NORMAN — Since the night of Dec. 28, OU football fans have been anticipating the next glimpse of Jackson Arnold as the program’s QB1.
Arnold’s first collegiate start was a chaotic one as it finished with him completing 26 of his 45 passes for 361 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions as the Sooners fell 38-24 to Arizona in the Alamo Bowl. While he hurled a handful of impressive tosses — including a 63-yard bomb to Brenen Thompson — Arnold also lost a fumble, bringing his turnover total to four.
It wasn’t the flashiest of starts for the former five-star recruit, but there’s no doubt in Brent Venables’ mind he found the right player and person to lead Oklahoma into the SEC in 2024.
“He’s relentless with his work ethic, and he’ll bring out the best in everybody,” head coach Brent Venables said that night. “He’s a great leader and incredibly skilled.”
Arnold was forced into the limelight 17 days after last year’s starter Dillon Gabriel announced his intention to transfer to Oregon. Throughout winter workouts and since OU began its spring practices on March 11, Arnold has had the opportunity to settle in and focus on improving and leading his team.
He even got the chance to change his jersey from No. 10 back to No. 11, the same number Arnold wore at Denton Guyer (Texas) High School.
“The growth has to happen everywhere,” Venables said on March 6. “Small sample size from where he was a year ago. Some good, some not so good. Having good self-awareness, taking ownership and all the things (he needs) to get better at. Getting comfortable, leading, decision making, timing aspect of it. The mechanics, footwork, eyes, the trust in the guys around him, all those kinds of things. He’ll have to get better at all those things.”
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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/jackson-arnold-looks-lead-during-104502143.html
Author : The Oklahoman
Publish date : 2024-03-24 10:45:02
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