A.J. Jefferson

A dynamic kickoff returner with three total returns for scores in 2007 and '08, Jefferson entering his senior season with high expectations. Opponents were careful to limit Jefferson's opportunities, resulting in a career-low 23.5-yard kickoff-return average -- and found him to be vulnerable in coverage. Jefferson posted a career-high 36 tackles as a senior, but hasn't proven to be the same caliber playmaker on the edge that he has been as a returner. He had zero interceptions (and 12 passes broken up) in 45 career games. Jefferson's unique blend of size, vision and speed translates well to the NFL return game and he has the tools to warrant consideration as a development prospect at cornerback. Scouts would have liked to have seen more improvement from Jefferson at Fresno, but his upside is tantalizing enough that a late-round pick would be a wise investment.

run support

Needs to improve fighting through blocks to come up in run support. Willing and reliable open-field tackler when the ballcarrier comes to him, but too often is willing to stand around the pile. Good size, strength and effort to bring down receivers.

man coverage

At least moderate upper-body strength for press coverage. Quick feet and open hips to turn and run with receivers. Good agility to change direction quickly. Rare straight-line speed for a corner his size. Must do a better job of using his hands and body lean to pinch the receiver toward the sideline. Better athlete than football player.

tackling

Good agility to break down in space to make the secure open-field tackle. Not an explosive hitter, but will take on the bigger ballcarrier and wrap up securely. Good effort for the drag-down tackle in pursuit. Flashes a pop and will attempt to rip away the ball and force the fumble.

zone coverage

Smooth, low backpedal with improving recognition for zone coverage. Reacts quickly to the underneath throws, but has the fluid hips and straight-line speed to recover against double-moves. Rarely out of position.

intangibles

An explosive kick-returner with three career touchdown returns. Sets up his blocks and shows a burst to get through if given a lane. Prefers to take it outside and has the speed to get there. Better straight-line speed than agility to elude. Scouts have questioned Jefferson's toughness, at times, as he is not the same player when nicked up. Was suspended for the 2007 Humanitarian Bowl for missing curfew.

closing/recovery

Has a burst to close, but too often gives up easy receptions when he goes after the man rather than the ball. Loses too many isolation battles and doesn't time his leap well. Has zero interceptions in 22 career starts.

read & react

Still developing in this area. Willing to peek into the backfield and can get beat when he does so. Good agility and straight-line speed to close on the ball. Good effort downfield in pursuit. Takes good angles to the ball and doesn't give up on the play.

Despite not playing football his junior season, this talented two-way player helped lead West High to a Section title

a versatile athlete who led the squad with 43 receptions for 901 yards and eight touchdowns, fourth-most yards in Kern County

averaged 21 yards per reception

had two carries for 53 yards and a 38-yard touchdown

on defense, he had 52 total tackles, six interceptions with 170 return yards, blocked two punts and six field goals

had one blocked punt and two blocked field goals against South High

led West to a 12-1 record and section championship win over Tulare Union

select first-team all-area as a defensive back.

Born April 4, 1988 in Bakersfield, Calif.

parents' names are Tahlia and Anthony Jefferson

prefers to go by the name A.J.

enjoys playing video games and sleeping

admires his grandfather because he inspires him to do what is best.