Henry To'o To'o calls Arkansas QB KJ Jefferson a 'huge challenge' for Alabama defense

KJ Jefferson is quite the challenge for any defense who faces him. The dual-threat quarterback provides so many problems through the air and on the ground that it makes him one of the nation’s toughest covers. Alabama fully knows this as the next team who will get a crack at the Arkansas quarterback.

Crimson Tide LB Henry To’o To’o spoke highly of Jefferson during media on Monday. He says Jefferson doesn’t get as much credit as a passer as he deserves. That helps him pose a test to his opponent on every single down.

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“KJ Jefferson is definitely a huge piece of the offense. He’s so explosive. People don’t give him as much recognition as he needs with his arm. He throws the ball so well, he creates so many problems for opposing defenses that you have to prepare for down in and down out for all four quarters,” said To’o To’o. “He’s definitely a challenge for us. We’re excited about playing him for a second time and we’re ready for the challenge.”

Jefferson has completed 69.1% of his passes for 941 yards and eight touchdowns during Arkansas’ 3-1 start to 2022. He’s also rushed for 274 yards and one touchdown in each game this season. While he didn’t have the same rushing success against the Tide last year, Alabama knows what he can do with his arm. He posted 326 yards and three touchdowns on 73.3% when they played in 2021.

If they want to slow Jefferson down, To’o To’o says it will take an emphasis on communication this week from the Alabama defense. It will take a connection from all 11 guys to be able to keep Jefferson in check on Saturday.

“Having all of the guys on the same page, playing sound, fundamental football, and just communicating well on defense. That’s the biggest thing,” said To’o To’o. “When you’re all tied together, it doesn’t matter who’s playing the defense. If all 11 guys are on the same page, know who they have, where he’s going, where you’re supposed to be and how the job’s supposed to be done, it’s going to be a well played defense. That’s going to be a huge part of this week is having 11 guys on the same page (and) communicating well.”

Jefferson is averaging 303.75 yards a game by himself to start the season. Meanwhile, Alabama is giving up just 201.25 yards of offense to their opponents as a whole. Something has to give and Henry To’o To’o will be a key part of attempting to slow Jefferson down when the Tide play in Fayetteville this weekend.