The 2011 LSU football hype is beginning to warm up as senior quarterback Jordan Jefferson received national publicity last week, visiting the ESPN campus to take part in interviews on a number of programs.
Following completion of what head coach Les Miles believes to be the strongest spring camp yet, Jefferson spent a day at the ESPN headquarters in Bristol, Conn., making appearances on ESPN First Take, College Football Live and The Scott Van Pelt Show.
The quarterback discussed topics including the season opener against Oregon, new offensive coordinator Steve Kragthorpe and his personal growth as a quarterback and a leader.
With spring practice reports describing a more mature and polished quarterback, Jefferson tackled questions regarding his poise in the wake of a season in which he accounted for only four passing touchdowns.
“I’m focused on being a leader for my team. The team needs me to come through at times when it’s the most critical,” Jefferson emphasized in his College Football Live interview.
Jefferson cited preseason recognition as a motivating factor for the team’s solid spring, noting that being ranked among the best teams in the country going into the season created elevated enthusiasm.
“Being in that category really brings a high intensity to our football team,” the 20-year-old quarterback said.
The season opener against Oregon at Cowboys Stadium proved to be a topic of interest throughout the day. The quarterback reflected on his play in the 2011 Cotton Bowl against Texas A&M at the same venue as valuable experience coming into the highly-anticipated matchup.
“Playing in that bowl game really helped me feel comfortable because now I feel like that’s my sanctuary,” Jefferson said.
Jefferson remarked that the game was “basically like a championship game for us,” acknowledging the building excitement of players and fans.
Like many LSU fans, a number of ESPN pundits were interested in the effect Kragthorpe will have on an LSU offensive line ranked 86th nationally in 2010.
Characterizing Kragthorpe as an “aggressive” coach, Jefferson said the offensive coordinator trimmed down the playbook in an effort to create a streamlined offense.
“It simplifies all of what we need to know,” Jefferson commented in his interview. “We’re going to take these few plays, and we’re going to master these plays.”
Jefferson made reference to the pressure surrounding the upcoming season but feels ready to be a take command in the midst of high expectations.
“I have a chance to lead a national championship team,” Jefferson said.
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Contact Michael Harb at [email protected]