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Ole Miss Football: Van Jefferson is Rebels’ secret star

By Matthew Bartlett

OXFORD, MS - OCTOBER 29: Wide receiver Van Jefferson #12 of the Mississippi Rebels catches a pass as defensive back Tray Matthews #28 of the Auburn Tigers tackles him during the first half of an NCAA college football game on October 29, 2016 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images)
OXFORD, MS - OCTOBER 29: Wide receiver Van Jefferson #12 of the Mississippi Rebels catches a pass as defensive back Tray Matthews #28 of the Auburn Tigers tackles him during the first half of an NCAA college football game on October 29, 2016 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images) /
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Ole Miss football has a secret weapon. Van Jefferson will be the safety blanket for a young, learning quarterback and the Rebels’ offensive catalyst.

Van Jefferson quietly finished second among all Rebel pass catchers in receptions last season with 49. He was overshadowed by tight end Evan Engram and receiver Damore’ea Stringfellow.

Both players have moved on to the NFL. So has the third leading receiver Quincy Adeboyejo. That leaves Jefferson as the most experienced receiver for an offense that is going to throw the football a ton.

Between Chad Kelly and Shea Patterson (with a little bit of Jason Pellerin sprinkled in), the Rebels amassed more than 3,500 passing yards and 27 touchdowns last season. The three departing pass catches above were responsible for 2,098 of those yards and 15 touchdowns. Jefferson finished 2016 with 543 receiving yards and three touchdowns.

Jefferson’s growth is a by-product of opportunity, but he’s no slouch athletically. Jefferson was named to SEC Coaches All-SEC First Team last season. He finished second among SEC freshman in catches per game (4.1) and third in receiving yards per game (45.2). Jefferson will also see some duty as the Rebels’ punt returner giving him additional opportunities to impact the game with one big play.

The Ole Miss football program has gone through plenty of turmoil over the past few months. Interim coach Matt Luke will be charged with simply keeping the program afloat, but he’s also going to try to earn the head job for himself. He’s got nothing to lose.

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Expect him to let Patterson air it out. Jefferson is the prime candidate to chase down some of those deep balls. If he connects on two or three of those and ups his catch total from a year ago he’ll be in contention for ALL-SEC First Team nominations by the end of the season.

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