most important position. With only two returning starters along the offensive line, there could be growing pains as the unit develops chemistry against one of the nation’s toughest schedules early on.
A quarterback capable of making quick decisions and creating plays when protection breaks down can help mask those issues. North Alabama won’t be the problem, but Utah’s first-year coach Morgan Scalley is known for his sophisticated blitz packages that can test the Razorbacks’ front five early.
Defensively, Arkansas is expected to take a step forward under a new coaching staff who brought in impact transfers and improved depth at each level.
If the Razorbacks can string together some stops, Jackson and his offense can’t afford to constantly put the defense in difficult situations due to turnovers or three-and-outs.
Arkansas isn’t built to win by playing conservatively and that’s certainly not in Tim Cramsey’s DNA when it comes to calling games. His units have historically thrived on explosive plays, whether through the air or on the ground.
To maximize the talent at wide receiver and take pressure off the running game, Arkansas needs a quarterback willing and able to push the ball downfield and process his reads quickly.
That’s why Jackson’s continued development during the offseason is so critical.
If he can combine the poise he showed late last season with confidence in a new offense, then Arkansas has a path to becoming a much more competitive team in the SEC than many expect.