Former Destrehan High School and LSU star Rickey Jefferson has his chance to make an impact on the NFL level. Jefferson signed a free agent deal with the Oakland Raiders following this year’s NFL Draft, bringing a potentially happy ending to a trying senior season at LSU.
He entered the season as a starting safety for the Tigers, but injured his leg in the middle of the season. That limited the St. Rose native to five games played, and Jefferson ultimately went undrafted in April.
At LSU’s Pro Day, he was back to form, running a 4.58 40-yard dash, a 35.5 vertical leap, 10 foot broad jump and a 6.96 3-cone drill. He measured at 5’10 ¾ and weighed 208 pounds.
Jefferson converted from cornerback to safety after his freshman season. He was on his way to a career high in tackles after registering 23 in five games, also notching an interception. As a junior, he made 36 tackles in 10 games.
He was a do-it-all playmaker at Destrehan, playing wide receiver and defensive back in addition to making his mark as one of the state’s most dynamic returnmen. He was a consensus four-star recruit. Jefferson is the younger brother of former Destrehan and LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson, who has coached on DHS coach Stephen Robicheaux’s staff in each of the past two years, and older brother of Justin Jefferson, who shined at Destrehan at wide receiver as a senior in 2016.
“He was a special player for us and a truly great athlete,” said Destrehan coach Stephen Robicheaux. “No doubt about it. Obviously, for them to take a chance on him coming off of that injury, they see something they like. He’s just a great player who can play anywhere.”
Robicheaux said Jefferson’s versatility was likely attractive to Oakland, after moving from a primary offensive player to defense at the college level.
“I think that’s part of his appeal,” Robicheaux said. “Once you zero into the place he needs to be to best help you, I think he adapts and does a great job.”
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