Tag: KJ Jefferson

Former Arkansas QB KJ Jefferson breaks silence on booking for traffic violation

Former Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback KJ Jefferson opens up about traffic violation, booking.

Former Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson presented himself to Fayetteville Police on Wednesday in an effort to process a misdemeanor traffic violation he received in 2023.

A report from WholeHogSports.com states that Jefferson was allegedly caught traveling at 113 mph in a 70-mph zone on May 18 of last year on Interstate 49 South in Washington County. Jefferson received a citation at 11:20 p.m. that night, the report states.

On Wednesday, Jefferson was booked into the Washington County Detention Center for reckless driving and for traveling more than 15 mph over the designated speed limit. He was released without bail shortly after he appeared for booking, according to detention center records referenced by WholeHogSports.

Jefferson took to Instagram on Wednesday to address the situation.

“I got a speeding ticket last year, in May, before the season,” Jefferson said Wednesday in a since-expired Instagram story. “Got a speeding ticket so I reported to court today. Today my court date… I ended up getting three days of community service. That’s why y’all see my mugshot and all that.

“But that’s what happened. It was a speeding ticket. I came back to Fayetteville only because I had court and to pay my fine and everything for speeding. I take full accountability for my actions, for what I did. But all that extra stuff about, ‘KJ did this’ and all these narratives y’all trying to paint, it’s not true, bro. I had a speeding ticket.”

Jefferson transferred to UCF after last season. UCF coach Gus Malzahn, a former high school coach in the Natural State and offensive coordinator for one season on Houston Nutt’s 2006 Razorbacks team, said in a statement that he and UCF had been aware of Jefferson’s situation prior to his booking.

“I have been fully aware of this situation that took place in May 2023 prior to his arrival at UCF. Since KJ has been here, he’s been a great leader and an exemplary member of our program,” Malzahn’s statement read.

Jefferson threw for 7,911 yards and combined for 88 touchdowns (67 passing) in parts of five seasons at Arkansas. He was the Hogs’ starting quarterback for the past three years.

Former Arkansas QB Jefferson joins former Arkansas OC Malzahn

Arkansas’ all-time leading passer is headed to Central Florida to play for Gus Malzahn, a man plenty familiar with Razorbacks country.

KJ Jefferson and Gus Malzahn both know what it’s like to beloved then cast aside by Arkansas.

That isn’t the primary reason they will team up in 2024, of course, but their mutual connection to the Razorbacks is more than just a standard line in the story after Jefferson, Arkansas’ starting quarterback the last three years, committed to Central Florida, coached by Arkansas’ offensive coordinator in 2006, on Monday.

Jefferson had long been rumored to head to UCF as the fit made a ton of sense. Malzahn has been a fan of running quarterbacks for a majority of his college coaching career.

And Jefferson can run. He’s second all-time for yards rushing by a quarterback in Arkansas history and he’s the school’s career leader in yards passing and passing touchdowns.

He also, unfairly, fell out of favor of a certain portion of the Razorbacks fan base after the Hogs struggled to a 4-8 season. Jefferson threw for 2,107 yards with 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 2023. He was also sacked more than any quarterback in FBS as Arkansas finished 129th out of 133 FBS team in sacks allowed.

Malzahn spent just one controversial year with the Razorbakcs in 2006 before moving to Tulsa and Auburn as offensive coordinator from 2007-2011. He then returned to coach Arkansas State in 2012 before landing at Auburn from 2013-2020 and began at UCF in 2021. The Golden Knights went 6-7 in 2023.

Recapping a busy day for SEC quarterbacks and draft decisions

The SEC QB future got clearer with LSU’s Jayden Daniels, Georgia’s Carson Beck and K.J. Jefferson from Arkansas all making decisions

We have seen the final appearances for their current colleges for two different SEC quarterbacks. One of them has officially gone to the draft prep process, while another is transferring instead of declaring for the 2024 NFL draft. A third SEC quarterback is staying put for another year after considering some NFL draft interest, too.

LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels, as has been expected for some time, officially entered the draft. The Heisman trophy winner will not play in LSU’s bowl game, opting instead to get ready for the draft. Daniels is widely projected as a top-20 pick, and there is growing buzz that he could be the first quarterback selected, though those decisions are a long way from being made yet.

Arkansas Razorbacks QB K.J. Jefferson decided to enter the transfer portal. He was Arkansas’ starter for the last three seasons. Jefferson brought some preseason draft buzz but didn’t have as good of a year in 2023 as he did in the prior two seasons. He has one year of eligibility remaining.

Finally, Carson Beck of Georgia announced he will return to the Bulldogs program in 2024. Beck had been projected (unofficially) as a Day 2 prospect had he decided to declare. Instead, he will focus on trying to get Georgia back into the College Football Playoff in 2024.

Most intriguing transfer portal quarterbacks for Ohio State

Who are the most interesting quarterbacks in the transfer portal that fit what Ohio State is looking for?

