FAYETTEVILLE — Receiver Ketron Jackson came into Saturday’s unofficial Arkansas visit thinking the Razorbacks would be one of his top choices when it came time for him to make his college decision.
After the visit and talking with Arkansas offensive coordinator Kendal Briles and receivers coach Justin Stepp, Jackson (6-2, 186 pounds) came away impressed with the program.
“It went great today,” Jackson said. “Great facilities, great coaches. I just got done talking to Coach Briles about the offense. I can definitely see myself in this offense. It was just so great. It was just amazing. This is my first time being up here and I really want to stay. This is just a great home feeling to me.”
Jackson, a 4-star recruit from Royse City, Texas, who had 61 catches for 889 yards and 6 touchdowns last season, has offers from Arkansas, Alabama, Auburn, Baylor, TCU and others,
“They are at the top, they are my main choice,” Jackson said of the Razorbacks. “After today, I don’t think there is anyone else.
“It is that they just take time out to actually think and care about their players. I just saw that from being here today, just one day here. I can see myself being here, playing here as a student and an athlete.”
Briles had success as an offensive coordinator at Houston and Florida State prior to taking a job with the Razorbacks in December.
“He showed his success and his numbers and numbers don’t lie,” Jackson said. “He showed his success. He talked to me, I talked to him and we related on a certain level. It is just great how he produces wide receivers in his system - fast, physical type of wide receivers. The way he coaches quarterbacks, it is going to be great.”
Jackson is also fond of Stepp, who was the lone holdover from former Arkansas coach Chad Morris’ staff.
“He told me to go home, pack for three or four years and come here,” Jackson said. “I am definitely going to come back up here a few more times.”
Stepp has stayed in constant contact with Jackson, who played his sophomore season at Lancaster, Texas.
“Coach Stepp is a great guy,” Jackson said. “He is like one of the only coaches that recruits me that keeps up to date with me, talks to me, takes care of me. He always said he is going to take care of me. I believe his word.”
Jackson is aware of the season Arkansas freshman wideouts Treylon Burks and Trey Knox had in 2019.
“They are making All-American…as a freshman and that’s great for them and that is great for this team," he said. "Even though it is new coaches coming in, I can tell its great a great fit for me.”
Jackson plans on being back June 19 for an official visit and doesn’t plan on taking any others as of this time.
There is a chance his decision could be solidified soon after that.
“Yes, there is a chance this summer,” Jackson said. “Definitely before my senior season so I can go ahead and get that out of the way.”