Jackson, Carmona ready to face an opponent

FAYETTEVILLE — Left tackle Fernando Carmona and edge Landon Jackson are more than ready to face anyone else not wearing the same uniform.

The two went at each other in the spring drills and again in preseason. Jackson is up for many awards and Carmona very well could be following the season. On Thursday night the Razorbacks will open the 2024 season in Little Rock against UAPB.

“I think it’s really exciting, man,” Carmona said. “I go up against Landon. I’ve been going up for him about eight months now. I’m excited to see a new opponent, get somebody fresh, somebody that doesn’t really know me, and just kind of go out there and just perform. I’m excited just to show what we’ve been working on all summer, all spring and all fall and just kind of put it on for people to see.”

Jackson echoed that statement.

“Yeah, a lot like he said, really just excited to hit somebody that isn’t own team, you know,” Jackson said. “It’s been a long time coming. Think it’s gonna be a big year for all of us. We’ve looked really good throughout fall camp, throughout spring, and now it’s time to show the fan base.”

The Razorbacks are favored by 50 points over UAPB. Jackson said the team doesn’t give that much thought.

“I mean, really don’t look into it too much, you know?” Jackson said. “I mean, if you looked any of those games last week, I don’t think any of them were correct. So you can’t take any opponent lightly. You’ve got to go out there and play the same like you play any other team.” 

Carmona transferred to Arkansas from San Jose State so he obviously will be playing in Little Rock for the first time.

“No, this is my first time,” Carmona said. “I think the closest I’ve been is Fayetteville, so I’m excited to explore something new, see the new scenery and be around these beautiful Arkansas fans, man.”

Carmona was asked what he has heard about playing in War Memorial Stadium?

“I heard it has a lot of history, which is exciting,” Carmona said. “A lot of players have already played there. I think E(‘Marion Harris) had played there during his state final, so lots of history, a lot of people have already played there and just excited to put on a good show for those people in Little Rock.”

Jackson reflected back on his time playing in War Memorial Stadium twice as a Razorback.

“Yeah, I mean it’s great,” Jackson said. “Get a lot of the more southern state fans, being able to come get a home game experience without having to travel five, six hours up to Fayetteville. So, I think it’s great for the fan base. I think it’s a cool experience to kind of get a different home game vibe. So, I’m excited for it. I’m ready to get after it and ready to have fun.”

Carmona is excited for what another newcomer, quarterback Taylen Green, will bring to the game on Thursday and team this season.

“He’s going to drop bombs,” Carmona said. “You can best believe that. I think the confidence he’s gained through the fall camp and just kind of reaching this peak of we’re hitting on all cylinders right now, the offense is flowing, we’re out there having fun, we’re scoring, so you guys are going to see an exciting show coming this Thursday and a lot of deep balls.”

The Razorbacks have 55 new players and after a 4-8 season in 2023 that pleases Jackson.

“I personally feel like it’s great,” Jackson said. “If you have a bad year the year before, you’ve got to do something to change it. I feel like us bringing in those 55 new guys and most of those 55 are playing right now. Definitely feel like it’s going to make an impact. When you have a bad year like last year, you gotta make some changes. That’s what we did and I feel like it’s really going to have a positive impact on our team.”

Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. on Thursday and televised on ESPNU.