Once a suspect group, quarterback becoming deepest room on team

It wasn’t very long ago when Arkansas was struggling to put a quality quarterback on the field in case KJ Jefferson was unable to go. In limited attempts Razorback backups completed 48-percent of their passes for 403 yards, 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.

Quarterback was the main reason for the drop-off in offensive production during the LSU, Mississippi State and Liberty losses.

Very soon, if Jefferson stays healthy he will become Arkansas’ greatest quarterback statistically speaking. He has put together 7233 yards of total offense to go along with 67 career touchdowns. National and regional media alike rank the Magnolia State native as one of the top overall signal caller returning to the SEC in 2023. While his impact on the team is certainly important the position is in much better hands.

When did Arkansas last have a better 1-2-3 option under center? Pittman’s staff have recruited well whether it be through the transfer portal or old fashioned recruiting. The head hog believes Jefferson has practiced better than he ever has and was impressed by the third year starter during Saturday’s scrimmage.

“KJ played well,” Pittman said. “I don’t know if we had a whole lot of time early, but when he got time he threw the ball accurate and did a nice job. He had a touchdown down in the red area that I called back because they tagged him. He got all mad at me and said, ‘They ain’t tackling me.’ He’s probably right and I was wrong, but we ahead and went third-and-3 anyway. He ran the offense well. Friday, he threw the ball as well as I’d ever seen him throw. Crazy accuracy. And when he had time to throw today he did one heck of a job.”

One piece of information that stood out during the press conference was Jefferson’s time to throw. Pittman didn’t shy away from saying the blocking amongst the offensive line is slightly off. Sure, Beaux Limmer is playing at a very high level at center and so is Brady Latham at left guard. But, it seems like the three other positions are up for grabs. Keeping Jefferson upright will be of utmost importance if this team wants to build off of their 16 wins the previous two seasons.

Jacolby Criswell possesses under the radar athletic ability that includes running at a 21 MPH pace. The Morrilton, (Ark.) native is not only a great runner but has a very live arm.

“[Criswell’s] got an incredible arm and was very accurate as well.”

The North Carolina transfer played under a solid OC in Phil Lingo in a very pass happy offense. Unfortunately, Criswell never could see the field as there was a logjam of arm talent in Chapel Hill including now NFL QB Sam Howell and current starter Drake Maye. The latter is considered a first round draft prospect in 2024.

Malachi Singleton has also impressed in his first camp as a true freshman and has seemed to take over the third string snaps. The metro-Atlanta native has flashed a strong arm with a long touchdown throw to Dazmin James during the scrimmage.

Also, Cade Fortin has shown control of a beautiful deep pass.

“Fortin came in, he was the third that came in. Maybe, statistically, Fortin might have had a good of a day as any of them did,” Pittman said.

This room may not be as deep as it was under Petrino. However, the quarterbacks do provide promise for this fall and the future of the program.