The University of Arkansas football staff has turned up the volume — literally — to prepare two of its most promising quarterbacks for the rigors of SEC play.
During recent practices the Razorbacks piped in synthetic crowd noise that reached nearly 98 decibels, a level comparable to a roaring stadium, while coaches Ryan Silverfield and offensive coordinator Tim Cramsey shouted directly into the players' headsets.
The exercise, designed by head coach Ryan Silverfield alongside analyst Mitch Stewart, subjects KJ Jackson and AJ Hills to a cascade of complex play calls, unprotected blitz packages and demanding run schemes that mimic game‑day chaos.
Both signal callers have spoken about the value of staying composed amid the din, emphasizing that clear communication and confidence are the keys to thriving in a hostile environment.
The drill is part of a broader effort to build mental resilience, ensuring the eventual starter can handle the pressure of SEC matchups as the program looks ahead to the 2026 season.
Testing Under Pressure
Coverage of the session was reported by Jackson Fuller for the Southwest Times Record, part of the USA TODAY Network.