Different Relationship with Coordinator May Be Better for Jefferson

Enos being more focused on business at hand has helped Arkansas QB be more engaged during game

Author:
Kent Smith
Publish date:
Sep 4, 2023 12:05 PM EDT

In this story:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – So much was made about the personal relationship between Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson and former offensive coordinator Kendal Briles that there was concern the two might be a package deal to Mississippi State at one point this past spring.

However, the first on-field example of Jefferson's relationship with current coordinator Dan Enos suggests it might be the better of the two for the long-run when it comes to his future. After all, there was little doubt by his demeanor on the field and his actions off it Saturday that Jefferson is more engaged.

He appears to be viewing things more through the lens of a coach rather than cruising through the events of the day purely on muscle memory. Multiple times Jefferson was shown on the broadcast wearing a headset on the sideline while talking to Enos in the booth. At one point an announcer commented on another successful completion as the Hogs' QB slipped the set back onto a coach's head from behind after finishing his conversation.

Briles spent his time at Arkansas down on the sidelines, which was great for celebrating great plays immediately after they happen. However, what it didn't do was provide an opportunity for Jefferson to bring what he's sees on the field for a much different perspective. Briles saw the game from the same level he did. However, with Enos in the box, the two are able to share information the other can't see and come together to put Arkansas in the best position for success.

"I knew how he was gonna call the game and me and him on the sideline on the headsets," Jefferson said Saturday. "I'm telling him what I see from an on the field standpoint and he tells me what he sees up in the box. I feel like it was great communication between the two of us and we were on the same page."

It also forced Jefferson to be more diligent in gathering information from his players. Enos can't easily pull one of those guys aside to talk it out since he's not on the sideline. Instead, that information is relayed to Jefferson as the field general, which gives him more awareness as he not only processes it for his decision making on the next few plays, but also in how he's going to pass it on to Enos.

"All of them was communicating with me on the sideline and talking amongst each other and coaching each other up," Jefferson said. "After the play was over they were telling each other what they seen and how the backers are playing and stuff like that."

Jefferson's increased awareness even extended to himself. He said knew he was perfect through 12 passes. When he missed Andrew Armstrong deep over the middle by throwing short on what would have been a touchdown, he immediately ran through his self evaluation to figure out the mistake, made the adjustment and nailed Armstrong the next time he went to him.

It's no secret the Razorback quarterback slipped away amid the noise that is spring sports on the Arkansas campus to focus on strength and footwork on the beaches of California. He also spent a lot of time with Enos sharpening his ability to make reads in the passing game. As he spoke in the press conference after the 56-13 win over Western Carolina, many of his comments referenced the footwork and reads.

Between his increased maturity as a quarterback as a result of his past few months under his new offensive coordinator and Jefferson's role as somewhat of a player-coach with Enos in the booth, it's a relationship that has already demonstrated great benefit. It was probably a sad day when Jefferson watched Briles leave. It's hard to see a buddy go. But the more business partner-like relationship he has with Enos is just what the doctor ordered.

A more focused and engaged Jefferson absorbing everything around him and being left to process everything around him as the on-field unquestionable leader is both best for Jefferson and the Razorbacks. As the year progresses, it just may mean the difference between an OK season and a great one.

High fives on the sidelines are great for celebrating individual plays, but handshakes of respect in the locker room are great for celebrating wins. It's a small sample, but it appears that's where this relationship is headed.