Arkansas' New JACK Linebacker Soles Promoted for Hard-Hitting Style
Steven Soles, a transfer from Kentucky, has earned a starting role at Arkansas' new JACK position, a hybrid defensive end/linebacker. His 2025 season included 33 quarterback pressures and seven sacks, catching the attention of defensive coordinator Ron Roberts. Roberts praised Soles' consistent work ethic and violent playing style as key factors in his promotion.
Soles arrives in Fayetteville after two seasons with the Wildcats, where he compiled 16 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks. His 23.7% quarterback pressure rate ranked among the nation's best, and his production caught the eye of new defensive coordinator Ron Roberts, who has implemented the JACK role to add versatility to the Razorbacks' front seven.
Roberts' staff grades every practice rep, and Soles earned the starting nod over junior Charlie Collins after the second scrimmage. The coaching staff believes his best football lies ahead, citing his daily consistency and physical approach as traits that should translate to both passing and running situations.
Soles' promotion could signal a shift in how Arkansas approaches defensive recruiting, potentially attracting more hybrid athletes who fit the JACK mold. For fans, the move represents a tangible response to last season's defensive struggles, offering hope that a more aggressive, pressure-oriented scheme may produce measurable improvement. His success could also influence how other programs evaluate transfer talent from the SEC, though broader impact remains tied to on-field results.