Interview: 2018 JUCO OLB Braylon Jefferson Earning Sack Master Reputation

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

A lot of junior college football players will tell you how good they are – with Braylon Jefferson, he will show you. Cisco is just four games into their 2017 season but that is all Jefferson has needed to prove he is one of the best at the junior college level at his position.

Jefferson cut his teeth at the high school level playing for Eisenhower in the Houston area. Like a lot of junior college players, he was always one of the best if not the best player on the field under the high school lights. He carried that momentum, confidence, and quiet swagger to Cisco. Playing behind Texas A&M signee Michael Clemons, Jefferson got starter’s minutes during his freshman season as an outside linebacker with a nine-game stat line of 55 tackles, 11.5 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, one fumble recovery, one pass broken up.

The Wranglers were challenged in the win-loss column last year but are off to a much better start posting a 2-2 record under new leadership on the sidelines. Jefferson (6-1, 235) is making the best of his sophomore season taking no prisoners with the snap of the ball putting an end to 17 plays with 12.5 tackles for a loss, and 9.5 sacks. The 9.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for a loss leads all NJCAA defenders.

Ahead of a big game against Tyler, I sat down with Jefferson covering the early part of the 2017 season to get the inside scoop on one of the breakout sophomore stars in the NJCAA.

Interview

Braylon, how has the season stated out for the Wranglers on the field?

“We came out strong, very strong. We are facing some adversity right now. In the games we have come up short, we have beaten ourselves.”

How about for you, how has the season played out on the field for you?

“The season for me, it is going good but there is always room for improvement.”

You are getting into the backfield like you called the offensive play. What are you doing so well this year allowing you to disrupt plays behind the line of scrimmage?

(Laughs) “Honestly, my DBs and linebackers are locking up guys allowing me time to get back there. If they are doing their job, I have to do mine. All credit goes to them.”

How has your knowledge of the game helped your productivity?

“Recognizing down and distance, and understanding what the offensive linemen are doing has helped me a lot. I am able to dig into my skills knowing what is coming on each play.”

How else has your game come along this year from a technical standpoint?

“My run stop is better. I am filling my gap on running downs. I’m coming off the ball fast and my hand placement is putting me in the right position to make the play.”

The Wranglers get Tyler on Saturday, what challenges does their offense bring to the field for you guys?

“Tyler is a run-heavy team. They resemble us some. The defense has to commit to stop the run, then everything else will come second-hand.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?

“Kentucky has DM-ed me, UCF (Central Florida) has DM-ed me, and Texas State, I believe they are talking to my coaches.”

What are you looking for in that ideal school?

“I want a place that is home. I want a place to put me in the best position to succeed on the field and in the classroom.”

Braylon, thanks for your time today and good luck on Saturday against Tyler.

“Thank you.”

Please help keep RecruitingNewsGuru.com a national site aiding in bringing exposure to amazing student-athletes!

If RNG has helped you, a friend, or a family member through an article, video, or stylized interview with our countless hours of free promotion for high school, junior college, and college athletes – please donate. Any amount is appreciated!

Photo credits: Jefferson family; No. 11 Braylon Jefferson