NCAAF KJ Jefferson was more banged up than was previously known
Sam Pittman and the Arkansas coaching staff are in a catch-22.
Pittman, the head coach, said Monday during his press conference that quarterback KJ Jefferson was not 100% during Arkansas’ loss to Brigham Young on Saturday. He attributed some of the struggles Jefferson had to that fact.
As to what the injury was, exactly, Pittman did not say.
“Yeah, he was a little banged up going into the game,” Pittman said. “We wondered the same thing, but we knew the answer why. … I’m sure that had a little bit with how he was feeling.”
Jefferson, a preseason second-team All-SEC selection, has had middling numbers through three games. Passing, he’s had higher stats than usual, throwing for 629 yards and six touchdowns against one interception. Rushing the ball, however, Jefferson has not looked nearly the part.
After running for 640 yards and nine touchdowns in 2022, he has 80 yards and one touchdown through three games this year.
The problem is what’s behind him. Newcomer Jacolby Criswell has been a back-up his entire career and is in first season with the Razorbacks after transferring from North Carolina. What he may do if thrust into duty is unknown. And after Arkansas lost both games Jefferson missed last year, unless KJ cannot go, it’s not a chance the Hogs feel they can take right now.
The good news Pittman said is that his quarterback should be better heading into Week 4 against LSU.
“He actually is a lot better today (Monday) than he was last week.”
