Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson is among the most intriguing prospects in college football heading into the 2022 season.

Largely known for his large frame and difficulty to tackle, Jefferson has also been commended for his leadership ability and intangibles. Head coach Sam Pittman was recently asked about his realization of Jefferson’s team leadership ability, identifying the Rice game as when he felt like Jefferson really emerged.

Jefferson was up-and-down during the first half but ultimately came into his own and got better throwing the ball as the game went on.

“I mean, he was our leader, but that’s kind of when he took the team over,” Pittman said in a report from WholeHogSports. “Then you take that and add to the Texas game. That’s whenever he won everybody over. He won the fans, the team, the state, me. I mean, he already had me, but he really had me after that game.”

Jefferson is poised to potentially be one of the best quarterbacks in the nation and the SEC after making some notable strides as a passer. He’s aware of how far he’s come and can couple that ability with his mobility to become a very hard player for defenses to deal with both at the college and the NFL level.

“I would say that I am overlooked as far as the progress I have made as a passer,” Jefferson told Crissy Froyd earlier in the offseason. “But me being able to create plays and be physical while running the ball has put a lot of stress on defensive coordinators and defensive players, having to keep tackling me over and over the course of a game. Wear those guys down.”