FAYETTEVILLE — From the time Jordan Jones first ran a 4.3 time in the 40-yard dash at an on-campus camp early in his high school days at Smackover, there have been Arkansas coaches drooling about the possibility of the long, sleek wide receiver running past defensive backs on post routes.
Jones didn't disappoint as a true freshman last season for the Razorbacks, but there just wasn't going to be any playing time with a big cast of seniors at wideout.
Although there were times when head coach Bret Bielema challenged Jones to take things more seriously during his redshirt season, Jones did earn scout teamer of the year honors when coaches gave postseason awards.
Still, there was the media briefing in the spring when Bielema said he was heading to a meeting with Jones' parents to see if he could get a little more out of him. There isn't going to be a need for that kind of meeting this week. Jones has stepped up. Bielema bragged about his academic work this summer and now things are taking off on the field, too.
Offensive coordinator Dan Enos raved about Jones in his first trip to the media room after Saturday's practice, the third of preseason for the Razorbacks.
That's what happens when that 4.3 speed leads to four “over the top” touchdown passes as Jones moved up to the first team with senior Jared Cornelius nursing a sore back. Cornelius better heal quickly. He may be like all of the defensive backs. There may be no catching Jones.
Enos said Jones “flashed explosiveness” on Saturday, but it's been like for three days. The 6-1, 185-pounder may make the Hogs forget about losing starters Keon Hatcher and Drew Morgan to graduation. And, he may be exactly what coaches thought they were getting with Dominique Reed, but never did.
Reed never fully grasped the playbook. Yes, he caught a few bombs in his two years with the Hogs. But the junior college transfer consistently underachieved, mostly because he never learned the nuances of the offensive system. Bielema was often heard ripping Reed for lining up on the wrong side.
That's where Jones has made the jump as a redshirt freshman. Enos ached for that last spring and now is seeing it.
“You see a very committed player,” Enos said of the first three days. “He's playing faster.”
That's not in terms of running faster. Enos is talking about the ability to own the playbook and use his speed because of mental preparation.
“He knows what he has to do,” Enos said, noting Jones gets out of the huddle, lined up and executes like a player excited to show his wares.
“You've seen his speed the first three days. The sky is the limit. I've said that. He can be one of the best that's ever been because of his ball skills and his speed. It's a matter of knowing the playbook.”
Quarterback Austin Allen said Jones has done it all summer in the voluntary workouts that are so important in the passing game. Coaches can't be on the field, so Allen is not only quarterback, but the coach, too.
“There was a little period at the start of the summer where Jordan wasn't healthy and wasn't out there,” Allen said. “But he was really good as soon as he got out there. He was in the tape room with me, learning it. He's stepped up. He's been in the tape room every time with me. That's big because you learn you can trust him.
“I think what you saw was the difference between coming from high school where you are the best out there to the SEC where everyone is good. There's a learning curve. He had that like everyone else does. But he's really shown commitment. He's worked hard.
"He knows out system. He runs great routes. He knows all of the routes and he's showing it all. He can do everything, not just the deep stuff.”
The speed is off the charts.
“You know he's fast, but it really shows at the top end of the routes,” Allen said. “I know with him I better get the ball out in a hurry on those posts. You see him at the 20 and he's at the 50 in the next instant. The top end of the route is just amazing for Jordan.”
Enos saw glimpses of 'wow' stuff in the spring.
“He’s oozing with ability,” Enos said in May in an interview for Hawgs Illustrated. “There were a couple of practices here and there where we were oohing and ahhing with the plays he was making.
“He’s the total package. He’s fluid, has speed and great size. He has great ball skills. He can be as good as he wants to be. He has the ability to change a game. He just needs to be more consistent.”
The consistency is showing up so far in camp. It was there Saturday as the Hogs added pads.
“What you see now, he's matching his skill with effort and intelligence,” Enos said. “You've got something. We've seen that from (Jones) these first three days.
“Now, some other guys have caught touchdowns, too. La'Michael Pettway, Jordan Nance, Brandon Martin and Deon Stewart have caught some, too. But Jordan's stand out because they are all over the top.”
Allen mentioned several other wideouts, but when he changed his expression and raised his eye brows when he it came to Jones.
“Yeah, the guy can play,” Allen said. “I'm a big fan of his. He's making a move.”
Don't blink, or you may not see the move. It's fast.