Chris Jefferson is a young defensive back who will be attending the showcases looking to earn his way onto a UFL roster. The former Purdue Boilmaker, began his collegiate career at Findlay University but no matter where he played, he has found a way to be around the ball. The former three sport athlete in high school was also a two way player who saw time at wide receiver. This fact often shows itself in his game.
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From Findlay to Purdue
Coming out of high school as an All Conference pick at safety, he committed to Findlay University. At Findlay he saw the field immediately but did not immediately start for the University. Over the first six games of the season he collected just 3 tackles. The final three games of the season he took on a much larger role producing 13 tackles, 1 interception, and 1 fumble recovery.
His second season with Findlay University, he took over on defense. In 11 games he produced 11 turnovers. This included 9 interceptions, and 2 fumble recoveries. He was able to also force one fumble, break up 6 more passes, and 2 tackles for a loss. He managed 62 tackles.
In 2020 Chris Jefferson returned to play in 6 games flying around on the field collecting 32 tackles, 2 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery and 4 pass break ups. Jefferson would find interest from a Division 1 school in Purdue University. Jefferson also returned punts at one point for Findlay as well.
Purdue University
Chris Jefferson moves on to Purdue University playing games in two seasons for the university. In these two years he played in a total of 17 games, and in that time he left an impact no matter where he lined up on the field. He produced 64 tackles, including 2.5 tackles for a loss. Adding another 3 interceptions and 12 pass deflections.
In his two seasons with Purdue playing 735 defensive snaps. He saw starts as a cornerback and strong safety. He lined up all over the field including snaps at linebacker, strong safety, free safety, slot cornerback, and wide cornerback. He also played snaps on Kickoff coverage, and kick return. He also played on punt return, and field goal block unit.
Graduating college with a total of 19 turnovers in 43 games. Nearly one turnover every two games. No matter where Jefferson ends up playing at the next level keep an eye on him, because big plays are sure to follow.
Pro-Day Performance
At his 2023 proday Jefferson was coming off of an undisclosed injury that I believe strongly hurt his overall numbers. By the time the day was done, Jefferson had put up these numbers per draftscout.com.
What Does the Film Say?
Watching Jefferson play, I would assume under normal healthy condidtions he would run closer to the 4.5-low 4.6 range. I wouldn’t be surprised to find out he would leap higher, and put up better numbers in the 3-cone drill as well. His strength is not to be ignored as well. Putting up 13 reps showcased why he was so apt to playing in the box.
He has an innate ability to read a quarterback’s eyes, and he often finds himself around the ball which is evidenced by his stat sheet. He is compact, but hits like a bowling ball and shows no fear in the process. He is as versatile as they come in the back end of the defense, and it seemed he was often moved around not out of depth concerns, but because his coordinators were doing their best to fully utilize his abilities.
I believe at the next level he may initially settle in at strong safety, but ultimately will be used to move around the defense once again. He may not be the premier athlete you would like to see as a full-time cornerback, but his ability in coverage was well documented. Jefferson may have left school with 19 turnovers but if you watch the many highlight videos with him out there you will see many more plays in which he could have had even more.
if there is one elite trait to his game, it is tracking the ball. Whether it is in the run game, passing game, or as a pass rusher he has amazing ability to read and react to where the ball will be. A secondary trait here that shines is taking the correct angle to not only intercept passes, but to also make plays on ball carriers.
Check out our previous UFL showcases here.
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