Tony Jefferson

Jefferson was a four-star LB/RB recruit out of high school in California and originally committed to UCLA, but changed his mind and chose the Sooners, along with his good friend Kenny Stills. He worked his way into the starting lineup as a true freshman in 2010 and started nine games as a fifth defensive back, recording 65 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks and a pair of interceptions. Jefferson started 12 games as a sophomore in 2011, finishing with 74 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and a team-best four interceptions, earning All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors. He elevated his game to first-team All-Big 12 credentials by leading the Sooners with 119 tackles, 3.5 for loss, two interceptions and three passes defensed in 2012. Jefferson isn't considered an elite prospect for the next level, but has top 50 potential because of his natural awareness, defensive motor and football IQ. He didn't disclosed what grade he was given by the NFL advisory committee, but said, "it was cool."

strengths

Versatile performer and isn't restricted to a specific position, showing the defensive instincts to line up in the box or drop in coverage in both man and zone looks. Doesn't shy from contact and enjoys blitzing and making plays in the backfield (22 tackles for loss in his three-year career). He has loose hips and a balanced center of gravity to quickly change directions and close in a flash on the play. Reliable tackler who plays with good awareness. Extensive experience with 33 starts for the Sooners.

compares to

Abram Elam, FS, Kansas City Chiefs

weaknesses

Lacks ideal bulk and strength for the position and needs to clean up his tackling technique. Has a tendency to duck his head, too often leading with his shoulder (or worse, with his crown), with ballcarriers occasionally bouncing off to gain extra yardage. Comes in a bit out of control, lunging at ballcarriers and giving quicker opponents opportunities at cut-back lanes.

A four-star recruit by ESPN, Rivals.com and Scout.com

selected to participate in the U.S. Army All-American game

finished with 88 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, four sacks, two fumbles caused and two fumbles recovered in 2008

had 1,328 yards rushing for 28 touchdowns in 2008

in 2007, recorded 77 tackles and three interceptions

named first team all-state as a sophomore

all-CIF, all-league and Defensive Player of the Year.

Son of Tony and Adria Jefferson

father was an Olympic boxer

multidisciplinary studies major.