KJ Jefferson has shown enough in Fayetteville to enter spring practice as the leader in the competition to replace Feleipe Franks.

Of course, that could change by the end of spring if he doesn’t progress during the upcoming Arkansas camp or if Malik Hornsby makes a move up the depth chart in the weeks to come.

During his first media availability of the spring, Sam Pittman was asked to shed some light on where things stand in Fayetteville in the race to replace Franks.

“Well, we’re going two-spot everything, in other words, we are going to have two fields going (at the same time) – because we have numbers. And so, Malik, right now, will be on the two field,” Pittman answered. “To start out… he’ll be down there getting as many reps, and the same number – the same reps as what KJ would, but right now, KJ is our starter.”

Jefferson likely earned that honor after stepping up on the road against Missouri when Franks was not available to play.

In his only start of the season, Jefferson completed 18 of 33 passes for 274 yards and three touchdowns with an interception. He also rushed for 32 yards and a score in the game.

The young quarterback led Arkansas to a go-ahead touchdown drive, which featured a successful two-point conversion, with only 43 seconds remaining in the game. Unfortunately for the Razorbacks, Missouri marched down the field and hit the game-winning field goal as time expired in the game.

“We certainly anticipate a really nice battle,” Pittman added. “And all that’s gonna do is make you better, and the kids understand it and it’ll make KJ better, it will make Malik better, make (Lucas) Coley, (Kade) Renfro whomever John Stevens, it’ll make everybody better.”