As a true freshman, Jefferson wasted little time showing what he was capable of from his linebacker position. He finished second on the team with 61 tackles in 11 games with 7 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 6 quarterback hurries, 3 pass breakups, and a fumble recovery that he returned for a touchdown in the second game of the season against Rice. He was a starter from his first day on campus and only continued to grow his game as the season wore on.
Beyond his on-field play, Jefferson showed a tremendous amount of leadership, particularly for a player in his first year on campus.