KJ Jackson named Arkansas starting quarterback

KJ Jackson will start at quarterback for Arkansas when the Razorbacks open the season Sept. 5 against North Alabama, first-year coach Ryan Silverfield said Sunday. Jackson beat out Memphis transfer AJ Hill for the job.

Jackson has six career appearances. In his lone start against Missouri last season, he completed 11 of 17 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown in Arkansas' 31-17 loss. For the season, he finished 33-of-54 passing for 441 yards and three touchdowns.

Silverfield said the decision "wasn't an easy decision, but a very confident one we made as a staff" and that "it wasn't because of lack of talent by the others." After the opener, Arkansas will face No. 21 Utah on Sept. 12 before opening SEC play against No. 3 Georgia on Sept. 19.