Oklahoma football: Jackson Arnold may be best QB of the 2023 class

The Oklahoma football Sooners have been referred to as QBU for quite a while.

This is for good reason. Oklahoma has four Heisman Trophy quarterbacks, five Associated Press Player of the Year QBs, and since 2000 the most Heisman finalists at the QB position. And then there’s Landry Jones, who was none of the above but is Oklahoma’s all-time leading passer and the leader among the Power Five conferences.

Things were supposed to crash and burn at the QB position for the Sooners, according to many pundits, due to QB whisperer Lincoln Riley packing his bags and heading to Los Angeles in the dead of night.

Yet another Oklahoma Sooner commit, however, has won the Elite 11 Most Valuable Player award — this time five-star 2023 signal-caller Jackson Arnold from Denton, Texas.

"“The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.’Mark Twain"

What about on the Field?

Balling out at the Elite 11 is no small feat.  Winning MVP in competition among the best college QB prospects in the land is difficult, but it’s not just Armold’s performances at camps that make him such a highly touted young star. Last season in Texas 6A, Arnold threw for over 4,000 yards and threw 34 touchdowns with just 5 interceptions, and this is easily the toughest classification of all the top-rated QBs.

Arnold can also be a factor in the run game, as he added over 600 rushing yards in his junior season a year ago. The 2023 class is special with a long list of young men who have a chance to make an NFL franchise very happy.  Jackson, in particular, has climbed to the top of my list:

Impact for Oklahoma

Oklahoma is a monster, and everyone but the critics knows it. The Sooners are not in line to fall off under Brent Venables, nor are they in line for that in the SEC. Oklahoma is one of the most consistent programs in the country, strong before Lincoln Riley and once again with him no longer in Norman.

For whatever reason people seemed to think the Sooners might be heading for an offseason of turbulence. Not ot only has that proven not to be the case, but momentum for the program may be higher than any time in recent memory.

Offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby has already brought in two high-tier QB prospects since joining the staff only a few months ago. Starting with Nick Evers, and now Jackson Arnold.

Scouting

Roughly about 6 feet, 2 inches and 195 pounds,  Arnold possesses quick feet, and the ability to climb and manipulate the pocket. He demonstrates the ability to evade pressure and keep his eyes downfield for big plays. He led Denton-Guyer to state last season, but they came up short in the title match. Elite production versus strong competition at Texas 6A high school level. Appears to have “it”factor. He has a strong and confident demeanor and is a gamer who seems to elevate his game as the lights get brighter.