Jefferson happy about the opportunity at Arkansas

Offensive lineman Cameron Jefferson will report to Arkansas in late June or early July.

Former Nevada Las Vegas offensive lineman Cameron Jefferson, who signed with Arkansas on Saturday, said he couldn’t bypass a chance to join Razorback program.

“I saw it as another opportunity to take a blessing from God, to even have the opportunity to go to Arkansas,” said Jefferson, who is eligible to play in the fall. “I felt like I owed it to myself to check it out to see if I liked it or not.”

Jefferson, 6-6, 305, 5.0 seconds in the 40 yard dash, was a team captain and All-Mountain West honorable mention selection last year. He officially visited the Hogs last week and felt at home.

“I met the quarterback and I met most of the seniors and they’re all good guys,” said Jefferson, who plans to report to Fayetteville late June or early July. “I can see myself being there. They’re all good people.”

He and offensive line coach Sam Pittman communicated for about a week before he made his trip to Fayetteville. A chance to work with Pittman, Coach Bret Bielema and offensive coordinator Jim Chaney helped his decision.

“I never really heard of him,” said Jefferson of Pittman. “What I did was look him up and see where he came from. He has a great history of putting O-linemen in the league. Coach Bielema and even offensive coordinator Coach Chaney. Because Coach Chaney was with the St Louis Rams and he coached the O-line.”

A three-year starter at Nevada-Las Vegas, Jefferson played both tackle spots and at guard. He has one year of eligibility and is able to play in the fall. He has a 355 pound bench press and a 383 power clean.

Jefferson will receive a psychology degree in June and will pursue a master’s degree in Sports Management at Arkansas.

“My ultimate goal is to be an athletic director,” Jefferson said.

His father, William, played college football at Maryland and played on the offensive lineman with the Cleveland Browns in 1989 and 1990. He and his father have talked about the business side of the NFL.

“How he had to deal with his agent,” Jefferson said. “He had to adjust from the mentality of it being fun in college, to where it was an actual job in the NFL. This is your workplace and how to be a professional.”