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Former Utah running back Ja’Quinden Jackson headed to the SEC

Jackson, Utah’s top rusher this season, announced he has committed to Arkansas.

(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Ja'Quinden Jackson before game action between the Utah Utes and the UCLA Bruins at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023.

(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Ja'Quinden Jackson before game action between the Utah Utes and the UCLA Bruins at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023.

Former Utah running back Ja’Quinden Jackson is headed to Arkansas.

He announced the move in a social media post on Friday afternoon.

Jackson suited up for the Utes at the Las Vegas Bowl before entering the transfer portal last week.

Jackson transferred to Utah from Texas for the 2021 season, and appeared in three games as a reserve QB, rushing six times for 30 yards and one touchdown.

In 2022, he appeared in 13 games — as a quarterback, on special teams, and eventually, as a running back. With injuries taking a toll on Utah’s depth at the position, he was switched to running back mid-season, and took over as the team’s primary player there, ultimately amassing 78 carries for 531 yards and nine TDs.

Jackson was Utah’s best and most productive running back in 2023 (he finished the season with 153 carries for 742 yards and four scores), but a sprained ankle suffered early in the season would hamper him all year long and limit his efficacy at times.

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