Hogs’ Sam Pittman Not Surprised at KJ’s Lack of Respect

Quarterback getting left off preseason teams just another day in Arkansas

Author:
Andy Hodges
Publish date:
Aug 3, 2022 10:58 PM EDT

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — It sure seems Arkansas coach Sam Pittman likes not having to be a front-runner.

It came again during his visit with the media Wednesday afternoon ahead of Friday's start to fall camp.

The question was about quarterback KJ Jefferson being left off many preseason league honors for teams.

"That’s Arkansas," Pittman said. That’s just what it is, which is fine."

KJ Jefferson-Spring Practice — Razorbacks quarterback KJ Jefferson throws a pass during spring practice inside Razorback Stadium in April. (Andy Hodges / allHOGS Images)

He's not really surprised the junior quarterback might be using that as a little extra incentive in a season where hopes are high with the fans, but he was left off the preseason all-SEC team at media days a couple of weeks ago.

"Everybody has their own way of getting motivated," Pittman said. "He uses that stuff a little bit. You’ll have to ask him, but I would assume he uses some of that in some of his motivation and his preparation."

Pittman did try to say they don't go looking for the negative stuff.

"We don’t always need somebody to talk bad about us to motivate us," Pittman said. "A lot of times when that happens, there is some type of ‘well I’ll show you’ type of thing.

"KJ’s got a little bit of that in him along with he wants to be good no matter what people say.

Then he tried to explain it from another angle because coaches don't particularly like dealing with hypothetical situations.

"I guess I’d look on it the other way if they talked about how great he was all the time," Pittman said. "I don’t think he’d be less of a player."

Sam Pittman-Spring Practice — Linebacker Bumper Pool and Sam Pittman during spring practice earlier this year inside Razorback Stadium. (Andy Hodges / allHOGS Images)

Make no mistake, though. Pittman hasn't had to coach the Hogs when a lot was expected. It's usually low expectations that has historically produced the best results.

"We kind of thrive on that kind of stuff," he said about the low expectations. "That’s kind of who we are, and we like it that way."

Players will report for fall camp Thursday and practices will start Friday afternoon.