Is KJ Jefferson Best Quarterback in SEC Before Spring Practice?

One writer thinks so, but there could be more questions than answers right now

Author:
Andy Hodges
Updated:
Mar 1, 2023 7:54 AM EST
Original:
Feb 28, 2023

In this story:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Considering basketball hasn't finished a regular season and spring practice is just around the corner, it may be too soon to start projecting.

That's not really stopping anyone, though.

Without seeing so much as a cleat, people can't wait to throw in their two cents.

Even position rankings, which are a complete shot in the dark.

That's why it was interesting to see Steve Lassan's projection at Athlon Sports of Arkansas' KJ Jefferson as the top quarterback in the Southeastern Conference for 2023.

Like I said, that's interesting.

What he said about Jefferson:

"In 11 appearances last year, Jefferson was efficient through the air (68 percent completion rate and just five picks) while adding 2,648 yards on 204 completions. He also bulldozed defenses for 640 yards and nine scores on the ground."

The numbers are accurate, but there are a ton of questions surrounding whether they can be repeated this year. That's not a negative, but simply not assuming last year has anything to do with this season.

A lot of things are different for the Razorbacks this season. There has been so much change in players that no one even knows which questions to be asking.

While Jefferson is responsible for the referenced stats, there were a lot of hints former offensive coordinator Kendal Briles had an offense that took advantage of what he can do and can't do in terms of limits.

New offensive coordinator Dan Enos now has the task of doing that in just a few months with a new group of receivers who may or may not be an improvement over last year.

While Jefferson did have a big year, he still doesn't have a formula to win the games that could elevate the Hogs in the SEC West. The ultimate measure of a quarterback is whether he has what it takes to win THE game.

Yes, there are more players involved in that, but the good ones win games that matter. The great ones manage to make the biggest plays in the biggest games.

Jefferson may still be able to accomplish that this season and elevate his status. He has clearly convinced one person already.

It's a new year with a lot of questions at quarterback across the league with new coaches and that stupid transfer portal necessitating a new cast for just about every team.

There's just 21 catches among the three (yes, that number is correct) wide receivers returning, and the leader at tight end (Trey Knox) will be catching passes from Spencer Rattler in South Carolina this season.

Like I said, there's a lot of questions ... mainly about exactly what the questions will be.