Arkansas made a statement early in the recruitment of quarterback KJ Jefferson when the entire offensive staff visited his school during the contact period in February.
On Friday, coach Chad Morris and offensive coordinator Joe Craddock made another statement by arriving at the Razorbacks commitment’s game in a helicopter.
Not only did Jefferson notice, his teammates and coaches did, too, and commented on the unique arrival.
“That's special if I got them taking time out of their busy schedule to come see me play, and for them to come in the helicopter, that was an unbelievable experience,” Jefferson said.
Jefferson, 6-3, 210 pounds of North Panola High School in Sardis, Miss., picked Arkansas over scholarship offers from Texas A&M, Ole Miss, Missouri, Mississippi State, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina State, Indiana and others.
He helped the Cougars to a 52-19 victory over Water Valley by completing 11 of 15 passes for 209 yards and 3 touchdowns while rushing 15 times for 106 yards and a touchdown with Morris and Craddock in attendance. The win gives North Panola their second straight Region 2-3A title heading into the playoffs with a 9-1 record.
“I had to perform, and they gave me some more motivation,” Jefferson said.
Jefferson was very appreciative of the visit.
“It was amazing for them to come see me,” Jefferson said.
For the season, Jefferson has completed 119 of 196 passes for 2,217 yards and 27 touchdowns and rushed for 707 yards and 7 touchdowns on 81 carries. He hoped to enroll early at Arkansas, but will now be a spring graduate.
With Arkansas pursuing Clemson transfer Kelly Bryant, fans have worried about Ole Miss and others trying to lure him away.
“It sounds good to the public, but I'm a Razorback,” Jefferson said.