The Arkansas Razorbacks 2021 quarterbacks depth is turning into one of the best the program has ever had. After losing Feleipe Franks following the 2020 season, the Hogs will now turn to a new starter under center. The likely candidate is KJ Jefferson, who appeared in a few games last season. But leave no doubt, the other players at the position listed below will give the sophomore a run for his money.
Arkansas enters the spring with a new outlook into a new season. After a 3-7 finish in 2020, head coach Sam Pittman is ready to take the program to new heights. The success of the Razorbacks next fall lies in the hands of whichever quarterback is taking snaps under center.
The Hogs are returning a lot of talent on both sides of the ball, too. Running back Trelon Smith is back in 2021. He had 710 rushing yards on 134 attempts with five touchdowns. Also on offense, the Razorbacks return Treylon Burks, who led the team in receiving with 820 yards and seven touchdowns on 51 catches.
For any Razorbacks quarterback in 2021, they will have a returning offense that put up solid numbers last season. During 2020, Arkansas averaged 391.5 yards per game and 25.7 points per game.
Arkansas Razorbacks 2021 Quarterbacks Outlook
First, KJ Jefferson will be the likely favorite to be named the starter entering week one in September. The Razorbacks open the 2021 season against Rice on September 4 in Fayetteville. Jefferson brings a new look to the team. He has the capabilities that Franks showed, but in a smaller frame. He showed flashes of the future in the final two games of last season.
Last season, he finished 20-of-41 passing for 295 yards and three touchdowns. In those 41 attempts, the redshirt freshman averaged 7.2 yards per attempt and completed 48.8 percent of his passes. Looking to next season, the program will be in good hands if Jefferson starts. He has a tremendous arm and can throw darts to his receivers anywhere on the field. With his legs, the rising sophomore can traumatize defenses for big gains.
The second quarterback on Arkansas’ roster for 2021 is rising sophomore Malik Hornsby. At 6 foot 2, 183 pounds, Hornsby has a solid frame. Hornsby could give Jefferson a run for his money in the spring and fall competitions. While he has yet to appear in a game, this is one player that Hogs fans should be excited about. If things go his way, Hornsby could end up being the future of the program. He was rated as a four star prospect and was ranked the fifth dual-threat quarterback nationally.
John Stephens Jones is the final quarterback under scholarship in Fayetteville. He will enter the 2021 season as a redshirt junior with potentially two years of eligibility remaining. During his freshman season, he played in three games and started the season finale. Jones completed 13 passes for 101 yards and two touchdowns that season. Although he hasn’t seen the field since, he could be used next season.
The Decision
As of now, Arkansas football has yet to even begin practice. That will begin in March with the spring game arriving in April. But, the Hogs will be keeping a close eye on each quarterback. Replacing Franks will be no easy task. However, Arkansas has a different skill set with each signal caller. If today was opening week of the season, many believe Jefferson would be the starter for the first game. But only time will tell which quarterback will take over in 2021.
