KJ Jefferson sets goals for Arkansas in 2022, details progress on offense

Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson believes the Razorbacks are ready to take the next step in 2022. The team is coming off of its first winning season since 2016 and first bowl win since 2015, but isn’t satisfied.

Jefferson and his teammates think they have what it takes to continue to climb the SEC standings. At SEC Media Days on Wednesday, the quarterback revealed a very specific goal for Arkansas heading into this season.

“Just getting over that hump,” Jefferson said. “Just try to maintain and getting a 10-win season. Taking that next step forward. That’s our team goal is just being able to get over that hump and try to get a 10 or 11-win season.”

Arkansas made great strides in Year 2 under Sam Pittman, going from 3-7 in his inaugural season to 9-4. The offense improved from eighth to fifth in the SEC rankings and also led the conference in rushing with 229.4 ground yards per game. A lot of that had to do with Jefferson, who finished as the team’s leading rusher with 664 yards and six touchdowns.

Despite being his third season at Arkansas, last year was KJ Jefferson’s first as a starting college quarterback. He passed for 2,676 yards and 21 touchdowns to just four interceptions. However, he loses top target Treylon Burks to the NFL. Despite this, Jefferson has faith in his current group of receivers, which includes Oklahoma transfer Jadon Haselwood and former four-star recruit Ketron Jackson.

“I feel like we’re gonna be pretty balanced this season with the run and passing attack,” Jefferson said. “I just want to shout out my receiving corps. Those guys are just competitors. They came out each and every day working hard (on the off days and weekends. Everybody came in and was just working out and being able to fill that void from Treylon Burks leaving and have guys step up and maximize their opportunities when it presents itself.”

Time will tell whether the Razorbacks can break into the next tier of SEC teams, but things are certainly looking up compared to just two seasons ago. Arkansas will open the season on Sept. 3 against the Cincinnati Bearcats.