Who will be the quarterback that replaces Feleipe Franks in the starting lineup next season when Arkansas hits the field for the opener against Rice?

Entering the spring the early nod goes to KJ Jefferson over Malik Hornsby, according to Sam Pittman.

“Well, we’re going two-spot everything, in other words, we are going to have two fields going (at the same time) – because we have numbers. And so, Malik, right now, will be on the two field,” Pittman said recently. “To start out… he’ll be down there getting as many reps, and the same number – the same reps as what KJ would, but right now, KJ is our starter.”

But during that same media availability, Pittman referenced the competition that’s expected to take place this spring all across the depth chart in Fayetteville with a more talented and deeper roster of players to work with this season.

Without a doubt, that competitive atmosphere will loom over the quarterback battle on The Hill this spring. Just ask the players watching it unfold in real-time.

During a recent media availability, running back Trelon Smith was asked which players stood out during the first day of camp and who managed to manufacture big plays. The first quarterback Smith mentioned was Hornsby.

“Malik Hornsby had a good throw today downfield in two-minute drill, took us to like the 5-yard line,” Smith said. “I want to say (running back) Josh Oglesby, on an outside zone, ended up scoring a touchdown for us in the red zone. That was a lot of big plays today.”

Smith then added that he also liked what he saw from Jefferson on the practice field, too.

“But I really just like what I’m seeing across the whole board. KJ Jefferson was looking good today, as well,” Smith added. “He looked completely comfortable in the backfield and I like what I’m seeing from him.”

It’s early but it sounds like the competition under center is going to be a good one, just like Pittman said it would be.