- BEST IN STATE -

Sack machine from Lenoir-Rhyne earns Division II Best In State defensive MVP

Andre Jefferson had 5.5 sacks on one game a year ago

Eric Lusk

Published

August 29, 2023

Lenoir-Rhyne's Andre Jefferson (32) chases Tusculum's Tre Simmons (2) out of the pocket during Saturday afternoons game at Moretz Stadium in Hickory. Ernie Masche/Record

It’s a notable stat line for a defensive lineman to record 5.5 sacks in a season.

Lenoir-Rhyne football’s Andre Jefferson did it in one game last year.

The 6-2, 275 junior from Calumet, Illinois, was the obvious pick for South Atlantic Conference player of the week honors after running down Tusculum quarterbacks for 5.5 sacks in the regular season finale

Jefferson is our pick now for Best In State preseason defensive MVP honors for Division II. Jefferson had a monster 2022, and expectations are high for him and the Bears in ’23.

The American Football Coaches Association named Jefferson to its second-team All-American list last season. Jefferson also made the All-Super Region Two and All-South Atlantic Conference teams following a 13-sack season. He finished with 53 tackles and 15 tackles for loss.

“A bowling ball of size and speed at 6-foot-2 and roughly 300 pounds, Jefferson is a record-setting defensive lineman who not only eats space in the middle, but absolutely can terrorize quarterbacks and offensive lines with his pass rushing ability,” wrote Ron Balaskovitz in a FloFootball.com story on the top players to watch in the SAC.

“As if his work on defense wasn’t impressive enough, Jefferson put fear in the hearts of opposing kickers last season by batting down three kicks. With Jefferson anchoring the middle of the defense, the Bears have their eyes on a league title … while Jefferson himself is on nearly every early-season award watch list there is as he prepares to close his already storied career for Lenoir-Rhyne.”

Lenoir-Rhyne starts the season ranked in the top 25 in the two major Division II polls. The Bears’ first game comes Saturday when Shaw visits. The contest kicks off at 6 p.m. at Helen & Leonard Moretz Stadium.

—> MORE: Did Lenoir-Rhyne make our Fabulous 14 preseason rankings?

—> MORE: Where do the Bears rank in our Best In State Division II power poll?

—> MORE: Barton’s Jordan Terrell named Division II Best In State offensive MVP