Tyler Jefferson is one of the best players from the Fort White, FL area in the Class of 2023.
The 6-foot-1, 185-pound Jefferson, who attends Fort White Middle School, is a dynamic player that works on both sides of the ball as a quarterback and defensive back.
Jefferson plays for the Santa Fe Raiders, who won a state championship in 2016.
Smith is humbled to be a part of the team.
“It felt great to be the best in our division in the state. It was a life changing experience,” Jefferson said. “I felt very proud to do my part in helping us win the championship.”
No matter the opponent, on each snap Jefferson is determined to give it his all.
Jefferson is going all out.
The motor is always at full throttle whenever Jefferson steps between the lines.
“My mindset is to be the best Tyler Jefferson I can be to help my team put the best product on the field when the lights come on,” Jefferson said. “I want to make the opponent have to work for everything they get.”
Jefferson has great passion and energy whenever he’s on the gridiron. Jefferson tells why he enjoys the game of football so much.
“I love the contact And rush that goes through my body when I put on my helmet and shoulder pads on game day,” Jefferson said. “I love the brotherhood I have with my teammates that are like family to me.”
Jefferson has learned many valuable lessons from playing football that he applies to his everyday life.
The main one is applying perspective to all situations.
“Football has taught me so much about life in general,” Jefferson said. “Football has taught me to never take anything for granted. Always give all you have and you can accomplish anything.”
Jefferson recalls his favorite football memory.
“My first varsity touchdown this past season as an eighth grader, because it showed me that hard work pays off when you work hard and put your mind to it,” Jefferson said. “That was a special moment that I’ll never forget.”
Allan Thomas coached Jefferson for the AUG Central Florida All-Star team.
Thomas explains the best parts of Jefferson’s game.
“At QB the guy has a downright canon attached to his shoulder. Then has the athleticism to pull it down and take off if he’s under pressure,” Thomas said. “At safety it’s easy for him to read route combinations due to his QB vision and covers ground pretty well.”
Jefferson takes his role as one of the leaders on the team very seriously. Jefferson makes sure he’s a daily positive influence on his peers.
“I demonstrate being a good teammate by listening to my coach and being an extension of him on the field and in the huddle,” Jefferson said. “I tell my teammates to stay focused, stay humble, but always stay hungry.”
Thomas adds that Jefferson is one of those consummate teammates that every squad needs to be successful.
“Tyler’s the type of kid that leads by example. His work ethic is impeccable and you can tell he makes others around him want to be better,” Jefferson said. “It’s almost like having an additional coach on the field at all times.”
Jefferson is appreciative of having amazing male role models that are supportive.
“I’ve learned so much from my coaches on and off the field,” Jefferson said. “Be a student of the game and absorb all the information you can. Retain it, and share it as much as possible. Preparation meets opportunity, stay prepared and ready at all times.”
Thomas is an advocate of Jefferson’s capabilities.
“In the championship he evaded three would be sacks and broke a 68-yard TD scramble,” Thomas said. “We wouldn’t have won the championship without his contributions.”
In addition to making clutch plays, Jefferson also has a high level of football IQ as well.
Jefferson has excellent football awareness that puts him in position to thrive.
“He always makes the right decision. Whether to make time to get his receivers open or taking off to get the first down,” Thomas said. “He’s a very smart player that studies to improve himself.”
Jefferson is on the grind to perfect and hone his craft in any way possible.
“He is currently training with the varsity team in the eighth grade,” Thomas said. “He also is enrolled in several All-star games and upcoming camps.”
Thomas explains why he compares Jefferson to this player.
“He reminds me of Michael Vick,” Thomas said. “Strong arm, elusive and a lefty.”
Jefferson patterns his mentality after this standout.
“Tua Tagovailoa because a lefty like me, and he's also a dual threat quarterback like me,” Jefferson said. “Also for his character and the way he carries himself.”
Jefferson is constantly striving for greatness in everything that he does.
“On the field, I want to get at least 10 rushing and 10 passing touchdowns. Pass for over 1,000 yards and rush for over 1,000 yards,” Jefferson said. “Off the field, I want to be the best student that I can.”
Jefferson has his sights set on becoming a Florida Gator.
“I want to attend the University of Florida because their new system complements all of my talents with run, pass, and option and they have a great architecture program, which is my major,” Jefferson said.
Jefferson lists World History as his favorite subject in school.
“I like learning about other countries and their cultures,” Jefferson said. “It’s interesting to discover about different places.”
Thomas outlines the areas of improvement that will take Jefferson to the next level.
“His accuracy needs some work but he should be working on it heavily through the 7-on-7 season,” Thomas said. “He has tremendous upside and he’s still young. So he has time to develop in that aspect.”
Thomas believes the sky is the limit as long as Jefferson continues to stay hungry.
“His potential is endless. He’ll definitely pass the eye test when on the camp circuit and his arm should open a couple eyes,” Thomas said. “He’ll be a 3-4 year starter and have a lot of game time to develop even further. I believe in four years he’ll definitely be signing D-1.”
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