FAYETTEVILLE — Injuries have caused Arkansas' most experienced offensive lineman to call it a career.
Colton Jackson, a redshirt senior tackle who has been injured for much of the season, has decided to stop playing football, Arkansas coach Chad Morris said Monday. Jackson has missed three games and most of two others this season because of foot and back injuries, and concussion protocol.
Morris said Jackson informed him of the decision Monday morning.
“Colton has really struggled with getting healthy and staying healthy,” Morris said. “It just seems like something continues to reoccur. He and his family have made the decision that he’s going to step away from football. He’s very upset and frustrated that he can’t get healthy and stay healthy.”
Morris said he and Jackson had spoken for a few weeks about his future. Morris called the situation “tough” but “understandable.” Morris said Jackson was at least another week from being able to play because of a back injury he suffered during the first half of the Razorbacks’ game against Auburn on Oct. 19.
Back injuries have recurred for Jackson, who underwent surgery on his back last summer that caused him to miss three games.
“Ever since my back surgery last year I have been pushing myself through pain in order to play the game I love,” Jackson wrote in a lengthy message posted to his Twitter account. “It’s disappointing when you put in countless hours of training, practice and rehab each week for it to not even come close to being reflected through your performance (and) on film, and there is nothing you can do about it.”
Jackson played in 39 career games and started 26, including 23 starts at left tackle. He started three games at right tackle as a redshirt freshman in 2016.
Jackson signed with Arkansas in 2015 as a three-star recruit from Conway.
"He's a guy that we felt like he was always taking great notes. He was a leader in that room trying to get the other guys going," Arkansas offensive coordinator Joe Craddock said. "He's been a warrior. He's fought through a lot of pain that a lot of people don't know about."
Myron Cunningham is projected to start at left tackle Saturday when Arkansas hosts Mississippi State. Cunningham has started three games at tackle and started three other games at right guard this season.
Morris said Shane Clenin and Brady Latham are practicing behind Cunningham at left tackle. Latham is also practicing at left guard, where the starters from the past two games, Austin Capps and Kirby Adcock, are in concussion protocol. Morris said Adock is doubtful to play against Mississippi State and listed Capps’ status as day-to-day.
Center Ty Clary, who left the Razorbacks’ 48-7 loss to Alabama with a shoulder injury, is expected to return this week, Morris said. Quarterback Ben Hicks (shoulder) is expected to practice this week.
Defensive tackle Marcus Miller underwent knee surgery on Friday that ended his season, Morris said.