Report: Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson to undergo surgery

On3 imageby:Sean Labar01/21/22

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Arkansas Razorbacks fans will want to keep an eye on the status of their starting quarterback.

On Friday, a report from Whole Hog Sports emerged stating KJ Jefferson was scheduled to undergo previously unannounced arthroscopic knee surgery Friday to clean up a lingering issue that impacted more than half his 2021 season.

Jefferson posted on social media, “Pray for me as I go into surgery this afternoon,” which was unsettling amongst fans who didn’t know what was going on.

Jefferson rushed for a team-high 664 yards and 6 touchdowns and completed 198 of 294 passes for 2,676 yards, with 21 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. Jefferson had a streak of 171 consecutive passes without an interception, the second-longest in school history, come to an end in the first quarter of the Arkansas Razorbacks 24-10 win over Penn State in the Outback Bowl to cap a 9-4 season.

According to the report, it is unclear if the arthroscopic surgery will limit Jefferson for spring drills, which begin March 13. Arkansas’ quarterbacks are off-limits for live tackling and “hits” against the pass rush in all practices.

Kendal Briles stays with Arkansas Razorbacks

Arkansas offensive coordinator Kendal Briles has turned down the opportunity to serve in the same role at Miami, according to ESPN’s Chris Low. The 39-year old Texas native opted not to make a return to Florida, where he spent time with Florida Atlantic in 2017 and Florida State in 2019.

Kendal Briles, the son of former Baylor head coach Art Briles, just finished his second season at Arkansas. He is now choosing a third with Sam Pittman’s staff and quarterback KJ Jefferson over a move with new Miami coach Mario Cristobal.

The Razorbacks offense has seen a significant jump in style-of-play and production under Briles, making Arkansas a destination for offensive transfers like former Oklahoma wide receiver Jadon Haselwood. With much of the offense production returning from 2021, minus star wide receiver Treylon Burks, the Razorbacks hope to build off their success in Briles’ system.

Since Pittman and Briles arrived, Arkansas has undergone a dramatic shift. The new staff was hired after two 2-10 season which featured an 0-16 record in SEC play. However, after just one season, the Razorbacks held a 3-7 mark in the all-SEC 2020 season and showed off considerable progress in the competitive aspects of the game. Fast-forward to year two and Arkansas knocked off several rivals on their way to a 9-4 season with a 24-10 Outback Bowl win over Penn State to top things off.