Arkansas has had a football has had a complete makeover in two short years under Sam Pittman. After Chad Morris led the team to two disastrous seasons, Pittman has directed a marvelous rebuild since 2020. After going 3-7 his first year, the Razorbacks improved their win total to nine 2021. QB KJ Jefferson was one of the largest reasons for the Razorbacks’ improvement. Jefferson dual-threat ability contributed to the Razorbacks scoring their most points per game since 2015. After a terrific 2021 season, Jefferson will look to improve his play and become a Heisman contender in 2022.
KJ Jefferson’s 2021 season
In 2020, Feleipe Franks gave the Hogs stability at the QB position. His solid decision making and dynamic arm improved Arkansas’ offense. However, when Franks got injured before the game at Missouri, the nation got a glimpse at Arkansas’ future. KJ Jefferson, a redshirt freshman who stood at 6-3 and 242 pounds, took the reins at QB for the Razorbacks. During the game, the freshman threw for 274 yards and three touchdowns while displaying his ability on the ground. While Arkansas lost the game, it was a sign of things to come for Jefferson.
When Jefferson became the starter, he took over where he left off in the Missouri game. He threw for 2,674 yards and ran for 664 yards on the ground. Moreover, Jefferson took care of the ball, throwing only four interceptions on the year. His passer efficiency rating of 168.7 ranked seventh best in the country last season.
Additionally, Jefferson showed his ability in clutch time this past year. First, he led Arkansas on a clock-expiring touchdown drive against Ole Miss on the road. Although the Hogs lost the game on a botched two-point conversion, it showed Jefferson’s ability to step up in pressure situations. Later in the year, he led Arkansas on a game-winning TD Drive to defeat Miss State at home.
While Jefferson’s ability to run over defenders captures headlines, his most underrated quality is his deep ball. Pro Football Focus graded Jefferson as the best SEC QB on throws 25 yards and above.
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Jefferson’s return to school for the 2022 season has many wondering what his second-year campaign will look like.
KJ Jefferson’s 2022 Outlook and Heisman Potential
The good news for KJ Jefferson is that he returns a lot of pieces in the trenches and backfield. Arkansas returns four starters on the offensive line and their two top running backs from last season. Last season, Arkansas ranked top ten nationally in rushing yards per game. These returners should keep the Arkansas rushing attack amongst the top in the nation.
However, Jefferson will have to rely on different weapons at receiver. Jefferson’s favorite target last season, Treylon Burks, is gone after going to the NFL. Jefferson will need the receivers around him to step up if he wants to surpass last season’s accomplishments. It’s unlikely that any one receiver will replace Burks’ production. But, the good news for Arkansas is that there are a variety of candidates who could step up to exceed his production by committee. These include Oklahoma transfer Jadon Haselwood, 5th-year receiver Warren Thompson, sophomore Ketron Jackson, and former QB Malik Hornsby. Last year Arkansas had a lot of underclassmen in their receiver room. With another year of experience, Jefferson should be operating with more talent at the receiver than last year.
While on paper KJ Jefferson’s stats should improve, his Heisman chances hinge on winning football games. Unfortunately, Arkansas will play one of the toughest schedules in the nation. In addition to playing SEC West foes like Alabama, the Hogs will play a difficult non-conference schedule. In their first game of the year, Arkansas will host a Cincinnati team coming off a playoff appearance. Later in October, they will have to go on the road to Provo to take on preseason-ranked BYU. If Jefferson can guide the Razorbacks to ten or more wins with this daunting schedule, then he has a good chance of being invited to the Heisman ceremony in December.