Interview: Speed Burning 2021 Arkansas All-State WR/SR Chris Jefferson is a Missed on Prized Recruit
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
As the Charging Wildcats romped through 7A Arkansas teams during the 2020 season, their senior receiver was taking control. Filling that do-everything role as a playmaker, Chris Jefferson was that relied upon talent converting passes into momentum changing plays and handoffs that kept the chains moving.
During the 12-2 season for North Little Rock High School, Jefferson (5-11, 170) secured 32 passes for 681 yards with three scores averaging 21.3 yards per reception. Out of the backfield he was able to showcase his 10.6 time in the 100-speed taking 18 carries 103 yards with another touchdowns. On special teams, he took seven kicks back for 158 yards and two punts for 35. When his senior season wrapped, Jefferson earned All-State honors as a receiver.
Despite being a difference maker who can take the top off the defense and leave defensive backs in his dust across the middle and out of the breaks, Jefferson is flying under the proverbial radar.
Interview
Chris, your speed was a difference maker on offense for the Charging Wildcats during your senior season. I have to start off with finding out just how fast you are?
In track, I ran the 100 in 10.6. I have not run an official 40 laser-timed. My 40 hand-timed is a 4.4.
We have the 100, what other events in track do you compete in?
The 100, 200, and 4×1. In the 4×1 during my sophomore year we won state. I was also third in the 100 with a 10.9 and third in the 200 with a 22.1 in state.
Impressive.
Thank you.
The offensive set was multifaceted giving defenses a lot to prepare for, which sets were you guys lining up in in 2020?
We ran a lot of doubles; I was a single receiver to the backside. We did a lot of trips and doubles. They’d assign me a direction and move me around for eye candy sometimes.
The coaches had you in the slot and in the backfield, in which ways were they feeding you the rock?
On jet sweeps, tosses, slants, releasing in the flats, and handoffs. I did some wheels out of the backfield, posts, a lot of out routes and corners.
How did your overall game improve as an offensive player during your senior year?
My game improved by better understanding the game. As I go along, I learn more about the game. Now I am converting that knowledge onto the field. Catching, my catching improved so much. My quarterback was giving me some really good balls and I was able to make plays. Knowing how to breakdown my defenders improved a lot too.
What do you feel are the strengths to your overall game?
I feel like I am a really tough runner getting yards after contact, and I can make plays when there is no hope. I can make something out of nothing. The extra effort is there always to get more yards.
Is there an aspect to your game that might get overlooked?
Yeah, my deep balls. I am really good at beating my defenders deep. This year I did not get to show it downfield that much.
Since the season ended, what have you been doing to improve your skillset and athleticism as a football player?
Running track, playing catch-running routes with my brother, and weight lifting.
For the college coaches who may not know you reading this, if they were to add you to their roster what kind of player would they be bringing into their football family?
Without a doubt a hard worker. That is one thing that was bred into me is to work hard. They would be getting a playmaker also.
Chris, congratulations on the great senior season. Wishing you the best of luck with your ongoing recruiting process.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Arkansas Democrat Gazette/Jefferson family; Chris Jefferson