‘He’s a problem now’: Jackson among scrimmage standouts

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas soccer coach Sam Pittman mentioned Tuesday he isn’t fairly positive how good the Razorbacks’ secondary is at this level in spring apply. 

The assertion was made because of what the fourth-year coach noticed throughout Arkansas’ scrimmage at Reynolds Razorback Stadium final Saturday: quarterbacks didn’t have a lot time to survey the sphere and throw. 

In different phrases, the defensive position had a top quality day.

Pittman was effusive in his reward of the unit following the ninth apply of the spring. He was impressed with the protection’s play as an entire, and it started up entrance.

“I actually like our defensive ends with [Jashaud Stewart] and Zach [Williams] and Nico [Davillier] and John [Morgan], and naturally [Trajan] Jeffcoat — these guys. I believe we’re coming alongside,” Pittman mentioned. “We’re fairly gifted there. We’re a bit quick on the within as a result of Cam Ball’s bought a excessive ankle [sprain].”

Extra from WholeHogSports: Notes and observations from the Razorbacks’ spring soccer apply on Tuesday

Defensive finish Landon Jackson, although, stood out probably the most. Pittman famous the LSU switch “had pretty much as good of a day as he’s had since he’s been right here.”

He was the primary participant talked about Tuesday when Pittman supplied a rundown of the crew’s weekend work.

“I assumed he was so spectacular,” Pittman mentioned.

At 6-7 and 269 kilos with terrific size, Jackson is an imposing determine and will be greater than a handful on the sting for offensive tackles. Indications are that was the case throughout final Saturday’s scrimmage that was closed.

Jackson’s scrimmage statistics weren’t disclosed, however he’s making a case and push for vital snaps within the fall, in addition to a beginning job.

In 2022, Jackson began 7 video games, together with the Liberty Bowl in opposition to Kansas, at defensive finish and recorded 23 tackles and three sacks. Professional Soccer Focus knowledge exhibits he had a season-best tackling grade of 75.9 within the triple-overtime victory over the Jayhawks and didn’t miss a deal with after Week 4.

Extra from WholeHogSports: Pittman discusses Arkansas’ scrimmage final Saturday

Pittman mentioned Jackson was tall and thin early in his time at Arkansas as he labored his manner again from an ACL damage. He was enjoying at roughly three-quarter velocity at instances final season.

Not anymore.

“Now he’s larger, assured, lengthy,” Pittman mentioned. “He’s an issue now — a very good downside. He’s on our crew, however he’s an issue if you happen to’re an offensive lineman. It’s simply his velocity and his measurement proper now.

“I imply, he’s been onerous to dam.”