WATCH: Sam Pittman explains his appreciation for Arkansas QB KJ Jefferson

Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman stood up for his quarterback KJ Jefferson ahead of the final game of the 2021 season. An unknown commodity to most media talking heads in the preseason, Jefferson ranked 14th out of 14 SEC quarterbacks going into his first year as the Hogs’ starter.

Now, after leading the Razorbacks to their best year since the mid-2010s, Jefferson’s completion percentage of 66% is middle of the pack in the SEC. Also, his three picks are tied with Bryce Young and Matt Corral.

The Arkansas media asked Pittman if the Mississippi native should be in the discussion for one of the best quarterbacks next season. The head hog did not disappoint with his response.

“I don’t know why not, I mean, he’s sorta like me, they had him 14th in the league, too,” Pittman said. “He’s way ahead of me, I get that. I think that’s motivation for him. If you notice the way he throws the ball right now versus the way he did versus Rice, I mean, yeah. I don’t wan to lose him. I don’t want to trade.”

Sam Pittman on KJ Jefferson being one of the best QB’s in the country/ being motivated by his doubters:

“He’s sorta like me, they had him 14th (best QB) in the league, too.

“I don’t want to trade (KJ for any other QB).” pic.twitter.com/fw1RwzInYM

— SEC Mike (@MichaelWBratton) November 23, 2021

Sam Pittman likened himself to his underrated quarterback. Many critics showed up to share their piece when the Razorbacks seemingly settled on the long-time offensive line coach. Two years later, however, Arkansas athletics director Hunter Yurachek is looking like the smartest man in the Ozarks.

Arkansas takes on Missouri on Black Friday for the Borderline Rivalry trophy. The Razorbacks haven’t beaten the Tigers since 2015, but Pittman clearly has the utmost faith in Jefferson to do it this year. After all, it was his performance last year versus Mizzou that helped solidify him as the potential starter.

In the Hogs’ 50-48 loss in 2020, Jefferson went 18-of-33 for 274 passing yards and three touchdowns. He’s passed that mark twice this season.

Nick Saban praises Sam Pittman’s work at Arkansas

When Sam Pittman was hired, Arkansas was coming off the poorest two-year stretch in program history under Chad Morris. Even then, Pittman was not considered an inspirational hire, being Georgia’s offensive line coach at the time.

In less than two seasons, hope is back in Fayetteville. The Razorbacks reached as high as No. 8 in the AP poll and they’re eligible for a bowl game for the second year in a row.

Before they faced off, Alabama head coach Nick Saban had nothing but praise for Pittman.

“Sam Pittman has done a fantastic job, I think, with this team in the two years that he’s been there,” Saban said Monday during his weekly press conference. “They’re probably as improved as much from last year to this year as anybody in the country. They’ve had some great wins over some very good SEC teams. They’ve got really good players.”