Football

Arkansas Razorbacks’ Preseason Scrimmage Shows Promising Signs Ahead of Season

Quarterback KJ Jackson shines, defense tightens, and new transfer Sutton Smith makes impact

Arkansas football staged its second preseason scrimmage on August 22, 2024, using the session to mimic the upcoming Week 2 matchup against Utah, with kickoff scheduled for 9:15 p.m. Central Time.

Quarterback Highlights

Quarterback KJ Jackson proved productive, completing several key passes that moved the offense forward. He connected with Chris Marshall for a 68‑yard touchdown and found CJ Brown for a 22‑yard score, while also adding 15‑ and 12‑yard gains on the same drive.

The Razorbacks’ defense showed a marked improvement, halving the number of big plays compared with the first scrimmage and generating multiple takeaways, including an interception return for a touchdown by Khmori House and a pick by DJ Hairston.

The offensive line also responded better, limiting sacks to a fraction of the previous total; interior tackles David Oke and Antonio Sandel‑Boscomb each recorded a quarterback takedown, underscoring their pass‑blocking progress.

Transfer running back Sutton Smith, who joined from Memphis, took part fully, a sign that he is nearing readiness for a larger offensive role. Head coach Ryan Silverfield praised the overall effort but highlighted lingering issues in tackling and defensive alignment, noting that communication and technique will be focal points before the season opener.

With these positives in place, the Razorbacks enter the regular season with a sense of confidence, believing the preparation has set a solid foundation for the challenges ahead.

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