UCF Knights head coach Gus Malzahn made a notable comparison during Big 12 Media Days, likening his new quarterback KJ Jefferson to former Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton.

“Physically, he’s the closest thing to Cam [Newton] that I’ve had,” Malzahn said. “He’s like a running back. He throws a great deep ball. We’re a run, play-action team with emphasis on throwing the ball downfield. I actually recruited him coming out of high school. That’s when we took Bo Nix, so we knew each other. When he went in the portal, he was our guy. So, we’re blessed to have him.”

Malzahn's comparison is significant. As Auburn's head coach, he helped Newton become one of college football’s most dynamic players. Newton, in his one season with Auburn, threw for 2,854 yards, 30 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, while also rushing for 1,473 yards and 20 touchdowns.

Jefferson, before transferring to UCF, played for the Arkansas Razorbacks for five seasons. He accumulated 88 total touchdowns, with 7,911 passing yards and 1,876 rushing yards.

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While their production differs, their physical attributes are similar. Jefferson is listed at 6-foot-3 and 247 pounds, while Newton was 6-foot-5 and 248 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Malzahn now has the opportunity to enhance Jefferson’s career with the Knights, potentially making the comparison to Newton more accurate.

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