Speed is generally an attribute athletes develop and improve upon over time.

For LSU freshman Jeryl Brazil, the speed seemingly came at birth, and now he’s using the gift as an extra element for the Tigers to tinker with over the coming weeks.

The 5-foot-10, 189-pound Brazil, who was clocked at 4.3 seconds on his 40-yard dash time, has been getting his share of reps at a number of positions on offense, defense and special teams since fall practices began.

Brazil has gotten extensive work at corner back, running back and return specialist, leaving the options open for LSU coach Les Miles.

But the young athlete has one position that he favors most.

“[Running back] is more of a natural position for me,” Brazil said. “I grew up playing offense, and I just switched to defense in high school. Playing on offense just works better with my speed.”

Many have speculated how the freshman fits into the picture in the Tigers’ deep backfield, noting that his quickness and catching ability could make him an intriguing option later on in his career.

When he looks back on his career in Baton Rouge, though, Brazil wants to be compared to a former versatile Tiger.

“I want to be a Chad Jones kind of guy who is a threat on offense and defense,” Brazil said. “I don’t want to be a primary player at any one position. I want to be a different kind of player.”

Brazil’s speed has always been a weapon he’s used to stifle opponents, dating back to his childhood days on the peewee fields.

In fact, a young Brazil could be found on almost any playing surface, ranging from the basketball court to the running track to the baseball diamond. 

“He was very competitive, even at such a young age,” said Pamela Brazil, Jeryl’s mother. “I knew whatever sport he chose, he would excel. Football is his favorite, though.”

Pamela said she noticed her son’s speed was unnatural when Jeryl was roughly eight or nine years old, as he could always be found darting past the opposition.

It didn’t take long for those watching to notice Brazil was slightly ahead of the curve.

“Just sitting and watching him play was exhilarating to me,” Pamela said. “A friend of mine said Jeryl ran so fast over the [baseball] base paths that he didn’t even touch the bases. He just zipped through.”

Brazil brought that speed with him to Loranger High School, where he excelled at receiver, running back, defensive back, kick returner and quarterback over four seasons.

He was also talented on the track, breaking the Louisiana state record in the 55-meter dash as a    junior.

His legs eventually garnered attention from the coaching staff in Baton Rouge, as his swiftness should prove to be right on par with other Southeastern Conference athletes.

Brazil says the speed of the game at LSU shouldn’t affect his play too much.

“It’s a little different, but it’s not too drastic,” he said. “Defensive players here move at a great rate of speed together, so it’s kind of a scary thought when all of them are coming at you. But if I see them coming, I’m just going to run as fast as possible.”

“He was very competitive, even at such a young age. I knew whatever sport he chose, he would excel. Football is his favorite though.”