Perfect Day from One Hogs Player Provides Hope for Future

Razorbacks quarterback leaves program in good hands going beyond 2023

Author:
Daniel Shi
Publish date:
Sep 3, 2023 5:52 PM EDT

In this story:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — 382.6 vs 211.2. That's the passer ratings for the two Arkansas quarterbacks from the season opener against Western Carolina. Putting aside sample size for a minute, that 382.6 is impressive.

Yes, redshirt junior Jacolby Criswell only orchestrated one drive in the fourth quarter in garbage time with the game already well in hand. What a drive it was though, after a WCU punt gave Criswell a short field at the opposing 48, he led the offense down the field in just seven plays.

In his short stint on the field, Criswell went 2-for-2 with 28 passing yards and a touchdown to freshman wide receiver Davion Dozier.

"It was going to his left," coach Sam Pittman said referencing Criswell's touchdown pass. "That wasn't an easy throw... That was so awesome. The young kid (Dozier), to let him score a touchdown. That's huge for us to have two. maybe three, really good quarterbacks. That's building confidence and things of that nature."

This tiny tidbit of Criswell's ability has implications for this year and beyond. It should at least give fans hope for remaining competitive if starter KJ Jefferson is unable to go for any reason. Even though we are a long way away, barring injury or some other unforeseen circumstance, Criswell is tentatively penciled in as the 2024 starter if Jefferson does not take his final year of eligibility.

Criswell is a rare one nowadays. Players routinely transfer out the minute there is a mere mention that their job is under threat. Criswell not only understood that he wasn't going to be the starter, but he also knew there wasn't even an open battle for the position.

Hailing originally from Morrilton, Ark., Criswell spent his first three years out of high school at the University of North Carolina, making only one start. Criswell found himself as the backup to Sam Howell, then Drake Maye.

Throughout camp, teammates have raved about Criswell's ability and command of the offense.

"He's an athlete and a quarterback," receiver Isaac TeSlaa said after practice on Aug. 10. "He’s going to be able to move in the pocket but also make throws outside of the pocket. He honestly throws one of the best balls I’ve ever seen from any quarterback."

Criswell is a nice safety blanket for Pittman if anything happens at the quarterback position. This comes a year after the Hogs punted a game against Mississippi State and struggled to generate any offense without KJ Jefferson, ultimately leading to a 40-17 defeat at the hands of the Bulldogs.

History may look back at this game as nothing more than a cupcake opener to celebrate the tradition of playing at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, but it could be the official debut of the next big-name quarterback in a Razorback uniform.

Now they just have to do it again. Kent State is next in the home opener for the Hogs on Saturday at Razorback Stadium. The game will kick off at 3 p.m. on the SEC Network at fuboTV .