Best of KJ Jefferson’s Second Stint at SEC Media Days

Arkansas’ senior quarterback KJ Jefferson stepped up to the podium at SEC Media Days early Wednesday, the second time in his career he’s attended the event. The stud QB covered a wide range of topics, from his new offensive coordinator, to his favorite restaurants in Fayetteville. We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know from Jefferson’s time in Nashville, right here.

Dan Enos’ Arrival

The hot topic for Jefferson was his new offensive coordinator, Dan Enos, and rightfully so. Enos comes in to the Arkansas coaching staff for a second time, bringing an extreme amount of expertise in developing quarterbacks. “His system is very pro style. It’s a lot slower than it has been in the previous years. This offense is a lot on the quarterback, I have a lot more freedom to do different things, audible out of different plays. It’s fun to be in, also just a learning tool for me for the next level,” he said. Jefferson also notes Enos’ offense requires him to watch more film.

What He Focused On During Off-season

“Becoming a better passer. Stretching the ball down the field, getting the playmakers the ball, letting them make plays. Going up to the line of scrimmage, checking out of plays, reacting to mikes. Stuff like that is going to help me prepare for the next level.”

Arkansas’ Fanbase

One of Jefferson’s main reasons he picked Arkansas over the two schools in his home-state, he says, was the fans.

“The fan base at Arkansas is just unbelievable. I mean, that’s one of the reasons why I made my decision to go to Arkansas, was because of the fan base, the environment, the people. They treat you like family, they treat you like one of their own. I just fell in love with it, it just feels like home to me.”

Returning for Senior Season

KJ’s return to Arkansas was up in the air during the off-season, with the thought of potentially leaving for the NFL, or following his former offensive coordinator Kendal Briles to TCU. Jefferson elected to stay at Arkansas, and it’s a decision that could fare extremely well for the Hogs this season. “I didn’t get to play in some of the big SEC games last season due to injury, I just wanted to come back and give this state and my teammates another shot.”

Staying Healthy

“I put my body through a lot. I put my body through so much in this offseason so when this season does come, I’m already prepared for the beatings and bruisings. You might say I put my body through a gauntlet. Taking care of my body as well, getting treatment, massages, ice tubs, stuff like that. This upcoming season I gotta have a big season for my teammates and myself as well.” Jefferson missed a pair of games last season due to injury, but looks to get back on track this year, as he says he’s ready to play a complete season.

Heisman Conversation

“I respect that my name is being brought up, but also I just control the controllable. Each and everyday I just want to go out there and work, and let my game speak for itself.”

Jefferson sits at +5000 odds on Caesars Sportsbook to win the Heisman.

Studying NFL QBs

“I look at a lot of guys. Jalen Hurts, a lot. Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow as well. Just from a technical standpoint, I feel like he’s got the best footwork among all the quarterbacks in the league right now.”

Rocket Sanders

The Hogs have the best QB-RB duo in all of college football, ESPN’s Chris Doering said on Wednesday, and Jefferson is thankful to share the backfield with an elite player like Sanders. “Power, speed, vision, explosive guy as well. He’s smart, intellegent, loves coaching up the other guys in that room. Having a guy like that is a blessing.”

Favorite Game at Arkansas

“You can say the Texas game, just because of the fans storming the field. As a kid you watch that on TV growing up, you always want to be apart of something like that. To actually be apart of something like that was actually a surreal moment for me. Some of my family members actually were on the field with me, so to have them with me, and to share that moment with me, meant a lot.”

Arkansas beat Texas 40-21 in 2021.

Advice for Texas and Oklahoma Joining SEC

“SEC play is just a very physical conference. Week in and week out you see the best of the best compete at a high level. For Texas and Oklahoma, just come in compete at a high level and remain physical.” Texas and Oklahoma will join the league in 2024.

Top Five Favorite QBs in NFL

“(In no order) I’ll go Jalen Hurts, Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson.”

Favorite Place to Eat in Fayetteville

“I got a wide variety, I go a number of different places. I go to Catfish Hole for one.I like steak, so I go to Longhorn’s or Ruth’s Chris here and there. I slowly started eating a lot at Cafe Rue Orleans in Fayetteville, I like their food a lot too.”

Experiencing the Fame

“I actually enjoy it (the fame). You never know what a person’s going through, you might be their hero. So being able to maybe stop and take a picture, hear their story, or sign something for them, will make their day. Just being able to embrace it and take it all in, also knowing I’m doing it for the right reasons.”

Sam Pittman Story

“He swears he’s an athlete. He swears he played quarterback, running back, receiver, safety. He swears he played every position on the field.”

Game He Has Circled For Next Season

“All of ’em.”