With season-openers looming for programs across the country, quarterback competitions are approaching their conclusions.
The SEC is generally home to a handful of high-caliber battles behind center each offseason, and amidst a year of great change in the program, Arkansas is a prime example.
First-year head coach Ryan Silverfield arrives from nearby Memphis, and he’s charged with deciding who will lead his first offense in Fayetteville.
Returner KJ Jackson showed flashes of his potential last fall, but AJ Hill follows Silverfield from Memphis and is familiar with the coach and his system. Both players were rated as 4-star recruits coming out of high school, and both possess the ability to beat defenders with their legs as well.
Following Arkansas’ first scrimmage Saturday, Silverfield was asked about any separation between the quarterbacks and what he’s been seeing from them.
“It makes our job a lot easier when someone separates, but they are both doing some really good things,” Silverfield said. “A lot more will be told throughout the next seven days with the situations we’re putting them in.”
Jackson accounted for nearly 500 yards of total offense and five total touchdowns last season, while Hill threw for 223 yards, 1 touchdowns and 1 interception with the Tigers.
Parker is currently the sports editor for Gulf Coast Media in Foley, Alabama. He's a graduate from Mizzou who has experience covering the Tiger football and basketball beats for SB Nation, and he's worked for a variety of sports news outlets in the past.
