Improving pocket awareness and refining deep ball accuracy could elevate Jackson Arnold’s game to an elite level at Auburn.

Auburn University’s football program is no stranger to high expectations at the quarterback position. Over the years, the Tigers have seen a multitude of talented quarterbacks, from the days of Pat Sullivan and Cam Newton to the more recent names that have passed through the plains. In the latest wave of Auburn football, one name stands out: Jackson Arnold.

Arnold, a highly rated recruit, entered Auburn with significant fanfare. His physical tools—size, arm strength, mobility—immediately caught the attention of coaches and fans alike. However, as with any young quarterback, the transition to college football can present numerous challenges. For Arnold to reach his full potential and become one of Auburn’s elite quarterbacks, there are a couple of key areas where improvement could make all the difference.

While Arnold has already shown flashes of brilliance in his early college career, the difference between a good quarterback and an elite one often lies in the ability to consistently make high-level decisions and execute under pressure. To help him take the next step, two primary areas stand out for Arnold to focus on: improving pocket awareness and refining deep ball accuracy.

Improving Pocket Awareness

One of the defining features of elite quarterbacks is their ability to maintain composure in the pocket, no matter the pressure they face. Pocket awareness refers to a quarterback’s ability to feel pressure, navigate the pocket, and make plays without unnecessarily scrambling or panicking. For many quarterbacks, it’s a skill that’s developed over time, and for Jackson Arnold, it’s an area where improvement could lead to a dramatic leap in his game.

At the college level, quarterbacks are often tasked with handling defensive schemes that are more complex and more aggressive than what they may have faced in high school. The rush is faster, the blitzes are more frequent, and defensive linemen are stronger and more skilled at closing in on the quarterback. For Arnold, improving his pocket awareness will make him more effective in those crucial moments where things aren’t going as planned.

In his early appearances at Auburn, Arnold has shown an impressive ability to make plays outside of the pocket. His mobility is certainly an asset, and he can use his legs to escape pressure when needed. However, relying too heavily on scrambling can limit a quarterback’s potential in the long term. The key is finding the right balance between making plays with his legs and standing firm in the pocket, keeping his eyes downfield, and making the throws that will extend drives.

One thing that stands out about Arnold is his natural instincts when moving outside the pocket. He has the ability to extend plays and create opportunities for himself. But elite quarterbacks, like Patrick Mahomes or Russell Wilson, are able to keep their eyes downfield while evading pressure, allowing them to throw strikes even when their body is off balance. Arnold’s ability to do this consistently will be crucial for him to become elite at Auburn. The ability to keep plays alive within the structure of the offense while avoiding unnecessary scrambling will give Arnold more opportunities to make big throws.

To improve his pocket awareness, Arnold needs to focus on a few specific elements:

1. Feel for Pressure: One of the most difficult aspects of playing quarterback is the ability to sense when pressure is coming, and to react appropriately without losing poise. Arnold can work on his internal clock, learning how long he has to execute his throw before pressure arrives. This will help him avoid unnecessary scrambles and allow him to make decisions faster.
2. Footwork Under Pressure: Having solid footwork in the pocket is crucial. Arnold’s footwork under duress will help him reset his platform to make clean, accurate throws. A good drill for quarterbacks to work on is stepping up in the pocket rather than dropping back too far. This can buy them more time to scan the field and deliver a throw.
3. Trusting the Offensive Line: As much as individual performance is important, a quarterback’s ability to trust his offensive line and remain composed is vital. Arnold needs to develop the confidence to stand tall in the pocket and go through his progressions even when pressure is mounting. This trust will allow him to be more decisive and reduce unnecessary panic.

Improving pocket awareness is not something that can be done overnight, but for Arnold, it is a clear path toward becoming a top-tier quarterback. As he gains more experience and matures in the system, the hope is that his natural feel for the game will allow him to overcome one of the most common pitfalls for young quarterbacks: playing too fast and rushing decisions.

Refining Deep Ball Accuracy

In today’s modern college football landscape, a quarterback’s ability to throw the deep ball is often a key factor in offensive success. The ability to stretch the defense vertically forces opposing teams to defend every inch of the field, opening up space for both the run game and shorter passing routes. While Jackson Arnold has shown he possesses a strong arm—an asset in throwing deep passes—there’s still room for improvement in his deep ball accuracy.

Deep balls are not just about raw arm strength; they require a quarterback to accurately place the ball in tight windows, often against tight coverage. While Arnold’s arm strength allows him to make throws that many other quarterbacks can’t, accuracy and touch on these throws are crucial. An elite quarterback is able to consistently hit wide receivers in stride on deep passes, leading them away from defenders and into the open field.

At times, Arnold has demonstrated inconsistency in his deep ball accuracy, with overthrown passes or attempts that lack the touch necessary to make them catchable for his receivers. This is a common area where young quarterbacks can struggle as they adjust to the speed of the game. Developing the right touch on deep throws, especially when dealing with wind, weather, or varying field conditions, is an essential skill for a quarterback looking to elevate his game.

To refine his deep ball accuracy, Arnold can focus on a few key aspects:

1. Touch and Trajectory: The deep ball requires the right trajectory, especially on intermediate-to-long passes where distance becomes a factor. Arnold can improve by working on the arc and touch of his throws, ensuring that his passes fall into the hands of his receivers rather than sailing over their heads or being intercepted.
2. Timing with Receivers: Deep passes rely heavily on timing. Arnold must develop chemistry with his wide receivers, understanding how they run their routes, their speed, and how long it takes for them to get downfield. That rapport is vital for hitting the right spot and making the deep ball more consistent.
3. Footwork on Long Throws: A quarterback’s mechanics on deep passes play a big role in accuracy. Arnold needs to work on his lower-body mechanics when launching deep passes—specifically, his follow-through, the positioning of his feet, and his ability to generate power from his legs while maintaining balance. Ensuring proper mechanics will improve both the velocity and precision of his deep throws.
4. Staying Calm in High-Pressure Situations: The deep ball is often thrown when the quarterback faces pressure or must make a big play. Arnold can improve his ability to make these throws while staying composed in critical moments. Learning to stay calm and in control while making deep throws, even under duress, will give him the poise necessary to lead the team down the field in high-pressure situations.

 A Bright Future Ahead

While Jackson Arnold has already shown glimpses of his immense talent at Auburn, his journey toward becoming an elite quarterback will require continued development in key areas. Improving his pocket awareness will allow him to handle pressure better and stay in rhythm with the offense, while refining his deep ball accuracy will make him a more dynamic playmaker and a consistent threat against top-tier defenses.

The tools are already there. Arnold’s physical attributes—his arm strength, mobility, and size—make him a natural fit for success at Auburn. Now, it’s a matter of polishing those tools and making the necessary adjustments that will elevate his game to an elite level.

If Arnold can take these next steps in his development, there’s no reason why he can’t be one of the premier quarterbacks in the SEC and in college football overall. The foundation is in place, and the potential is boundless. For Auburn fans, the hope is that Jackson Arnold is the next great quarterback to lead the Tigers to glory.