Van Jefferson


Vanchii Lashawn "Van" Jefferson Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League. He played college football at Ole Miss and Florida and was drafted by the Rams in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Early life and high school

Born in Jacksonville, FL Jefferson grew up in Brentwood, Tennessee and attended Ravenwood High School. As a junior, he caught 87 passes for 1,251 yards and 14 touchdowns. He was named first team All-State after recording 67 receptions for 1,223 yards and 13 touchdowns and initially committed to play college football at Georgia. Jefferson de-committed from Georgia in January of his senior year and ultimately signed to play at Ole Miss.

College career

Jefferson redshirted his true freshman season. He had 49 catches for 543 yards and three touchdowns as a redshirt freshman. Jefferson finished his redshirt sophomore season with 42 receptions for 456 yards and one touchdown. Following the end of the season Jefferson announced his intent to transfer from Ole Miss after the program was sanctioned by the NCAA, ultimately choosing to continue his collegiate career at Florida.
Jefferson was granted immediate eligibility to play for Florida after transferring after receiving waivers from the NCAA and the Southeastern Conference. In his first season with the Gators he led the team with 35 receptions, 503 receiving yards, and six touchdown receptions. As a senior, He caught 49 passes for 657 yards and six touchdowns. He caught six passes for 129 yards against Virginia in the 2019 Orange Bowl, his final career game. Jefferson finished his collegiate career with 175 receptions for 2,159 yards and 16 touchdowns in 45 games played.

Professional career

Jefferson was selected by the Los Angeles Rams with the 57th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. The Rams previously traded wide receiver Brandin Cooks to the Houston Texans to acquire the pick.

Personal life

Jefferson is the son of NFL coach and former wide receiver Shawn Jefferson. He has a daughter with an old high school girlfriend.