Jalen Catalon, KJ Jefferson react to being named Arkansas team captains

The Arkansas Razorback players chose quarterback KJ Jefferson and safety Jalen Catalon as the team’s captains for the 2022 season ahead of game one versus the Cincinnati Bearcats. It is the second time for the two Hogs to earn the honor after sharing it with several others in 2021.

Both players discussed what the captainship means to them on Tuesday before the season opener.

“It’s a real big deal here at the University of Arkansas and just gaining the trust from my teammates and the confidence from my teammates to even vote me captain and to actually become a second-time captain is an extremely big deal,” Jefferson said. “I take pride in it, I don’t take it lightly.”

Last season, Jefferson led the Razorbacks to a 9-4 record, a Top-10 ranking in the AP Poll and a win in the Outback Bowl. In 2022, he returns as one of the SEC’s most accurate passers and the conference’s top returning rushing quarterback.

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“It’s a blessing, for sure, to know that my teammates think of me that way, as a captain, it’s an honor,” Catalon said. “There’s a lot of guys that they could have named as a captain. Being chosen as one is an honor I’ll remember for the rest of my life. Now that we have the captain situation figured out, it’s time for football.”

Jalen Catalon is an early Jim Thorpe candidate for the top safety in the nation. He’s also already generated early-round draft buzz for the 2023 NFL Draft. Catalon suffered an injury that cut his 2021 season short but he returns as PFF’s No. 7 safety in the nation after a strong 2020.

Pittman reveals how Jefferson became unquestioned leader

Pittman discussed Jefferson’s growth and comfort with leadership in an appearance on ‘Always College Football’ with Greg McElroy. He says what’s understood doesn’t need to be said based on how Jefferson’s teammates treat him each day.

“I think you can tell leadership by the way others look at him and by the way others treat the guy. Our team knows he’s our guy. I haven’t said one time, ‘Hey, stay away from the quarterback.’ They’re way away from him,” said Pittman. “He’s comfortable. He’s competitive now but he’s comfortable being the leader of the football team and, more importantly than anything, the team’s comfortable with him. They show him the respect that certainly he has earned.”

Jefferson earned Pittman’s respect the season before and then took over the program in 2021. He compiled 3,340 total yards last season and totaled 27 touchdowns. Even with his newfound success, Sam Pittman says that hasn’t changed Jefferson as a player or person. He has stayed the course and is reaping the benefits in every way he can.

“This success that he has had hasn’t gone to his head and hasn’t changed him one bit,” said Pittman. “He understands the way he got it was hard work and that means in the film room, off the field and certainly on the field.”