We’re all watching and waiting on what the Ohio State football team will do with the transfer portal this time around. Before all of that, it makes sense to examine where things stand with the quarterback position.

I want to make sure that it is very clear this list is not the top transfer portal quarterbacks, but the most intriguing. I am also glad I waited to write this piece, despite some of the guys on the list committing to other schools, because we do have a much clearer idea of what this coaching staff is looking for if they were to add a gunslinger in the portal.

Ryan Day didn’t make any insane decisions immediately, because it appears he has a ton of faith in the current quarterback room of Devin Brown and Lincoln Kienholz. There are no doubt some potential recruits the staff is excited about as well. I respect that.

It looks like Day isn’t going to make a move unless the guy is older with starting experience and is a clear and obvious upgrade over what is in the room, but the five quarterbacks below are guys in the portal I thought would be an interesting addition and where things stand.

Checking on KJ Jefferson’s place in Arkansas quarterback Top 10 of all-time

With KJ Jefferson’s announcement of the end of his career at Arkansas, we wanted to look back at the best Hogs quarterbacks in history.

KJ Jefferson, who spent five years quarterbacking Arkansas including the last three as a full-time starter, announced he was entering the transfer portal Saturday.

Jefferson will leave Arkansas as one of the most prolific players in school history, with school records in yards passing and touchdowns. He’s also second in school history in yards rushing for a quarterback, behind only Matt Jones.

Jefferson’s legacy may be doubted – not by wise people – in the short-term considering his last season with the Razorbacks was a disappointment from the team perspective. Arkansas went just 4-8 with some fans becoming disgrunted with the man most responsible for getting the Hogs back on track after the Chad Morris disaster.

Long-term, we think Jefferson’s place on Arkansas football’s Mount Rushmore of Hogs quarterbacks isn’t only deserve, but it is a place that it’s hard to imagine he will ever fall from.

With history on the mind, let’s take a look at the Arkansas career passing leader TOp 10.

KJ Jefferson announces entry into transfer portal, ending Arkansas career

KJ Jefferson will spend his final year of college football somewhere other than with the Razorbacks.

The most successful and perhaps the best quarterback in Arkansas football history will not return to the team in 2024.

KJ Jefferson, owner of the school record for passing touchdowns and yards passing, announced his entry into the transfer portal Saturday on Instagram.

“It has been a dream to captain and QB1 at the University of Arkansas,” Jefferson said. “Accomplishing those records, and being mentioned amongst the great QBs in Razorback history was an honor, but the memories and friendships I’ve made with my coaches and teammates along the way are what I’ll cherish the most.”

Jefferson has one season of eligibility remaining after playing five years at Arkansas during which he saw action every season. The last three years he served as Arkansas’ starter and set school records for touchdowns (67) and yards passing (7,923).

Taylen Green, formerly of Boise State, transferred to Arkansas earlier in the offseason and is expected to be the front-runner for the starting job. He will compete with returning back-up Jacolby Criswell, redshirt freshman Malachi Singleton and possibly true freshman KJ Jackson, assuming Jackson, who is committed, signs.

Ranking Taylen Green and/or KJ Jefferson’s targets for 2024

Nearly everyone will be back for Arkansas at wide receiver and tight end. Is that a good thing for the Hogs?

This list very well could change by fall camp.

But with a majority of Arkansas’ wide receivers and tight ends having already announced their return from 2023 into 2024, the two primary positions that will line up for passes from KJ Jefferson, Taylen Green or Jacolby Criswell next year for the Razorbacks appear to be the most stable in during the crazy season that is transfer portal time.

Arkansas landed Green, a transfer from Boise State, on Monday evening, providing for some competition under center when the spring rolls around. It remains to be seen if Green’s addition is an indicator of Jefferson’s status. Arkansas’ all-time leading passer was not expected to return to the team in 2024 for a super-senior season, but as each day has passed without his official entry to the portal, the question of that status grows.

But whether it’s Jefferson, Green or Criswell, who played well in garbage-time duty for the Hogs in the fall, throwing passes, the corps catching them is almost all set. Or close to it.

The Razorbacks could land another wideout or two via the portal, but as of now, they have a full complement of players at the spot. And, frankly, it doesn’t look much different than last year’s.

Whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing depends on perspective. For now, let’s rank them, regardless of position, when it comes to likelihood they will be big-time targets for whoever is tossing them balls next regular season.

Arkansas offensive linemen Ty’Kieast Crawford and Andrew Chamblee announce plans for 2024

Two Arkansas offensive linemen, Ty’Kieast Crawford and Andrew Chamblee, announced their 2024 plans on Monday afternoon. The news came after the Hogs added transfer QB Taylen Green.

Arkansas received some good news on Monday afternoon as highly-touted quarterback transfer Taylen Green announced his commitment to the Hogs. Given his impressive size, athleticism and passing ability, Green’s addition generated excitement for a large majority of Razorback fans.

