Jefferson, Briles a winning bond for Arkansas

Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson is shown during practice Tuesday, March 29, 2022, in Fayetteville.Eighth in a series previewing position groups for the Arkansas football team.

FAYETTEVILLE — The mesh between University of Arkansas offensive coordinator Kendal Briles and dual-threat quarterback KJ Jefferson has to rank among the top factors involved in the Razorbacks’ rise in football.

Asked a couple of weeks ago what has kept him at Arkansas for a third season, Briles was up front about his connection to Jefferson.

“Having KJ back, it would have been really, really hard to look at KJ and tell him I wasn’t going to be here, just because I love the kid and respect him so much and want him to…