Alshon Jeffery, Junior, Wide Receiver, South Carolina
Overview:
The South Carolina offense has not been known for their passing, but having Alshon Jeffery around has made life much easier for inconsistent quarterback Stephen Garcia. As a freshman during the 2009 campaign, Jeffery easily led the Gamecocks with 46 receptions for 763 yards and six touchdowns. With Garcia and Jeffery growing into their roles together, bigger things were expected in 2010.
Jeffery and Garcia did not disappoint. Jeffery ended the 2010 campaign catching 88 passes for 1,517 yards and nine touchdowns. On a team that still had some inconsistent play from their quarterback, those are very good numbers. However, the numbers will not matter and Jeffery will still be one of the best receivers headed to the NFL.
Final Projection:
What makes Jeffery special is his size and big play ability. At 6-3 and 234 pounds, Jeffery has the height and athletic ability to get up high and make some amazing grabs. He will not be the fastest wide receiver in this draft class, but he has more than enough speed. Usually Jeffery can use his size and strength to initially get past the opposition and from there he can out run most opposing corners. Even if he cannot, he can still make a catch over the top of a smaller defender.
1/16/12 Update:
Jeffery put up numbers one would expect on a team that has trouble passing the ball. He ended his junior campaign with 49 receptions for 762 yards and eight touchdowns. When quarterbacks Connor Shaw or Stephen Garcia did not know where to go with the ball, they could always just throw it up to Jeffery. He will be a stud at the NFL Combine and that will keep Jeffery right behind Justin Blackmon as the best wide receiver in this class.
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