Arkansas Football: 5 players to watch this Spring

FAYETTEVILLE, AR - SEPTEMBER 30: Jonathan Nance #7 of the Arkansas Razorbacks catches a pass for a touchdown during a game against the New Mexico State Aggies at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

An underrated quarterback battle to watch before the start of the 2018 season is the one taking place for Arkansas. It’ll be between Kelley, freshman Connor Noland, and current backup Ty Storey. While Kelley should be the favorite for the job, he’ll likely be on a short leash.

Kelley is Bielema’s quarterback recruit, not Morris’. The system that Kelley was expecting to run during his time with the Hogs is not what Morris will be running for the offense. That could give both Storey and Noland somewhat of a leg up in the starting race.

Ultimately, the job is Kelley’s to lose and he’d have to show some serious signs of doubt for him to not get the nod in Week 1 against the Eastern Illinois Panthers, out of the FCS. The easy first three games of the year will give Kelley a chance to get comfortable, not really something he had the luxury of in 2017.

Next: 3 ways Arkansas can improve in 2018

In his first full season as the likely starting quarterback, Kelley will not have to worry about what’s happening with Austin Allen. Both Allen brothers are now done with their time in Fayetteville. It’s Kelley’s turn to take the reins to a successful Arkansas offense.

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