Transfer Running Back Good As Advertised During Spring Game

Former Utah tailback shows versatility throughout spring

Arkansas Razorbacks running back Ja'Quinden Jackson celebrates a score in the Red-White Game at Razorback Stadium on Saturday in Fayetteville, Ark. / Michael Morrison-allHOGS Images

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. —It certainly felt like old times seeing a lot of passing with physical receivers and a run game. Utah transfer Ja’Quinden Jackson looked every bit as advertised. He broke off a 29-yard run on a draw play after a 25 yard catch by Texas A&M transfer Jordan Anthony. 

Jackson led the Razorbacks in rushing with nine carries for 65 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He also caught a 15-yard pass for a score. After the scrimmage, Jackson received high marks from teammates on the defensive side.

"You’re going to need more than one person to tackle him that’s for sure,” defensive tackle Cam Ball said. “He’s just a solid dude, a better person. Runs behind his pads, overall a great player and a very good addition to our team.”

When Jackson entered the transfer portal he was graded out as a 4-star and ranked No. 57 transfer by 247sports. He played three seasons for the Utes and rushed for 1,358 yards and 14 touchdowns. The converted quarterback has caught the eye of Sam Pittman, pushing himself near the top of Arkansas’ depth chart. 

“I missed two or three of his good runs as I was talking to the television folks,” Pittman said. “I heard the crowd, it was on a stretch play. [Jackson’s] had a really good spring.”

“He’s a guy that’s probably even better when it’s live. He looks better because he bounces off of people. He uses that stiff arm a little more. He’s got a violent stiff arm but always seems to be moving forward. When he gets hit hard he grins and gets up. He’s a tough kid, a really good get out of the portal.”

Earlier during spring practice, offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino mentioned Jackson as a running back that will compete for starter snaps this fall. 

"The running back group is going to be real competitive, I think,” Petrino said. “With [Rashod Dubinion] and [Jackson] probably competing for starter. If we were playing a game at the end of the week, they would be the ones competing for starter.”

As spring commences and summer training comes, it will be interesting what kind of roster movement will take place. For now, the Razorbacks sit in a solid spot with its group of tailbacks. Pittman has figured out ways to feed loaded backfields in the past which will be a luxury this fall. 

HOGS FEED:

• Pittman's big bet shows signs of life for Arkansas in spring game

• Razorbacks already picking up wins over Kentucky before season gets underway

• Arkansas unable to keep Smith's no-hitter going against Alabama in series opener

• Remarkable path to Fayetteville for one of Arkansas' new assistants under Calipari

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