Nick Saban breaks down what makes KJ Jefferson so dangerous in the Arkansas offense

Alabama coach Nick Saban is generally very complimentary of opposing players ahead of playing their teams. He’s never one to offer any bulletin board material. And his comments regarding Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson in the days leading up to the Tide’s trip to Fayetteville have been nothing but positive. The big-bodied, bazooka-armed dual-threat passer is a versatile weapon under center for the Hogs, and Nick Saban learned last year how much of a game-changer he is.

So, when asked on his coach’s show appearance this week about Jefferson, Saban pointed to his many elite characteristics. However, when prompted to compare KJ Jefferson to other quarterbacks Alabama has faced over the years, Saban refuses.

“Well, I don’t think it’s fair to compare him to anyone we’ve played in the past, because in and of himself, he is a really good player,” the ‘Bama coach said of Jefferson. “This guy is big, he’s physical, he’s really hard to sack. He always falls forward when he runs the ball. They run behind his pads. He runs over guys if he has to.”

A real physical challenge for the Tide. And, according to Nick Saban, Jefferson possesses an attitude at quarterback that’s more aggressive than most. He likes to weaponize that frame and physicality, especially in the run game.

“So it’s unusual to have a guy that has that kind of a mindset that plays the quarterback position. But he’s got a really good arm, strong arm, he’s an accurate passer, he extends plays, and can extend plays on not just the run, but extend plays and then throw the ball down the field. So this guy is really really talented, and a really good player.”

Lastly, Saban finished his comments by explaining some ways in which the Crimson Tide will need to slow Jefferson down.

“We’re going to have to do a great job of controlling him, that’s for sure. And sometimes, you gotta go mirror on him, so that when he does break out, you got somebody breaking to him so he can’t run for first downs. He hurt us last year, you know, converting in long-yardage situations by just taking off and running.”