CeCe Jefferson led the Gators with 4.5 sacks in 2017. (Photo: Kelly Streeter/UAA Communications)
Jefferson Eyes Big Senior Season
Wednesday, January 3, 2018 | Football, Scott Carter
Florida defensive lineman CeCe Jefferson revealed his plans for next season with a tweet on Wednesday night.
Jefferson announced his plans via Twitter.
Senior Year about to be one to remember! Road To Atlanta! Go Gators!
— CeCe (@cecejeferson7) January 4, 2018
Jefferson enjoyed the best season of his UF career in 2017, finishing fourth on the team with 47 tackles. He led the Gators with 13.5 tackles for loss and recorded a team-high 4.5 sacks.
The 6-foot-1, 242-pound Jefferson had until Jan. 15 to declare for the NFL Draft. While Jefferson is a difficult player to project in the NFL due to his lack of size as a defensive lineman, another year of seasoning might improve his stock if he can put up big numbers.
The hiring Wednesday of veteran NFL and college coach Sal Sunseri, who was the defensive line coach of the Carolina Panthers from 2002-08 and coached defensive ends at Florida State in 2013-14, perhaps impacted Jefferson's decision.
Sunseri spent the last three years as linebackers coach for the Oakland Raiders and undoubtedly can help Jefferson in his development. Regardless, Jefferson's decision to return for his senior season is good news for a Florida team that is coming off a 4-7 season.
Kicker Eddy Pineiro, defensive tackle Taven Bryan and receiver Antonio Callaway are the UF underclassmen who have declared for the draft.
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