However, Hog fans saw firsthand last season that the individual talent of a quarterback can easily be overshadowed and neutralized by the deficiencies of his offensive line. If the offensive linemen can’t block, it doesn’t matter if you have [autotag]KJ Jefferson[/autotag], Lamar Jackson or Tom Brady – your offense is going to struggle.

New offensive line coach [autotag]Eric Mateos[/autotag] has his hands full next year, as the offensive line was easily the worst it has been in a long time. A large part of that was due to inexperience and lack of depth. Luckily, the Hogs got some good news in both of those departments shortly after Green’s announcement.

Senior [autotag]Ty’Kieast Crawford[/autotag], one of Arkansas’ most experienced offensive lineman, and redshirt freshman [autotag]Andrew Chamblee[/autotag], one of Arkansas’ most talented young prospects, both announced that they would be returning to the Razorbacks next season.

The pair each posted to Twitter (X) to confirm their plans. Crawford tweeted a picture (above) with the caption, “let’s run it back” and tagged the official Razorback Twitter (X) account. Chamblee quote tweeted new offensive line coach Eric Mateos (below) saying, “So ready to get the 2024 season started!! Can’t wait to show the world.”

While the news isn’t the biggest needle-mover for Arkansas’ offseason, it gives the Hogs some quality depth up front. Chamblee, in particular, showed some flashes of brilliance in his playing time this season, but his youth and inexperience were both unmistakable as well.

[autotag]Sam Pittman[/autotag] and Eric Mateos still need to hit on a few high-level portal targets up front before anyone gets too excited for next season.

Would KJ Jefferson be a great fit for Auburn?

Transfer portal season is among us, and one of the SEC’s best quarterbacks is set to hit the market. Is there a chance that he ends up at Auburn?

Transfer portal season is upon us, and Auburn football could be shopping for a quarterback.

Auburn brought in Michigan State quarterback [autotag]Payton Thorne[/autotag] from the portal during the spring window. It took him a while to get adjusted to Auburn’s scheme under [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag], but he found a groove during the back half of the schedule.

He ended the regular season with 1,657 passing yards and 16 touchdowns. He also flashed his running ability by rushing for 520 yards on 125 attempts. As Freeze continues molding a championship team, will Thorne be the guy to get them there the fastest? That is a question that should be answered during the upcoming transfer portal window that runs from Dec. 4 to Jan. 2, 2024.

It has yet to be seen if Auburn will look to add another starter, or will bring in another quarterback to add depth. While we wait for Freeze’s mindset to unfold, Auburn has been linked to several quarterbacks already including Washington State’s Cameron Ward and Duke’s Riley Leonard.

There is one quarterback, however, that would be considered a home run if Auburn were to land his signature.

[autotag]KJ Jefferson[/autotag], a three-year starter at quarterback for SEC foe Arkansas, announced his intention to enter the transfer portal following the Razorbacks’ season finale against Missouri last Friday. CBS Sports’ Dean Straka revealed several predictions as to where Jefferson could end up, with one destination being Auburn. Straka says that Jefferson could provide an upgrade to Auburn’s quarterback room following the Tigers’ 6-6 season.

Auburn could also upgrade at quarterback after going a pedestrian 6-6 in coach Hugh Freeze’s first season, even after adding former Michigan State starter Payton Thorne via the transfer portal last offseason.

Jefferson had a great five-year campaign at Arkansas where he passed for 7,911 yards and 67 touchdowns. He was also known as a great presence in the run game. He ended his Arkansas career by rushing for 1,876 yards and 21 touchdowns.

Jefferson’s dual-threat ability is attractive, and he has also drawn comparisons to Auburn Heisman Trophy winner [autotag]Cam Newton[/autotag] due to his talent and his 6-3, 247-pound frame.

The only drawback is his eligibility. Jefferson spent five total seasons at Arkansas, meaning that his next stop would be a one-year deal. The good news for Auburn in that regard is that having one season of Jefferson would allow a season of development for incoming freshman [autotag]Walker White[/autotag], who is expected to be a vital piece of future Auburn offenses.

The 30-day transfer portal window will be nothing short of entertaining, and it will be interesting to see how Auburn constructs its 2024 roster to compete for an SEC championship.

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UPDATE: KJ Jefferson is heading to the transfer portal, maybe?

KJ Jefferson to the transfer portal. The headline you expected, but is still hard to digest.

Our editor said it was likely the best option for him.

On Wednesday morning, the record-setting senior quarterback was linked to it.

KJ Jefferson was linked to the transfer portal, according to media reports.

UPDATE: Jefferson posted on his Instagram page that he has yet to come to a decision.

Jefferson will have many suitors if he does ultimately end up in the portal, with programs like Auburn, Mississippi State and South Carolina looking for quarterbacks who are either graduating or moving on themselves.

The Sardis, Miss., native will end his Razorback career holding a plethora of records.

With news that Arkansas is hiring Bobby Petrino as offensive coordinator and knowing that he had probably topped out on what he could do here, seeing what else is out there is most likely the best move Jefferson could make.

There is also no guarantee that he is on any NFL teams’ radar as draftable as a quarterback.