KJ Jefferson provides update on Warren Thompson’s progression

Arkansas football needs new wide receivers to step up alongside quarterback KJ Jefferson. They just lost their star wideout, Treylon Burks, to the first round of the NFL Draft, where the Titans snatched him up. He did most of the heavy lifting in the Razorback passing game last fall. But second behind him, Tyson Morris, also left due to graduation.

So the leading returning receiver is one-year Hog and two-year FSU Seminole Warren Thompson. After transferring from Tallahassee, Thompson caught on well in Fayetteville. He tripled his previous season total in yards and was the third option on a consistently ranked Arkansas club. So he looks to step into an even bigger role as a senior. But does he have what it takes to step into Burks’ shoes?

Maybe so but probably not. However, what Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson has seen from Thompson is development as a leader.

“HIs leadership. I mean, just taking those young guys under his wing,” the Hogs QB answered when asked about what aspect Thompson had improved in this season.

“I mean, even when he’s not in the game, he’s still teaching and coaching them up. Like…hey, if he’s outside, do this release. So just being able to be an extended version of a coach on the field or off the field when he’s not on the field. So just being able to be a leader — in a leadership role, and just being vocal to those young guys.”

Jefferson also claimed that Thompson’s increase in confidence gave him a huge boost this summer compared to last.

“Warren is, I would say, what separates him from last camp to this camp is his confidence. At first, last camp, he was coming in, figuring out the system and figuring out everybody. How the offense is, getting around new people and stuff like that. So it kind of took a toll on him a little bit. He got down on himself in certain situations, but now, his confidence level is through the roof.

“Now he’s comfortable, he’s understanding the offense, he’s understanding the system. He knows what’s going on, he knows what plays he needs to make and what plays he needs to help the teammates around him make plays and succeed. So just being able to have his confidence level up this camp, that’s where he’s truly excelled at.”

Arkansas needs replacement by committee for their top two wideouts who left. Thompson may not be a superstar, but he’s ready to contribute heavily as a steady senior.