Two years ago, Fresno State once had this dynamic, game-changing, All-American kick returner.
But ever since A.J. Jefferson got suspended a couple of nights before Fresno State played Georgia Tech in the Humanitarian Bowl to conclude the 2007 season, he hardly has been the same explosive returner.
In 2007, Jefferson led the nation with an average of 35.8 yards a kick return. He had a long of 98 yards and two touchdowns.
But then his production began to drop and credit opposing teams for game planning not to give Jefferson free reigns to run much back. Jefferson's averaged dropped to 29.3 yards on 31 attempts in 2008. He had one touchdown, that on a 92-yard return. Toward the end of the season, Jefferson had suffered a few injuries and was limited playing both cornerback and kick returner (receiver Devon Wylie ended up taking over as the primary kick returner).
It was clear that the game-changing, spirit-lifting plays that Jefferson had previously brought were no more.
Deemed healthy to start this season, Jefferson returned as the primary kick returner. But he's hardly been effective.
On 19 returns, Jefferson is averaging a mere 22 yards. He has no touchdowns and his long is for 36 yards. And worse yet, he had a costly fumble last week in Fresno State's 31-27 win against Utah State.
What happened to the old A.J.?
Opposing teams obviously became aware of not giving Jefferson line-drive kicks to return. They also became aware that they needed to cut off his ability to run on the perimeter and instead make him work in the middle of the field and in traffic.
Fresno State always has prided itself on special teams, whether it be kick return, punt return, blocking kicks, making kicks, or return coverage.
But the Bulldogs have been slow to correct their kick return game this season.
Do they need a new kick returner? Do they need new schemes that'll allow Jefferson to excel once again?
Coach Pat Hill said Monday that the Bulldogs didn't have any plans to change kick returners, and perhaps that's the best move.
Jefferson is the most experienced. He is a senior and should have a chance to redeem himself. Kick returning isn't costing Fresno State games.
In fact, you might say it's helped running back Ryan Mathews in his quest to gain more yards for the nation's rushing title.
Guess, it just would be nice to see Jefferson do what he once did so well, which was make every kick return he touched seem special and exciting.
If you get away from stats and realy watch the game, he is one of the lifesavers on that awful defense. He has made several tackles downfield that have saved touchdowns. In my opinion, he has made a terrible run defense look less bad. NMSU broke for that long run at the beginning of the game and he was able to make the RB slow down and eventually forced him out of bounds. He's one of the few players on defense that will run down defenders on a bad to mediocre defense.
Watch his plays and hustle on defense in the Cincinnati game.
Watch his play and hustle in the Boise game.
He's one of the few defenders to play with heart and till the refs blow the whistle.
Fresno States's three losses can be attributed to the mental instability of the defense. They have bad situational awareness.
I think AJ just needs a breakout game, maybe a fake handoff on a kickoff, or change his normal running lanes and use is terriffic speed. I'm also surprised and confued as to why AJ has had a mediocre year. Maybe this week he will break out with a few 49 or 69 yarders. Jeff from MBay.
It's apparent that some sports writers are not watching the games. For a writer to wonder what happened to a players ability when everybody they play makes sure to keep him from touching the ball is ludicrous. DID you miss the last three games when obvious touchdowns have been caught from behind and in most cases the opponent had to settle for a field goal. Instead of pointing out two years ago, try to come up with something that you know about. My question is how many kickoffs have you Bryant Antedo retuned for scores. AJ's heart and determination are without question. GO DAWGS pay no attetion to the people taking stupid pills.
Exactly, Brenda. He's saved a couple of scores this year with his hustle.
Quit watching ESPN and watch the actual game.