Oklahoma QB Jackson Arnold explains what makes Texas High School football different

By Aman Sharma

Modified May 17, 2024 10:45 GMT

Jackson Arnold, the standout quarterback for the Oklahoma Sooners and a Texas high school football alum, recently shared his insights on why Texas high school football is unparalleled. Speaking on "Next Up with Adam Breneman," Arnold emphasized the unique commitment of coaches and communities in Texas:

"We think Texas high school football is different than every other state. I think it's just the coaches and the community cares more. You have athletes in every state but I feel like the coaches and the community is more invested into it."

He pointed out that this investment translates into superior facilities and resources:

"When your community's invested more into your program, you can get better weight sets or better facilities that help your players out, help them get stronger, get faster."

Arnold also highlighted the dedication of Texas high school coaches:

"I see coaches going to clinics all the time. We had about 300 high school coaches at OU's clinic, assuming the majority of them were local from Texas too. Just coming up and learning because they care so much about their job and about football and something they're very passionate about."

Texas high school football's prominence is reflected in the numbers. Last year, Texas led the nation with 187 players in the NFL, outpacing other football powerhouse states like Florida and California. This deep connection to the sport is evident in the 1500+ communities across Texas that field high school teams, treating football almost like a religion.

Jackson Arnold's perspective is backed by his personal experience. As a two-year starter at Denton Guyer in suburban Dallas, he earned the Gatorade National Player of the Year title in 2022, amassing 4,497 total yards as a senior.

Jackson Arnold among Heisman contenders despite limited experience

With spring football concluded and the college football season approaching, the betting lines for the 2024 Heisman Trophy race are heating up. Oklahoma's new starting quarterback, Jackson Arnold, is tied for the 10th-best odds at +3000 according to DraftKings Sportsbook. Georgia's Carson Beck and Texas' Quinn Ewers lead with +900 odds.

Despite a challenging performance in last season's Alamo Bowl, where he threw three interceptions, Jackson Arnold has shown significant progress. In the spring game, he completed 10 of 20 passes for 233 yards and two touchdowns without any turnovers. Post-Spring game he said:

“I thought I played good,” Arnold remarked. “Obviously, there are some plays and some throws that I want back, but overall I thought it was solid.”

OU head coach Brent Venables praised Arnold’s leadership and decision-making throughout the spring.

“I go all the way back to January and I’m incredibly pleased with the progress. His leadership, the things that he does from a decision-making standpoint, and taking care of the football. Those are the things that I look for and he’s been a great leader."

As a high school senior in 2022, Jackson Arnold threw for 3,476 yards and 33 touchdowns, with only two interceptions, while rushing for 921 yards and 24 touchdowns. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 214 lbs, Arnold was a four-star recruit who chose Oklahoma over 25 scholarship offers. The Sooners open their 2024 season against Temple on August 30 and Arnold is one to watch out for.