Interview: 4-Star 2020 Arkansas Dual-Threat QB Jacolby Criswell Updates Recruiting and College Camps

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

There were a lot of breakout stars during the 2017 high school football season, but few of those rising talents have captivated the collegiate ranks like Jacolby Criswell. Early during his sophomore season, Criswell was still in a quarterback battle leading to time at receiver where he snagged eight passes for 94 yards. As the season went along, the 6-1.5, 208-pound, dual-threat cemented himself as not only Morrilton High School’s top Devil Dog in the pocket, but also as one of the best in Arkansas and in the nation rushing for 969 yards with 14 trips into the end zone off 146 carries while throwing for 1,947 yards with 20 more scores accounted for while only tossing four interceptions. Colleges have responded.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of Arkansas’ top talents in the 2020 class covering his 11 scholarship offers, offseason workouts, and extensive college camp circuit.

Interview

Jacolby, your abilities, talents, and athleticism seem tailor-made for a spread offense, how does the spread fit your skillset in your own words?

“It helps a lot, For me, I can do multiple things – I can throw and run. I can read backside the backside and give the ball to the running back or pull it and make a play. I can figure it all out in one play and make it happen.”

You had a lot of amazing highlight plays last season, is there one that you feel captures your overall talents and abilities as a quarterback?

“I’d say the Watson Chapel game. I could have run 20 times for 300 yards, but I am not a selfish player. I let my running back get yards. We did not pass too much, we hit them short so our receivers could get going, and they did.”

When the 2017 season ended, what were the strengths of your game as a dual-threat?

“The strengths… I’d say my accuracy. Most people knew I could run, but most did not know I could throw. I went 15 for 15 in one game. I think that broke the record for consecutive passes for our school. I felt good about it.”

You even pulled down some passes last year, are we going to see more of you in different alignments receiving the ball in different ways in 2018?

“Probably not. We had a junior quarterback last season; coach did not know who he wanted to start. When he was in, I was at receiver.”

What have you been working on with your game this offseason?

“I have been working on being a better leader. Last year, I wasn’t the leader I was supposed to be. I’m trying to help the offensive linemen get setup and lined up. I am improving on that daily. With my technique, I am working on keeping my elbow high. At times in practice, I throw 60-plus balls. I can drop my elbow when I get tired. I am trying to be consistent with that.”

Where are you seeing the biggest growth with your game this offseason?

“I’d say my deep accuracy has been better… I’ll be able to tell better in our first game.

The Devil Dogs had a nice run into the playoffs before a hard-fought game against Wynne. How did the tough loss to Wynne help motivate the team this offseason?

“It motivates me a lot. I still have the screen saver up where Logan Jessup hit me, he hit me good. I still have that up as a reminder. I put all the stuff on me from that game. I did some stuff that I should not have done.”

How has the team looked through spring and summer practices?

“We have a shot. We have tall receivers, we have speed, we have a returning back, and we are only missing two offensive linemen from last year. We have guys stepping up. On defense, we have most of our guys back except for two defensive linemen. I think we will be better than last year.”

Did any college programs come by Morrilton to meet you in-person or to watch you throw this offseason?

“A lot of schools came by. Just to name a few, Tennessee, Florida, Arkansas, and Mississippi State.”

Did you go to any college camps this summer?

“Yes, sir. I have been to Oklahoma State, Arkansas, Georgia, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Alabama, N.C. State, and I may go to a Florida camp later this summer.”

How did the Arkansas camp go?

“They said it was one of the best ones they have seen in many years. I knew what I had to do going into that camp, and I did it. I focused on my footwork, that is what they were looking at. I think I did well.”

What about the Georgia camp, how did that go?

“I liked Georgia a lot. I like Coach Jesse, I believe he is from Little Rock Christian. We have a good connection. I am looking to visit up there soon.”

Nice. Of all the camps, which did you turn in your best performance?

“Mississippi State. At that camp, that was my first time to run a 40, I think I ran a 4.61. For my first time, I think I did pretty good.”

That is good. What is at least one thing you have learned from all the camps this summer that will help you during your junior year and going forward?

“I’ve learned a lot about coverages. There were a lot of coverages I did not know about. We are good out wide, so there are coverages I don’t see in games. I learned a lot about zone coverages.”

Going into recruiting. How many offers do you have now?

“I have 11 offers.”

Criswell’s offer sheet: Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi State, Memphis, N.C. State, Ole Miss, Seton Hill, South Alabama, Oklahoma State, Central Arkansas, and Arkansas State

Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?

“Missouri, Florida, Ohio State, Alabama, Tennessee, Washington, Washington State, and Penn State.”

You still have a possible camp with Florida, are there any other planned visits coming up for you?

“There might be a couple. I might visit Ole Miss, Mississippi State, and Florida. I will visit Arkansas for a game. I will visit then with with KJ Jefferson and Jovani Johnson.”

If I have heard correctly, you are Dre Greenlaw’s younger brother (starting linebacker for Arkansas). Does that put added pressure on you early in the recruiting process with the Razorbacks?

“Not really. Dre said he does not want me to commit right now. I am seeing what the offensive line at Arkansas does going forward. Dre also said that Coach Morris would be a good fit for me but to explore other schools before committing.”

What are you doing this summer away from football and working out?

“Going mudding, fishing, hang out with my friends. I stay with my coach, so we are 24-7 with film. We are always watching film. He just wants me to be the best I can be.”

What goals have you set for the season?

“I don’t have any goals. If a quarterback does what he is supposed to do, the stats will come. I am not worried about stats. I am focused on how I can improve every day.”

Jacolby, great talking to you today. Good luck with the rest of your summer workouts and with your upcoming junior season.

“Thank you.”

Please help keep RecruitingNewsGuru.com a national site aiding in bringing exposure to amazing student-athletes!

If RNG has helped you, a friend, or a family member through an article, video, or stylized interview with our countless hours of free promotion for high school, junior college, and college athletes – please donate. Any amount is appreciated!

Photo credit: Criswell family; Jacolby Criswell at Arkansas and at Ole Miss