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Chad Morris updates how John Stephen Jones is preparing to start
By Keith Farner
Published:
Arkansas will turn to a new starter at quarterback this week with John Stephen Jones getting the nod.
Jones last week gave Arkansas’ offense a spark when he went 4-for-9 passing for 25 yards and an 11-yard touchdown to WR Mike Woods.
Coach Chad Morris explained on the SEC media teleconference how Jones is progressing in practice.
“His decision making is very good,” Morris said. “Coming out of the Alabama game, he did not miss a read. his decision making and his ability to move the chains with his feet (also play a role in him playing).”
He was also about the difference with how the team has responded with Jones and K.J. Jefferson.
“They have done a great job responding, Ben and Nick have helped them in practice, that was inspiring,” Morris said. “Really good to see that. To see all of them come out and put forth the energy in practice… It’s about pride and responding the right way… I anticipate nothing but the same.”
This will be the last game in Fayetteville this season for Arkansas’ seniors.
“They have been resilient in the time they have been here,” Morris said. “With all the change that’s gone on here… I have great respect for them. It has not gone as they wanted or anyone wanted for them.”
Morris was asked about Austin Capps recovering from knee surgery.
“He was back out there in a regular jersey, we anticipate him to be back out there and continue to get starting reps,” Morris said. “He is trying to knock the rust off but I do expect him to be in the starting mix.”
What is the key to winning over players you inherit?
“They are our guys,” he said. “We came in here and you have to develop relationship with these guys… they continue to give great effort in practice and I don’t expect that to change in the next three games.”
On playing Ole Miss and Mississippi State, what is the difference there?
“For MSU, just their ability to commit and stay committed to the run… where Ole Miss is more of true zone read, lots of inside zone with RPOs,” Morris said. “Defensively, Ole Miss is odd while MSU is even. Both believe in what they do.”
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
