The search for KJ Jefferson’s backup next season has ended as former North Carolina quarterback Jacolby Criswell has committed to Arkansas. The redshirt sophomore announced his decision early via Twitter on Saturday evening.
“Excited to be playing in my home state next season,” said Criswell in a tweet. “Ready to get to work with the boys!”
Criswell is a Morrilton (Ark.) native and was offered a scholarship by the Hogs out of high school but wasn’t a top priority for then-Arkansas head coach Chad Morris, so he ended up leaving the state for North Carolina.
In three seasons in Chapel Hill, he’s appeared in 11 games and has thrown for 204 yards on 18/31 passing for one touchdown and an interception. He’s also ran 20 times for 133 yards and one touchdown.
The stats don’t paint the full picture of Criswell’s career and ability, and that’s mostly due to the talent North Carolina has had at quarterback.
For Criswell’s first two seasons, he was the backup to Sam Howell, who was a fifth-round draft pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and one of the best collegiate quarterbacks the last two seasons. This season, he was the backup to sophomore standout Drake Maye, who is considered to be one of the top NFL prospects entering the 2023 season.
Arkansas was in desperate need of another quarterback, following the transfer of Malik Hornsby, and Criswell is the perfect fit. His passing ability is more on par with Jefferson’s and exceeds what Hornsby was able to do through the air. He also has the mobility to be a threat on the ground and should be able to run the offense similarly to Jefferson.
Excited to be playing in my home state next season. Ready to get to work with the boys!
— Jacolby Criswell (@JacolbyCriswell) December 11, 2022
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