Brent Venables updates development of Jackson Arnold entering bowl game

Jackson Arnold will get his first collegiate start tonight for Oklahoma in the Alamo Bowl. While that may be daunting for some freshmen, Brent Venables has no doubt that his former five-star plus prospect will be able to handle himself against Arizona.

Venables spoke about Arnold’s development into his new role as of late during a press conference from San Antonio on Wednesday. He has all the faith he needs in Arnold because of the player and person he has always been and become over the course of his life and career.

“Jackson? Again, he has been around the game since he came out of his mama’s womb and been throwing the ball around since then,” said Venables.

“He has got a great demeanor to him,” Venables said. “Very cerebral, consistent. Same guy every day, puts the work in. Just a fantastic teammate. Very highly recruited, very well-thought of yet there’s no entitlement whatsoever with Jackson. He has got the instincts that you want him to have. The poise? Whether it’s his ability to climb in the pocket, patience, trust in the guys around him. Throws guys open, throws with great anticipation. Has all the skills that you want a guy to have.”

Now, over the last few weeks since taking the job over in place of Dillon Gabriel, Venables says the biggest credit to Arnold is his ability to get himself to the next play. If he makes a mistake, he doesn’t let it affect his overall play as he continues to learn and grow at the position.

“In his backup role? He might have two or three bad practices where you leave a little bit to be desired. Not as much of an opportunity as what he has now,” explained Venables. “Now, if he had a bad play? He doesn’t have a bad series. If he had a bad series? He doesn’t have a bad day.”

“He’s quickly able to regain his composure and not let a bad moment really affect him,” said Venables. “You’ve seen that through the course of the season but especially during these last several practices.”

During his freshman season in Norman, Arnold made six appearances for the Sooners as the backup. In those opportunities, he went 18-24 (75%) overall for 202 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

That includes an 11-11 debut against Arkansas State in the season opener. It also included a 5-9 day for 33 yards plus an additional 24 rushing yards versus BYU following an injury to Gabriel.

For Oklahoma, the future is now with Arnold taking the reins. Venables is as ready as anyone else for it too considering his own expectations for his new starting quarterback.