Sam Pittman talks about his expectations for KJ Jefferson's running game

Arkansas finished 9-4 a year ago, emerging through the season as one of the surprise stories in college football.

And expectations are high in 2022 for the Razorbacks, thanks in large part to the return of quarterback KJ Jefferson.

The 6-3, 242-pound junior passed for 2,676 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions last season. But he’s also a physical, dangerous runner, who accounted for 664 yards and 6 TDs on the ground.

During his media availability Monday, Arkansas coach Sam Pittman admitted that he wouldn’t mind seeing Jefferson run the ball less in 2022 if it ensures that he’ll stay healthy.

Pittman added, however, that he would never ask his star QB to not be aggressive or not do what he believes is best for the team.

"It's hard to coach that out of a kid…You can tell him 'We've got to have you healthy' and he's going to do whatever he wants to do…If he thinks he needs to set the tone, then he's going to go do it."

– Sam Pittman on KJ Jefferson running the ball this season

— Mason Choate (@ChoateMason) August 29, 2022

"I'm not going to coach him out of being aggressive, but I am going to ask him to take care of himself."

– Sam Pittman on Razorback QB KJ Jefferson being an aggressive runner

— Mason Choate (@ChoateMason) August 29, 2022

Jefferson and Arkansas open their 2022 season with a stern test Saturday, a visit from No. 23 Cincinnati.

The Razorbacks are ranked No. 19 in the AP poll and are 6-point favorites in a game that will kick off at 3;30 p.m. (ET) and be televised by ESPN.