KJ Jefferson is highly thought of by Hog fans and nationally

Arkansas quarterback, KJ Jefferson is highly adored by not only his fanbase but around the college football world. Folks rank him somewhere in the top four returning quarterbacks in the SEC.

What is your opinion of KJ Jefferson?

— Jacob Davis (@JacobScottDavis) July 2, 2023

KJ Jefferson is the best QB in the SECpic.twitter.com/I3k2ZfgCWW

— SEC Mike (@MichaelWBratton) July 2, 2023

The epitome of a gamer. https://t.co/WLjI4LXVDs

— Brad Logan (@BradLoganCOTE) July 3, 2023

But, he definitely deserves to be first and that’s no bias. If looking from the outside Jefferson is the most important piece of the Arkansas offense and it’s not even close. Without the Sardis, (Miss.) native last year the Hogs were hindered by what they could do offensively.

The Razorbacks averaged just 13 points per game without Jefferson in 2022. There was no threat to pass and the ability to run the ball in the RPO was severely off. There were certainly some 10+ yard plays but were far and few between.

Leadership

There’s no way to replicate leadership on the field when you’re in the recovery phase. Jefferson is worth three touchdowns in each game and has proven that throughout his career.

The Arkansas soon-to-be legend always gets his teammates in the right spots. Plus, he knows how to call audibles and make checks at the line. Having a high football IQ quarterback like Jefferson and even Jacolby Criswell as a backup will make this transition easier than folks think.

Value when healthy

As stated earlier, Jefferson is the most valuable player on the Arkansas roster and is worth 3 touchdowns per outing. Going into a newer, more pro-style attack Jefferson will run less which will likely keep him from taking huge blows while running down hill.

Whether it was his shoulder or knee, Jefferson has been prone to go down occasionally. In 2023, he will be needed dearly if Arkansas wants to return to the nine win mark or even more.

Jefferson can’t do it all on his own but Arkansas can’t get it done without him.

Will develop as a passer

While under the tutelage of Kendal Briles, Jefferson was able to execute the gameplan each with ease. The Arkansas offense wasn’t as sophisticated and didn’t utilize the whole field. No short to intermediate throws over the middle or seam routes to attack the middle defense. They were predicated on success of bubble screens and passing concepts on the boundary.

This will be something polar opposite from what we’ve seen. New offensive coordinator Dan Enos will always be on the attack, methodically moving the football all over the field in more of a pass happy attack but power run game concepts tagging along.

If Jefferson wants to have a good shot of being a quality quarterback in the NFL then being under Enos will help tremendously. Less quarterback draws and more slants and intermediate routes that take more chances will likely raise Jefferson’s interception rate a tad. However, he’s already proven during his career that he limits mistakes made on the field.

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