Razorback junior quarterback KJ Jefferson (#1) from Sardis, MS throws a deep sideline pass at a practice earlier this season in Fayetteville, AR.

By Otis Kirk

FAYETTEVILLE -- Arkansas will get redshirt junior quarterback KJ Jefferson back this week and his teammates are excited for what he brings to the offense.

Jefferson suffered a head injury late against Alabama and missed the Mississippi State game. Redshirt sophomore Malik Hornsby filled in well for him, but Jefferson is key piece on Arkansas' offense along with Rocket Sanders.

Redshirt freshman wide receiver Bryce Stephens, who also is a standout at punt returner, caught two passes for 59 yards including a 54-yard touchdown on Saturday from Hornsby. He likes how Jefferson has looked in practice Monday and Tuesday.

"Yeah, he looks good," Stephens said. "Excited to have him back. Confident, ready to go."

That thought was echoed by left tackle Luke Jones.

"He looks great," Jones said. "Excited to have him back."

In five games this season, Jefferson has completed 80 of 121 passes for 1,006 yards, nine touchdowns and only one interception. He is second on the team in rushing with 81 carries for 312 yards and four touchdowns. Hudson Clark plays both cornerback and safety so he sees a lot of Jefferson in practice when it's good on good.

"I think, you can see if people come back from that injury, a head injury, they play a little hesitant," Clark said. "He's gotten back in there. He's making the throws. He's running the ball. I think it's going to be a big help and key for us this week."

Defensive end Jordan Domineck transferred in this summer from Georgia Tech. This is his first season to play with Jefferson, but he realizes what the talented quarterback means to Arkansas while also praising Hornsby.

"it's a great feeling to see KJ be able to get back in there and make strides and be able to throw the ball well," Domineck said. "He's running well. He's playing really well. And Malik, obviously knowing he's still out there giving KJ competition. Both of them are fighting for the QB1 spot right now. It's just nice to know that we have two QBs that are really devoted to the team and willing to put their all onto the field just to be able to lead their side of the ball to victory. Just be able to play, know their assignments. Honestly, it's great to have both of them back out there, and it's great to be able to go against that level of competition every day."

Arkansas and BYU will kickoff at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday in Provo, Utah. The game will be televised on ESPN.