Lincoln Jefferson was a five-star recruit coming out of high school and one of the most highly recruited WRs of his class. His combination of size and speed made him a commodity that all the top college programs wanted. After a lengthy recruitment process, Jefferson chose Alabama as his college destination during the Under Armour All American Game (10 catches / 172 yards / 2 TDs).
However, before ever donning the Crimson, Jefferson was kicked off the team for an unspecified rules violation. While neither the team nor Jefferson have ever officially commented on what the rules violation was, it appears related to an alleged Snapchat story that was posted on Jefferson’s account. The story featured a man, who looked similar to Jefferson, allegedly utilizing drug paraphernalia.
The reach of Nick Saban is far and wide, and the once coveted prospect was now almost untouchable. Jefferson was able to find a school that would allow him to play year 1 though. Division III school, Rowan University, near Jefferson’s hometown, was willing to give him a change. Jefferson suited up as a freshman and simply outclassed the competition. Jefferson’s biggest game was the last game of the 2014 season versus Johns Hopkins. Rowan would lose the game, but no fault of Jefferson who recorded 22 catches, 315 yards, and 4 touchdowns. Jefferson would end the season breaking Scott Pingel’s D-III single season receptions, yards, and touchdowns records.
Jefferson, Lincoln WR Rowan 11 games, 147 catches, 2252 yards, 29 touchdowns.
The most important aspect of Jefferson’s time at Rowan though was that he seemingly stayed out of trouble. After his freshman year, Syracuse head coach Scott Shafer took interest in giving Jefferson a shot at the D-I level. Syracuse was coming off a 3-9 season and needed an injection of talent. As it was Jefferson’s only offer to get back to a D-I program, he accepted the offer.
Jefferson’s sophomore year at Syracuse was a quiet one. Despite his talent being evident, he was unable to string together any success with the inconsistent quarterback play. Jefferson ended the season with just 35 catches for 101 yards and 2 touchdowns. The season for Syracuse ended with coach Scott Shafer being fired. In what would turn out to be a blessing for Jefferson, Syracuse hired former Bowling Green head coach and passing game expert Dino Babers.
Jefferson, Lincoln WR Syracuse 12 games, 35 catches, 101 yards, 2 touchdowns.
Jefferson’s junior year was the year where it all finally came together for him. Coach Babers was able to bring out the best in Jefferson. Jefferson became the top target on one of the most pass-heavy offenses. While his route tree was limited, no other player in college had the same jump-ball ability as Jefferson. Jefferson was the highlight of the season for Syracuse. Jefferson became recognized as one of the best WRs in the country and was named as a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award.
Jefferson, Lincoln WR Syracuse 12 games, 142 catches, 1941 yards, 15 touchdowns
After finally being able to show his potential, Jefferson has declared for the NSFL Draft. Where he will be drafted remains a mystery. Many believe the Alabama incident led to him being snubbed from the Combine and the All-American game. Sources say that some NSFL GMs have removed Jefferson from their board entirely, but it only takes 1 GM to give this gifted athlete a chance at redemption.
However, before ever donning the Crimson, Jefferson was kicked off the team for an unspecified rules violation. While neither the team nor Jefferson have ever officially commented on what the rules violation was, it appears related to an alleged Snapchat story that was posted on Jefferson’s account. The story featured a man, who looked similar to Jefferson, allegedly utilizing drug paraphernalia.
The reach of Nick Saban is far and wide, and the once coveted prospect was now almost untouchable. Jefferson was able to find a school that would allow him to play year 1 though. Division III school, Rowan University, near Jefferson’s hometown, was willing to give him a change. Jefferson suited up as a freshman and simply outclassed the competition. Jefferson’s biggest game was the last game of the 2014 season versus Johns Hopkins. Rowan would lose the game, but no fault of Jefferson who recorded 22 catches, 315 yards, and 4 touchdowns. Jefferson would end the season breaking Scott Pingel’s D-III single season receptions, yards, and touchdowns records.
Jefferson, Lincoln WR Rowan 11 games, 147 catches, 2252 yards, 29 touchdowns.
The most important aspect of Jefferson’s time at Rowan though was that he seemingly stayed out of trouble. After his freshman year, Syracuse head coach Scott Shafer took interest in giving Jefferson a shot at the D-I level. Syracuse was coming off a 3-9 season and needed an injection of talent. As it was Jefferson’s only offer to get back to a D-I program, he accepted the offer.
Jefferson’s sophomore year at Syracuse was a quiet one. Despite his talent being evident, he was unable to string together any success with the inconsistent quarterback play. Jefferson ended the season with just 35 catches for 101 yards and 2 touchdowns. The season for Syracuse ended with coach Scott Shafer being fired. In what would turn out to be a blessing for Jefferson, Syracuse hired former Bowling Green head coach and passing game expert Dino Babers.
Jefferson, Lincoln WR Syracuse 12 games, 35 catches, 101 yards, 2 touchdowns.
Jefferson’s junior year was the year where it all finally came together for him. Coach Babers was able to bring out the best in Jefferson. Jefferson became the top target on one of the most pass-heavy offenses. While his route tree was limited, no other player in college had the same jump-ball ability as Jefferson. Jefferson was the highlight of the season for Syracuse. Jefferson became recognized as one of the best WRs in the country and was named as a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award.
Jefferson, Lincoln WR Syracuse 12 games, 142 catches, 1941 yards, 15 touchdowns
After finally being able to show his potential, Jefferson has declared for the NSFL Draft. Where he will be drafted remains a mystery. Many believe the Alabama incident led to him being snubbed from the Combine and the All-American game. Sources say that some NSFL GMs have removed Jefferson from their board entirely, but it only takes 1 GM to give this gifted athlete a chance at redemption.
![[Image: BC5HKor.png]](https://i.imgur.com/BC5HKor.png)
