Sam Pittman reveals how KJ Jefferson has evolved into unquestioned leader of the team

KJ Jefferson made a name for himself last year in his first season starting at Arkansas. He led the Razorbacks to a 9-4 record, a Top-10 ranking in the AP Poll and a win in the Outback Bowl. All those accomplishments have justified his place as an undisputed leader in Fayetteville. Sam Pittman says he has since seen Jefferson’s effect trickle down throughout his team.

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.”

Jefferson will once again have to take the reins in order to get Sam Pittman’s squad back to similar success in 2022. Based on Pittman’s evaluation, it won’t take much for Jefferson to rally the troops. He’ll have himself and his teammates ready to go for their September 3rd opener against Cincinnati.