Tag: Jacobly Criswell

Players To Watch: Arkansas vs. Western Carolina

In what looks like a mismatch on paper, look for these key players on both teams to make an impact.

NOTE: As always here on Razorbacks Wire, we aren’t simply going to pick the best players to watch on Saturday when Arkansas hosts Western Carolina. That’s too easy. Instead, this is where we try to look inside trends and storylines and give you the best idea of who could make some surprise noise in the game.

As we know throughout the history of Razorback football, even less imposing mid-major schools can never be taken too lightly, especially early in the season. But this matchup on paper looks very one-sided and should be smooth sailing for the revamped, improved Razorbacks.

Western Carolina rolls into War Memorial Stadium on Saturday as heavy underdogs, following a subpar 6-5 season in 2022, under third-year head coach Kerwin Bell, the 1984 SEC Player of the Year at Florida. ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) gives Arkansas a 99 percent chance to breeze through their opener.

Also, take into account, that many of Arkansas’ key starters may not play long in this game, which will take away their overall impact.

Dan Enos remains impressed with backup QB Jacolby Criswell

Backup quarterback Jacolby Criswell’s “elite arm talent” has impressed Dan Enos throughout fall camp.

[autotag]Jacobly Criswell[/autotag] has had limited opportunities to showcase his talent as a quarterback over his first three collegiate seasons.

The former North Carolina backup has only played in 11 games over three years, recording just 18 completed passes, 204 passing yards and one touchdown. In those limited opportunities, though, Criswell showed flashes of what he’s capable of.

Fast forward to now and the Morrilton (Ark.) native has secured a role as backup to [autotag]KJ Jefferson[/autotag] for 2023. Since Criswell has arrived in Fayetteville, he’s continued to impress offensive coordinator [autotag]Dan Enos[/autotag] in practices.

“He’s got tremendous arm talent. Like, elite arm talent,” Enos said. “He can make throws into windows. I mean, he threw a post the other day like 60-something yards in the air into a breeze. So, he can make some of those ‘wow’ throws that a lot of guys can’t make.”

Criswell’s arm talent is only half of it. The redshirt junior has also showcased his ability to extend plays and make things happen with his legs.

“Jacolby had some sparks,” [autotag]Sam Pittman[/autotag] said following Saturday’s scrimmage. “I think Jacolby is going to be a guy you’ll see be a much better player when you have to tackle him. He can run over 21 mph, but he’s got an incredible arm and was very accurate as well.”

Last season, Arkansas didn’t have a single reliable quarterback option on the roster after KJ Jefferson. When Jefferson got hurt and missed time last season, the Arkansas offense struggled massively. This season, Criswell is here to make sure that doesn’t happen, and has earned the trust of Enos.

“Yeah, we feel really good about Jacolby,” Enos said. “I think he’s had a really good camp. He had a really good spring. He’s really smart, studies the game. We have a lot of confidence in Jacolby and I think he’s going to continue to get better.”

Arkansas opens the season with three non-conference opponents and will likely be favored in each of them. Expect to see Criswell get some valuable playing time in each of those three games, if the Hogs are able to take care of things early.

The Razorbacks will open the season on Sept. 2 against Western Carolina at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock.

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