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Arkansas is losing only a maximum of three players from its defensive line – potential transfers notwithstanding – in 2022. But given the two guaranteed losses and the third potential loss, re-making the front of the Razorbacks defense is going to be a priority for coach Sam Pittman and defensive coordinator Barry Odom.
Jackson, who is from Texarkana, was a four-star recruit in the Class of 2021. An edge rusher with size, he has the build of Markell Utsey, one of the players the Hogs will lose next season.
Utsey and end Tre Williams will both be gone from the roster in 2022. Defensive tackle John Ridgeway could leave for the NFL, too. That would mean all three primary starters on the Hogs front would be out.
Even if Jackson doesn’t step into a starting role, his potential and youth – he will have three years of eligibility remaining – could pay dividends down the road. The Razorbacks do return ends Zach Williams and Jashaud Stewart, tackles Taurean Carter and Isaiah Nichols and hybrid end/tackle Eric Gregory, among others.
Jackson played in five games with LSU, exclusively on special teams. He was rehabbing a knee injury he suffered in high school for a good chunk of the season.