Sam Pittman reacts to KJ Jefferson’s departure, in-state recruiting losses
Arkansas lost starting quarterback KJ Jefferson to the transfer portal.
This past Saturday, the senior playmaker decided he wants to play elsewhere in his last year of eligibility. Now, for the 2024 season, the Razorbacks will have to figure out who will lead the offense.
His coach offered his reaction for the first time.
“When we had our exit meeting, we knew (Jefferson would) explore other colleges… it was understood that it was what he was going to do,” said Arkansas coach Sam Pittman at his press conference via Pig Trail Nation.
During the 2023 season, Jefferson compiled 2,107 passing yards, 19 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. He had a total of 7,923 yards, 67 TDs and 18 INTs in five seasons with the Razorbacks. He also owns a slew of program records in Fayetteville.
On the ground for Arkansas, Jefferson finished with 447 yards and two scores on 161 carries. For his career, the senior had 1,876 rushing yards and 21 TDs on 523 carries.
If that wasn’t enough for Pittman and his coaching staff, Arkansas also missed out on its fair share of recruits for the 2024 season, including in-state prospects, most notably to Missouri.
“It’s disappointing when you don’t get them all,” Pittman said via Pig Trail Nation. “We wanted to stay as loyal as possible to the kids in state. At the same time, we have to make decisions then worry about the ones that are here.”
The Razorbacks went 4-8 during the regular season, missing out on qualifying for a bowl game.
Arkansas Football: Sam Pittman Hints at Staff Changes with Cody Kennedy’s Departure
Arkansas offensive line coach Cody Kennedy is reportedly leaving the Razorbacks to join Mississippi State’s coaching staff, according to a report by FootballScoop. Kennedy had been with Arkansas for the past three years and was a key part of the team’s successful rushing offense in 2021. Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman hinted at more staff changes, indicating that the team will not be intact next season.
Kennedy’s departure from Arkansas could have an impact on the team’s offensive line performance in the upcoming season. As the highest-paid non-coordinator coach on Arkansas’ staff and a semifinalist for the Broyles Award, Kennedy played a significant role in the team’s success. Finding a suitable replacement for him will be crucial for the team’s continued growth and success.
Kennedy had an annual salary of $700,000, making him the highest-paid non-coordinator on Arkansas’ staff.
Arkansas had the seventh-best rushing offense in the country in 2021.
The team struggled in the 2022 season, ranking 91st in rushing yards per game (139.0) and 109th in rushing yards per attempt (3.53).
The offensive line allowed 3.92 sacks per game, with only four FBS teams giving up more.
Kennedy is leaving Arkansas to join Mississippi State’s coaching staff.
Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman hinted at more staff changes, suggesting that the team will not be intact next season.
Kennedy’s departure leaves a significant void in Arkansas’ coaching staff, especially considering his role in the team’s successful rushing offense. Finding a suitable replacement will be crucial for maintaining the team’s growth and success in the upcoming season.
