KJ Jefferson opens up on how he has embraced competing with Jacolby Criswell

Arkansas brought in North Carolina quarterback Jacolby Criswell this offseason despite two-year starter KJ Jefferson returning for another season. The decision may rub some quarterbacks the wrong way, but not Jefferson, who spoke after the Razorbacks’ spring game about embracing the competition between Criswell and the rest of Arkansas’ quarterback room.

“In the quarterback room it’s always iron sharpening iron in there,” Jefferson said. “I mean my spot is up for grabs just like anybody’s so anytime I come in man I’m ready to work, learn from each other, we all learn from each other.”

Jefferson has started all but two games for the Razorbacks in his last two seasons, missing games versus LSU and Mississippi State in 2022. The 6-foot-3, 242-pound dual-threat quarterback does take his fair share of hits, and with backup Malik Hornsby transferring to Texas State, depth at the position can’t hurt the Razorbacks. And neither can competition, as Arkansas QBs have created a competitive atmosphere that allows them to bring the best out of each other.

“So we just created the environment, it’s a brotherhood, and when we step out on the field we’re all competing at one another and were trying to be that top guy,” Jefferson explained.

Criswell spent the previous three seasons with the Tar Heels, appearing on a limited basis. He played in 11 career games for the Tar Heels, making one start against Wofford in 2021 where he completed 11 of his 19 pass attempts for 125 yards and rushed for 66 and a touchdown on the ground.

Criswell decided to return home when he hit the transfer portal and was a four-star prospect out of Morrilton, Arkansas in high school. He was ranked the No. 20 quarterback in the nation and the No. 2 player in the state of Arkansas for the 2020 class according to On3’s Industry Ranking. And Criswell may not have as much game experience as Jefferson, but has tell taught him a thing or two.

“So just bringing Jacolby in just adds fuel to the fire, he’s a great guy off the field and on the field as well,” Jefferson said. “So I’ll learn some things from him, he’s taught me some things too.”

Arkansas Red-White scrimmage on Saturday served as the end of spring practice for the Razorbacks, as both Jefferson and Criswell will continue to grasp the new offense under new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Dan Enos.