Make it three for the Jefferson family at LSU.Destrehan alumnus Justin Jefferson signed on to join the Tigers football roster this week, the former Wildcats wide receiver following a family tradition set by brothers Jordan and Rickey Jefferson before him.
A 6’3, 180 lbs. deep threat, Jefferson became Destrehan’s go-to receiver for much of 2016, establishing himself after returning lead receiver Mike Young—a Notre Dame signee—was sidelined early in the season with an injury.
The Jefferson brothers have already accomplished plenty in their respective athletic careers and now each will go down as an alumnus of both Destrehan and LSU.
Jordan was the starting quarterback of arguably the greatest team in Destrehan High School history, the 2007 Wildcats, who went undefeated en route to the Class 5A state championship, routing all five of their playoff foes along the way. He went on to win the starting quarterback job at LSU, most famously leading the Tigers to a 9-6 win over rival Alabama in what was called “The Game of the Century” between the nation’s first and second ranked teams. He also led the Tigers to an appearance in that year’s National Championship Game.
Rickey, meanwhile, was a do-it-all weapon for Destrehan, cementing himself as one of the state’s most dangerous receivers, kick returners and defensive backs. The latter position is what LSU recruited him to do, and he started as a cornerback for a secondary that’s helped earn LSU the nickname “Defensive Back University.”
Now Justin will attempt to make his own name in Tiger lore after recording 1,250 yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior at Destrehan.
Destrehan head coach Stephen Robicheaux said this is something his now former Wildcats star has wanted for a long time.
“I’m very excited for him. This is always where Justin wanted to go,” Robicheaux said. “They wanted him and that’s where he wants to be, for sure. He grew up at LSU, with both his brothers playing there. I talked to him after I heard the news and he’s elated.
“It’s so special … a dream for him to follow his brothers there. I’m real happy for him. Another kid gets his education paid for and earns the opportunity to play college football.”
Jefferson emerged when Destrehan needed him to this year.
“I definitely think, with Mike’s injury, Jefferson became our go-to guy,” Robicheaux said. “When we needed a big play, we kind of isolated him on the back side. When he commanded one-on-one coverage, it’s hard. He’s 6’4, with a lot of speed. Man to man, he’s a real tough cover. He’s got big, soft hands and he did a tremendous job catching the football. He made a lot of plays for us all year long.”
“They’re excited to get him there. He’s a guy who fits the mold and now has the chance to play for Coach O (Ed Orgeron) at LSU.”
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