KJ Jefferson on decision to return to Arkansas: 'It was really easy for me'

On3’s Andy Staples was live on the scene at this year’s SEC Football Media Days. The college football expert caught up with a handful of individuals, bringing them in as guests during the Andy Staples On3 Podcast, including Arkansas Razorbacks starting quarterback KJ Jefferson.

The two went over a list of topics, with arguably one of the most intriguing ones being why Jefferson is still a Razorback. During the sit-down interview, the Arkansas three-year starter revealed why he came back and how difficult the decision was for him to return to the program for one more season instead of trying his hand and declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft.

“It was really easy for me,” said Jefferson. “Just knowing that I wanted to come back because I didn’t play in a couple of games due to injury. And also, last year’s draft was a quarterback-heavy draft. So, being able to come back and give myself a chance. “

Jefferson put up big numbers in the Razorbacks offense for the second straight season. In 2021, he ended that season with a 164.7 passer rating, completing 67.3 percent of his passing attempts for 2676 yards, 21 touchdowns through the air, six on the ground, and just four interceptions.

Last year, he took his game a step further, finishing the season by completing 68 percent of his passes for 2636 yards, 24 passing touchdowns, and five interceptions. He also rushed for 640 yards with nine rushing touchdowns.

But as the Arkansas quarterback highlighted, he did not start every game for the Razorbacks last year. Jefferson missed two games, playing in 11 of their 13 games, due to a shoulder and clavicle injury. As the Razorbacks quarterback continued, he revealed his thoughts and mindset having to sit out those two contests, one of them in his home state of Mississippi.

“It was hard. It was heartbreaking. Going back to Mississippi, going back home, and not being able to play in front of my family. But it was also a life-learning moment for me. Just being able to help my guys out on the sideline and help the quarterback that was coming in.”

Jefferson and the Razorbacks have an opportunity to improve on their 7-6 finish from last season. But that will require his Arkansas teammates to rally around his solid play. If Jefferson can continue his extraordinary play for a third straight season, and his razorback teammates match his energy, Arkansas has a legitimate chance to compete with LSU and Alabama, the SEC favorite to represent the West, for a spot in the conference championship game.