Jones develops passing game in Razorbacks' 2-0 start

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) _ Matt Jones has put up some impressive numbers in his short tenure with the Arkansas Razorbacks. <br><br>And to think he almost redshirted last year. <br><br>The 6-5, 225-pound

Wednesday, September 18th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) _ Matt Jones has put up some impressive numbers in his short tenure with the Arkansas Razorbacks.

And to think he almost redshirted last year.

The 6-5, 225-pound sophomore quarterback from Van Buren, Ark., turned heads in the Hogs' last two games, completing 16-of-26 passes with zero interceptions, 254 yards and five touchdowns. He also rushed for 133 yards.

``It's very early in the season, but we're excited,'' Jones said. ``Things are going all right so far, and we'll find out in these next couple of games when we play some (Southeastern Conference) teams how this season will be.''

At this time last year, Jones wasn't playing at quarterback but rather running routes at wide receiver. He was listed as a backup quarterback behind former Razorback Zak Clark, who transferred to Central Arkansas, which throws the ball more than Arkansas.

Jones emerged as a quarterback against Georgia and played in Arkansas' remaining seven games and against Oklahoma in the Cotton Bowl. He might be remembered best for his performance in Arkansas' seven-overtime victory over Mississippi.

In eight games of splitting time with Clark, Jones was 12-of-27 with three interceptions, 275 yards and four touchdowns. But it was his ability to run the ball that made him dangerous, and he set an Arkansas quarterback rushing record with 592 yards.

Jones attributes success in two games this year to the Razorback offensive line and receivers, who have made big strides to move the football _ and Jones _ down the field.

``Things are starting to open up,'' Jones said.

Arkansas opened in Fayetteville with a 41-14 win against Boise State, and the Razorbacks then beat South Florida 42-3 last weekend in Little Rock.

Those were Jones' first two starts of his collegiate career, but he is nonchalant about it.

``It's still football,'' Jones said. ``You're still playing the same game. Nothing changes.''

The two non-conference games allowed Arkansas to get ready for more serious competition Sept. 28 against Alabama.

``The SEC is the best conference in the nation,'' Jones said. ``(The Alabama game) is going to be tough. Alabama is going to be ready, we're going to be ready, so it's going to be a good game.''

Arkansas coach Houston Nutt said he is proud of the way Jones and his backup, Tarvaris Jackson, have improved.

``Matt Jones, Tarvaris Jackson really stepped up and got us out of some bad plays (against South Florida), did a good job with audibles and ... not trying to be a hero each play but getting us out of a bad play,'' Nutt said.

Jones' most complete game was against South Florida, Nutt said.

``If you take the checks, getting us out of bad plays, (Jones) was well prepared,'' Nutt said. ``But we really wanted to come out throwing and put a lot of faith in our receivers, tight ends, backs. ... I think it was his best game, that part of it.''