Brent Venables explains why Oklahoma QB Jackson Arnold is ready for SEC
Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables is very confident in quarterback Jackson Arnold’s readiness for the SEC this season.
Stepping into the starting quarterback role full-time, Arnold will need that confidence to man the Sooners each Saturday. It’s a brand new ball game for a program that has expectations through the roof based on its history.
But, there’s not a better QB to lead the charge than Arnold, according to Venables.
“Well, Jackson understands better than anybody what goes into being a quarterback of a football team, of a locker room, the leader, the face, the responsibilities, the challenges,” Venables said at SEC Media Days. “You know, what I feel best about and have the most peace about is his ability to be able to handle the highs and the lows, the challenges, the success, the failure that a season will bring you.
“Nobody is more competent or more ready now, even though he’s a young player and we’ve got to in some ways be the headlights for him. That’s why they call us coach, but his skill, his arm talent, his toughness, his instincts, his ability to lead people bring out the best in people. No question about it. He’s ready for his opportunity and his moment.”
Arnold appeared in seven games last season, completing 44-of-69 (63.8%) passes for 563 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions. He also ran 31 times for 116 yards and a touchdown.
As a member of the Class of 2023, Arnold was a five-star-plus recruit out of Denton (Texas) Guyer, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 2 overall prospect in the state, the No. 4 quarterback in the class and the No. 8 overall prospect in the class.
Arnold spent most of his true freshman season as the backup to Dillon Gabriel before making his first start in the Alamo Bowl against Arizona.
Some obstacles were to be expected in his first college start, but he’s been working to make the necessary improvements in Year 2. The QB provided an update on his progress during an interview at the Manning Passing Academy.“The offense, it’s a lot of similar stuff that we were running last year,” Arnold said. “Just terminology has changed and stuff like that. But all those guys know the system. I’m talking about our receivers, our tight ends. Those guys know the system. It was more so improving on it this spring. I’m focused on the minute details and just really locking in on what we’re good at.”