Jefferson brings skill, intimidation to D-line

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This article was published 24/05/2019 (2327 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Winnipeg defensive line and linebackers coach Glen Young already had a keen appreciation for the skill set of the club’s prize off-season free-agent catch, Willie Jefferson.

But after six days of training camp, Jefferson, a 6-7, 248-pound defensive end, appears to be trumping expectations placed on him when the Blue Bombers signed the two-time CFL all-star to a one-year deal in February.

“He’s dynamic, he’s as smooth a guy as I’ve ever seen coming off an edge,” Young said Friday afternoon.

“I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a guy with his length with that kind of ability. I gave him a compliment the other day, because we were doing one-on-ones and he did something and I just said, ‘Man, I don’t know how someone as long as you are has that kind of arm quickness, hand quickness.’

“Usually, when you’re longer-armed or longer-limbed, you lumber a little bit, you’re a little bit slower. He has the ability with his hands to be as quick as a cat and I think that’s why he’s so good.

“He’s almost impossible to block, in my opinion.”

Combining Jefferson, who had 10 sacks and two pick-sixes in 2018 with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, and third-year defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat, who had five sacks in 12 regular-season games, should be a frightening prospect for rival offensive co-ordinators.

Jefferson, who began his college career as a wide receiver, could also be prominent figure when it comes to dropping back into pass coverage.

“We try to utilize whatever their strengths are,” defensive co-ordinator Richie Hall said.

“Just like we move (linebacker Adam Bighill) around and do a lot of different things, that’s something we want to do with Jefferson. Because first, he attracts a lot of attention just because of what he naturally does in that rush capacity. But he’s also athletic, we can drop him and cover him, just do a lot of things that makes us more flexible and (gives us a) better defence.”

Young, meanwhile, likes where the entire unit is heading.

“It just raises the level,” said Young, who is beginning his fourth year with the Blue Bombers. “We’ve been progressing since I’ve been here in a positive manner. It’s been a gradual gain over time, but I think anything that’s good in the end takes a little bit of time to get there.

“I think if you get a little bit better every year (and) you add the right pieces as you move forward, all those things add up to getting what you need on the field to dominate. And I think that’s what we’re looking to try to accomplish, just be a dominant force up front.”

HE SAID IT: Young spent 11 years as a linebacker in the NFL and CFL, and the loquacious 50-year-old Scarborough, Ont., product believes his coaching style mirrors his style as a player.

“That’s how I am as a coach,” Young said. “I’ve still got the player in me. That’s who I was as a player. My nickname was ‘Merciless’ as a player, because I was just unrelenting with people. I’ve sort of carried that over into my coaching career.

“It’s no holds barred. I’m going to say what’s on my mind, and you’re going to know what’s on my mind. Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s bad. But I think that’s what gets the respect. I need to do the job I need to do.

“I always tell them, ‘I’m not here to make friends, guys. If you respect me, my job is well accomplished.”’

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ON TAP: Today’s training-camp session runs from 8:30 a.m. to 10:55 a.m. at IGF. Sunday’s practice is slated to run from 1:30 to 3:45 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend.

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